A tall man with weathered skin, dark brown hair, and kind eyes comes walking up, a petite woman with sandy-blond hair tucked into his side. As soon as the woman sees Alexander and me standing on the porch, she pushes away from the man and rushes forward, her hand flying to her mouth. Alexander releases my hand and walks down the steps, meeting her at the bottom. When he engulfs her in his arms, she’s so small compared to him that the only thing I can see is her arms wrapped around his waist.
Murmured words come from her, but they’re so low, I can’t hear them. I look past them and see the man looking up at me curiously. I offer an unsure smile and one corner of his mouth lifts.
A moment later, Alexander and his mother break apart, and I hear his softly spoken, “Hey, Mom.”
She puts her hands on either side of his face and pulls his head down to kiss his cheek before stepping back to let the man step forward. They embrace tightly, clap each other on the back, then step back.
“I’ve got someone I want you to meet,” Alexander says, then steps back so his mother can see me.
I wring my hands nervously as they take the few steps to the porch where I’m still standing. Alexander comes to my side and wraps an arm around my waist.
“Mom, Dad, this is Gwendolyn.” He squeezes me. “Gwendolyn, this is Helen, my mother, and David, my father.”
“It’s nice to meet you both,” I say, holding out my hand to Helen.
She looks just as startled as me, but recovers quickly. I expect to shake her hand, but she surprises me when she pulls me into her arms. I’m stiff for a split second before wrapping my arms around her. Helen’s head only comes to my nose. She’s such a tiny thing, but her arms are tight around me.
When she steps back, David comes forward and hugs me as well.
“It’s so good to meet you, darlin’,” he says after pulling back.
“Gwendolyn,” Helen remarks. “That’s such a pretty name.”
“Please, call me Gwen. Most everyone does.”
She shakes her head and smiles. “I’ll stick with Gwendolyn, if that’s okay.”
I nod and give her my own smile. “That’s fine.”
Helen turns toward Alexander. “I didn’t know you were seeing anyone,” she scolds lightly, but there’s a light in her eyes.
He gives her a half smile, looks down at me, then replies, “I wasn’t until recently.”
She stands in front of us, her hands folded prayer style below her mouth. Her eyes glisten with tears as she looks at us. “Well, this is good news.”
Although we’ve only just met and Alexander and I haven’t known each other long, I get the feeling Helen sees something Alexander and I haven’t even talked about; the seriousness of our relationship and where it’s going. I know where I want it to go, and I’m pretty sure he does too. Helen though, looks as if she’s already picturing our wedding day. I’d laugh if it wasn’t for the fact that deep down inside, I’ve pictured it too and want it to come true so much.
“What are you guys doing here?” Alexander asks, slipping his arm back around me.
David gives him a sympathetic look. “Once you gave the okay, I held her off as long as I could.”
Helen slaps her husband’s stomach, but says to Alexander, “I couldn’t wait any longer. I missed you and it’s been too long.”
Alexander clears his throat, looking bothered for some reason, but simply nods.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
Something feels strange, almost tense, and I wonder if something happened between Alexander and his family. It’s good that I can’t stay, because I think they need time alone together.
“I hate to be so rude, but I’ve got to be going.” I turn to Alexander. “The kids are waiting on me.”
Before he can respond, I hear his mother ask, “You have kids?”
I turn back to her. “I do. Kelsey, my girl, is eight. And my boy, Daniel, is six.”
Her eyes move to Alexander. Both elation and a hint of sadness flashes across her face.
“Can we meet them?” she asks with undisguised hope. The look on her face and knowing she’s lost a granddaughter have my throat clogging up.
I grab her hand and give it a firm squeeze. With my eyes, I tell her I understand her pain. She smiles sadly at me.
I’m fine with the kids meeting his parents, but I still leave the decision up to Alexander, as they are his parents, and I worry this may be something he’s not ready for yet.
I needn’t have worried. He glances at me, and I give him a subtle nod.
