Page 129 of Resurrection
I glance at her, puzzled.
"Your father," she says, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"That’s different."
"No, it’s not."
"I don’t know why I’m even talking to you," I mutter. "You think everyone is nice."
"Because deep down, they are. They’ve simply lost their way. Just like Tyler did."
"For seventeen years?"
She nods.
"Why are you bringing him up again?"
"Because you haven’t been yourself ever since he came back."
"But you understand the reason, right?"
"I do, but you still have time to fix it."
"What if it’s just his nature? What if he can never fully commit?"
"Well, you won’t know until you try."
"What if I get hurt again?"
"Then you may miss out on something wonderful if you choose the safer option. It’s best not to have any regrets."
"That’s easy for you to say. You and Dad were soulmates."
"But it didn’t start out that way,mija." She tells me about the beginning, how she couldn't stand him, how he chased after her with a persistence that left her breathless and unsure. "He showed up at my workplace every day for two weeks with a different flower each time." Her fingers graze a wedding photo, and her smile is soft, wistful. "Sometimes, the ones worth keeping are the ones who don't give up, the ones who try even if they’re not certain it’ll work."
I watch her, absorbing the story. I see my parents in a new light, their past merging with my own present, creating something that might be a way forward. I see them at the start, tangled in the same uncertainties I feel.
I want to believe her, to trust in the wisdom she’s offering, but doubt lingers. I wrap my arms around my knees, staring at the photo of Ty and me. Kids playing dress-up with adult dreams.
"Think about it," Mom says, sifting through the pictures, organizing them with care and intention.
"Maybe."
Mom gathers the photos and gives me a sideways glance. "Maybe you don't know him as well as you think."
"Or maybe I know him too well."
"Either way, you’ll figure it out."
I continue to study the prom photo. Ty's smile is wide, my eyes hopeful. It feels like another life, another chance. It feels like something I might have again if I’m brave enough.
Later that day, I pull up his contact on my phone and change it fromBiggest Disappointment EvertoTy.
31TYLER
In the middleof the week, I sneak into town like a fugitive, sticking to back roads and shadows. No ambush from Adri this time. But that’s probably because I’m lucky. But in a valley this small, my luck is bound to run out, and I don’t want that to happen while Adri Medina is pissed off and I have no one to stand up for me.
I park at the coffee shop and check my phone for updates. The social media madness surrounding my set with Phoenix Down has tapered off, and while the recording is forever on the internet, at least I’m no longer trending, which suits me fine. I don’t want people curious about me. I want to be forgotten so that Naomi isn’t terrified of being seen with me.
