by Bonnie Tharp
He killed someone when he was driving drunk. What do I say to him? How am I going to tell the kids?
Ms. Pickles hopped up onto the seat beside her. She ran her hand over the cat’s back then stroked it under the chin. The action served to calm her shaking hands.
“He’s here now, talking to Peggy on the porch.”
“Do you want us to come over?”
“No. I’ll talk to you later.” She hung up even though Regina hadn’t finished speaking. Annabelle closed her eyes, breathing deep.
There’s been too much loss in this family. I failed Liddy by being her father’s punching bag, but I won’t fail this time. A doormat doesn’t make a good mom, and my grandchildren need me.
She straightened her spine. Annabelle could hear Peggy and Tom speaking in low tones. The words weren’t clear, but they sounded relaxed. Slipping up to the screen, Annabelle stood beside the open door.
“Where have you been, Dad?”
“In jail.”
Peggy gasped. “Why?”
“I was driving drunk and hit someone.”
“Did they die?” Peggy’s voice quivered.
“Yes.”
“Oh my God, Dad. You killed somebody? But, still, why didn’t you call, or write, or something?”
“I did.”
“I don’t believe you. Mom would’ve said . . .”
“I hurt your mother pretty bad, Peg. I let her down. I let you all down.” The swing creaked.
Leaning against the door jam, Annabelle listened to the mournful rhythm of the swing.
“I think you’d better leave now.” Peggy whispered.
“I’m sorry, kiddo. I was messed up. I had to hit bottom before I could climb back up. Unfortunately, that meant dragging my family down with me.”
Tom’s bitter laugh made Annabelle’s heart constrict.
“It seems clear now, but back then, I had no clue what was going on or what I was doing.”
Peggy made no comment.
“Here’s my number if you want to call me. I’m cooking at Jenny’s Diner. Come by and I’ll make you the best cheeseburger and fries in town.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Annabelle?” Tom called.
Smoothing her skirt, Annabelle stepped into the doorway. “What is it Tom?”
“I need to get to work pretty quickly. Could I see Megan for a minute?”
Turning toward the stairs, Annabelle called. Megan came out of the kitchen with chocolate and a smile on her cherub cheeks. She stopped next to their grandmother behind the screen door.
The porch swing squealed as he stood. “I, uh, just wanted to say hi and I hope you’ll let me come by sometime so we can talk.”
“Sure. Thanks for the bear,” Megan said.
“Okay, good,” he wiped his hands on his jeans. “Well, you all look great. You’re doing a great job with them, Annabelle. Tell Tad I said ‘hi.’ I’ve got to get to work now. Love you kids.” With a half wave, he dashed down the steps.
“Bye,” Megan called and went back to the kitchen.
Listening to Tom’s receding steps, Annabelle turned to Peggy who held her arms against her stomach, her head bowed so her hair covered her face. A sharp pain of anxiety filled Annabelle’s chest. She went onto the porch and wrapped her arms around her granddaughter. They stood in each other’s embrace until Peggy’s tears stopped flowing and only the hiccoughs remained.
Stroking Peggy’s sweaty brow, Annabelle kissed her head. “I’m sorry that was so hard.”
“Me, too,” Peggy whispered. Giving her grandmother a squeeze, she went into the house and up to her room.
Annabelle watched until she closed the door then went in search of Megan. As she suspected, the little one had raided the cookie jar. An empty milk glass and cookie crumbs sprinkled the table before her.
“Hi there. Did you save any cookies or should I mix up some more dough real fast before Tad comes home?”
Megan’s smile was still smudged with chocolate. “I left some, but fresh ones would be good.”
“Maybe later. I think I’ll grab a glass of milk, too.” Annabelle poured some for herself then dialed Joe. “Hi. We’re fine. Thanks for keeping an eye on us. I’ll talk to you later, okay? Bye now.”
Peggy came into the kitchen, retrieved a soda from the refrigerator. She sat down beside her little sister, sipping in silence.
A car door slammed out front.
A few moments later, Tad banged through the front door and yelled, “Come on in, Coach. We always have plenty of cookies around here.”
“Tad.” Annabelle whispered.
“Hey, Gram.” He took one look at her face and stopped. “What happened?”