“They’re coming over for dinner tomorrow evening. You can meet them then.”
The smile that comes across Helen’s face makes her appear ten years younger.
We leave them on the porch and Alexander walks me to my truck. Once I’m at the driver-side door, he puts his arms around me. I feel weird with his parents on the porch with a clear view of us, but I wrap my arms around his waist anyway.
“Sorry about that. I had no idea they were coming for a visit.”
“It’s fine,” I assure him. “They seem like wonderful people.”
He nods. “They are. Are you sure you don’t mind bringing the kids tomorrow to meet them? We can do it some other time.”
I’m shaking my head before he finishes. “As long as you’re okay with it, so am I.”
He dips his head and places a light kiss on my lips.
“See you tomorrow,” he murmurs, then reaches behind me and opens my door.
Not wanting to leave him, but knowing I have to, I step back and get behind the wheel. As soon as the door is closed, I start the truck and roll down my window. He bends and gives me another kiss before stepping back.
I drive away with a big smile on my face, feeling happier and more hopeful than I have in a long time.
20
GWENDOLYN
ME: WE’RE LEAVING. Be there in twenty.
I hit Send, then call for the kids, letting them know it’s time to go.
To say they are excited to meet Alexander’s parents was a big understatement. Well, Daniel shows his excitement, but I can tell the idea is pleasing to Kelsey as well from the look in her eyes. I don’t have any family left and it’s not often they get to see Will’s parents because they travel a lot. Besides me, Emma, Will’s parents, and now the few people in town we’ve grown close with, they have no one else.
And now Alexander and his parents. I smile at the thought.
Daniel comes running out of his room, several of the figurines Alexander gave him clutched in his hand. He informed me earlier that he wanted to take some with him to show Alexander that he was taking good care of them like he promised.
Kelsey comes out at a more sedate pace, and I’m pleased to see she’s using the homemade crossword puzzle books again. She has been since Alexander talked to her. That talk has done a world of good for my little girl. She’s still hasn’t spoken to me, but I do catch glimpses of her looking happier than she’s been since Will died. It’s been a month since I heard her talking to Alexander, but I’m hoping, given time, she’ll talk to me. Every night since I heard her asking God to help Alexander, she’s prayed the same thing. I don’t believe she’s forgotten about her father; it’s more she’s finally accepting he’s not coming home. I think she’s found peace with that.
“Are you both ready?” I ask.
Daniel shouts his yes, while Kelsey nods, a ghost of a smile playing on her face. It’s so hard for me to look at her when I see a happier emotion on her face, because I want to gather her in my arms and hug her so tightly.
We decided not to bring Pepper on this trip since we recently had her spayed and she needs the rest, so Daniel says goodbye as I grab the casserole dish with cheesy baked shells and broccoli. Jitters form in my belly as I pull out of the driveway. Even though I’ve already met his parents, I’m both anxious and nervous. I know it’s stupid, because they seemed like really nice people, but what if they don’t like me? What if they don’t understand Kel
sey’s mutism and think awful things about her? What if Daniel’s spirited disposition is too much for them?
If that’s the case, obviously I wouldn’t want my kids or me to have anything do with them, but I know it’ll hurt Alexander if we couldn’t be around his parents. My kids come first and always will, no matter what, but I hate to think about anything negative between Alexander and me.
I pull to a stop at the stop sign and flip on my blinker to turn down the long road that leads to Alexander’s house. Making sure there’s no one coming either way, I press the gas pedal and pull forward.
It happens before I know it. There’s a loud blaring sound seconds before the hard hit comes from behind us. Something crunches, and the impact of the hit flings my head to the side, where it smashes against the window. Pain instantly bursts in my head, but I don’t have time to really feel it before I’m flung to the other side as the car rolls to its side. The only thing keeping me in place is the seat belt digging into my shoulder and stomach.
I hear Daniel screaming from the back seat and Kelsey wailing my name as the car comes to a stop on its roof.
