Page 188 of Ice Darling
“As I was saying,” Brenda edges around me to stand between me and Mom. “Gordie might have called you, but…” She nods to my mother. “I called her.”
Chapter Sixty-Three
Two Hours Earlier…
Brenda: Sasha, I know you’re busy, but I need your help.
Brenda: Gordie has a party to attend and she has nothing to wear.
Brenda: Sasha?
Sasha: I’ve been summoned.
Brenda: ?
Sasha: I’ve always wanted to be a fairy godmother. When’s the party?
Brenda: At six.
Sasha: I’m on my way.
Chapter Sixty-Four
Cordelia
My first instinct when I see my mother is to plot my escape.
Running away is my default setting. It’s easy. It’s comfortable. It’s much better than sticking around when the pain in my heart starts.
My attention swings to the exits.
The door is right there. Wide open.
My bike gleams in the sunshine, inviting me to hop on and leave everything that hurts, abandon everything that reminds me of the pain.
“Delia!” a precious voice shouts with glee. Tiny footsteps pound down the stairs. “You’re here!”
Gordie sprints my way. She’s in the same outfit from the picture. The sight of those Hello Kitty leggings makes my heart melt.
Get out! What are you waiting for?my instincts scream.
But as I look at Gordie, I have a sudden revelation.
I want to be somewhere Gordie can always find me. Running is no longer an option. Not anymore.
“Hi, sweetheart.” I drop to my knees as Gordie collides into me. I teeter backward, but keep my center of gravity. Wrapping my arms around her, I rock her back and forth.
She smells like flowers and fresh wind—the fragrance of nature as I zip through the mountainous roads on my bike. Though it’s in a different way than her father, Gordie also makes me feel like I’m riding my Harley.
“I’m so excited you’re here,” Gordie squeaks, swinging my hands back and forth.
“Me too.”
Gordie notices Mom standing stiffly in the living room. “Hi, Ms. Sasha!”
“Hi, Gordie.” Mom’s smile is pained.
“Are you coming with us?”