My head pounds an erratic beat and my vision starts to cloud. I try blinking the fuzziness away, but each time I close my eyes, it’s harder for me to open them again.
“Mama!” Kelsey yells again, and the only thing I can think as my visions fills with black spots is how long I’ve waited to hear Kelsey call me mama again. Before the darkness consumes me, I send up a silent prayer begging God to let my kids be okay.
ALEXANDER
I GLANCE DOWN AT my phone for what seems like the hundredth time, and the screen still shows no missed notifications. I get up from the couch and start pacing the floor. My dad, who’s been watching an old football game, mutes the TV.
“What’s wrong with you?” he asks.
My feet carry me back and forth over the brown carpet, and I barely spare him a glance when I answer him.
“Gwen. She messaged me thirty minutes ago saying she was on her way.” I look down at my phone again, only for it look the same as it did ten seconds ago. “She should have been here by now.”
“Sit down, son. I’m sure she just had to stop somewhere or there was a bit of traffic.”
I shoot him a look that says his suggestions are ridiculous. “Have you forgotten you used to live here? We don’t have traffic in Cat’s Valley.”
“True, but she probably stopped by the store and grabbed something to go with dinner.”
A loud banging coming from the kitchen has my body jerking. My mom yells out “Sorry!” before going back to cooking the dinner she insisted on making.
Dread forms in my stomach for no apparent reason. It’s just a gut feeling that something isn’t right. Something’s not fucking right.
One of the puppies, which my mother fell in love with and informed my father she was taking one home, starts barking. Thinking, no hoping, it’s Gwen and the kids pulling up the driveway, I walk briskly to the door and snatch it open. I check the yard, I check the driveway, and I check the road in front of my property and don’t see her car.
One of the puppies rushes past me out the door, and I bend down and scoop it back up, taking it back inside with me.
I bring my phone screen to life and curse under my breath when it reveals nothing.
My mom walks out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel, and sees me standing by the door. I’m sure my face reveals my worry.
“What’s wrong, dear?” she asks, walking over to me.
“Gwen was supposed to be here ten minutes ago.”
Understanding dawns on her face and she places a hand on my arm. The gesture is for comfort, but it does nothing for me.
“I’m sure they’re fine.”
I nod and try to force a smile, but I know it comes out flat. Something tells me they aren’t fine. My mind screams that something happened to them.
“Come on,” she says, gesturing to the kitchen behind her. “You can help me with the salad.”
“I don’t—”
The ringing of my phone stops me, and I immediately bring it up to look at the screen.
Gwen calling.
Instant relief hits me.
I swipe my finger across the screen and bring it to my ear.
“Gwen, where—”
“A-alexander,” Kelsey’s tearful voice interrupts me.
Ice replaces the blood in my veins at the sound of her frightful tone. The hand on my phone clenches, and I have to force it to relax before it crushes the device.
“Kelsey, what’s wrong, sweetie?” My voice comes out strained.
“W-we got into a-a wreck and t-the c-car’s upside d-down,” she sputters out.
My heart feels like it’s trying to beat out of my chest, so I pull in a deep breath and try to calm myself down before I lose it. Kelsey’s upset enough, so I need to keep my cool for her, even though every-fucking-thing inside me tries to pull me down a dark hole. Memories try to surface and it takes every bit of strength I have to push them back. I keep my head down and my eyes pinned on my feet, forcing myself to focus.
“Where’s Daniel and your mom? Are you all okay?” I ask Kelsey hoarsely.
“Y-es. Dan-daniel’s right here. M-me and him are o-okay.” At the mention of his name, I hear him cry in the background.
Some of my worry lessens at knowing he’s alive, but she still hasn’t fully answered my question.
“Kelsey, where’s your mom?”
Instead of answering, she starts crying into the phone, and I swear my heart stops and drops to my fucking toes.
I hear my mom talking to me and see my dad walking over, but I zone them both out.
“Kelsey,” I say more forcefully, but try my best to keep my tone calm. “Your mom… where is she?”
She sniffles a couple times, then finally says, “S-she’s s-still in the f-front seat. We keep calling h-her n-name, but s-she’s not w-waking up and s-she has b-blood on her h-head.”
That’s all it takes for my legs to give out, and I sink to my knees, right there in front of my mom and dad. A churning starts in my stomach, and I feel like I’m going to puke. A buzzing starts in my ears and the outside edges of my vision start to blur. My chest heaves rapidly and tingles form at the tips of my fingers. I know I’m on the verge of a panic attack and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.
The only thing that brings me back is the hard grip on my shoulder and Kelsey’s whimpered, “I’m scared, Alexander.”
I focus my gaze and see my mother’s tear-filled eyes looking at me. She’s on the floor in front of me, with my dad beside her, his hand on my shoulder.
To my father, I say, “Grab my keys from the bar. Gwen and the kids have been in an accident.” I don’t have time to explain more, and thankfully they don’t ask.
He stands and pulls keys from his pocket. “We’ll take mine.”
“Do you know where you are, Kelsey?” I barely get out through my thick throat.
I push past the sick feeling in my stomach and stand on shaky legs. We’re already heading out the door when Kelsey answers.
“We were j-just turning on the r-road that leads to y-your h-house.”
I relay the information to my mother and tell her to call 911. She whips out her phone and immediately starts dialing.
Feeling like someone’s reached inside my chest and is squeezing my heart with needle-lined gloves, I run toward my parents’ car. Sensing my urgency, they both run behind me, getting in the car only seconds after me.
“We’re coming, Kelsey,” I promise hoarsely. “Just stay on the phone with me, okay?”
Her “Okay” sounds so small and fragile.
I hear my mom in the back seat talking to a dispatcher, explaining as much as she can without having any details except for the location and that there’s an unconscious woman and two children. My dad speeds out of the driveway, and I’m glad he decided to drive. I’m not sure I would be able to at the moment. My phone re
peatedly taps against my ear from my hand shaking so much.
It’s only about five minutes from my house, but it takes us less than two. There are two cars sitting haphazardly on the side of the road. One has the front end totally smashed in with the front windshield shattered. Even through the shattered glass, you can see the blood splattered on the inside.
As sad as it is that it appears the driver is probably dead, my only concern is the other car, which is flipped over. I climb from the car, my eyes never leaving Gwen’s. My legs feel numb as I walk closer to it. Through the busted-out window, I can see Gwen’s dark brown hair. Not her face, not her body, just her fucking hair.
My legs freeze in place about twenty feet away. My chest feels likes there’s a ten-ton boulder sitting on it. The phone I still have clutched in my hand falls from my fingers. I don’t hear it hit the ground. I don’t hear my father calling my name or see him running toward Gwen’s truck while my mom goes to check on the occupants of the other car. I don’t see him helping Kelsey and Daniel out or hear their hysterical cries. I don’t hear when Daniel notices me and starts screaming my name. I don’t hear the far-off sounds of sirens that are still too fucking far away.
My eyes are focused on the matted brown hair. It’s like I have tunnel vision and that’s all I can see; nothing else exists. Then the vision changes, and it’s Clara’s pleading eyes that I see. It’s her hoarse screams begging me to save Rayne that I hear. It’s Clara’s contorted face after the water swallowed her up, and the black abyss in the back seat as I looked for Rayne when I was pulled from the car. It’s Rayne’s cries, and the resounding silence when they abruptly stopped.
Then it changes again. Clara is replaced with Gwen. It’s Gwen’s brown hair that floats in the water, almost giving her an ethereal appearance. It’s Gwen’s terrified blue gaze that silently begs me. It’s Gwen’s hand that tries to reach for me, that I’m unable to grab hold of.
Then There Was You: A Single Parent Collection Page 92