Peggy leaned against the ladder chair back and sighed. “Not in front of . . .”
The smiling face of Coach Edwards fell.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Edwards, we need a minute. Could you take a seat in the parlor?” Annabelle slipped her arm in his, escorting the bewildered man to the sofa. “Thank you for bringing Tad home.”
“You’re very welcome.”
“Excuse me.” Annabelle approached the kitchen in time to hear Peggy say their father had come by.
Tad stood rooted to the floor. “Shit.”
You took that word right out of my thoughts . . .
Chapter 20
THE KIDS WENT up to their rooms. Annabelle felt shy and uncertain after the last uncomfortable exchange she had with Tad’s coach. Today was not the day to have more company. His timing stunk. She sighed, remembering her grandmother’s advice to ‘always be hospitable.’
“Would you like coffee?”
“That would be nice, thanks.” Coach Edwards smiled at Annabelle, warming the cold dread that had filled her body. She led him to the kitchen table and started a fresh pot. Doing something ordinary would help her cope with her churning emotions.
“Don’t make a new pot on account of me.” His southern vowels were soft. His hands rested on the back of the chair.
“It’s no bother. I need a cup.” Annabelle kept her thoughts on the coffee pot in her hand.
“Do you want to talk about it? Maybe I can help.” She heard the chair scoot on the linoleum as he sat down. The scraping sound made the hairs on the back of her arms rise.
“I doubt that.”
“Why don’t you give it a try?” The arrogance was absent, but she didn’t trust him. She didn’t know him at all, but a crazy part of her wanted to, very much.
“I’m not sure.” Sliding the pot from under the spigot, the coffee sizzled when it hit the burner. “Blast.” A charred copper smell filled the room.
He handed her a paper towel and took the cup she held in the air.
“Annabelle.”
Mopping the spreading brown puddle with her head down, she felt the heat rise in her face. “The kids’ dad is back after ten years, and he wants the kids.”
“Where has he been?”
Annabelle turned to face him, her shoulders set, hands at her sides.
“Let’s just say he’s been a guest of the state for a while.”
Tad’s going to be furious with me for telling all this to his coach. Oh, well, it’s done.
“No wonder you’re upset.” He leaned back, scowling.
“I don’t know what to think. He was such a mess before he left. Drinking, staying out all hours, using drugs . . .” She crossed her arms over her ample bosom.
“And now?” Concern etched his face.
“I just don’t know. He seemed sober, but maybe today’s a good day. He does seem different.” She poured a half-cup. He sat back down and pulled out a chair for her.
“What do the kids want to do?” He took a sip of his coffee, failing
to hide a grimace.
“Sorry. I should’ve warned you. I make a poor cup of coffee.”
“No worries.” He set the cup on the table and wrapped his hands around it.
“You heard Tad, he’s angry. Peggy’s confused. And Megan doesn’t remember him.”
“Do you want to know what I think?” He fingered the lip of his cup.
“I don’t think so—” Feeling exhausted, Annabelle rested her elbows on the table, her shoulders rounded to prepare for the blow his words might cause.
“Do you know why Tad is so angry?” He stared into Annabelle’s face.
Her frustration had to show.
“While I’m driving him home, he’s told me damn little. But I get the feeling he’s really mad at his dad.”
She felt a mixture of disbelief and anger. “How would you know?”
“Years of experience with boys Tad’s age. And I’m a father of two boys. Hell, woman, I was a teenager once myself.” He waved his youth away like it was nothing.
They drank in silence for a moment before Annabelle quietly spoke.
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone else.” She cringed to think what Regina would say if she knew about this conversation.
“His dad probably dried out while in jail. You ought to encourage Tad to see him.”
“Maybe, but I can’t agree, Mr. Edwards.” She stared into space.
“Have you talked to him, the father?”
“Not really. Every time he calls I just get angry and scared.”
“Scared of what? You’re a full-grown woman. It’s time you stood up and acted like it.”
Struck speechless, Annabelle’s mind boiled.
How dare this bald know-it-all tell me what to do?
He finished his coffee and took the cup to the sink then turned to face her. “He is their father. People can change. I’ll make sure Tad gets to practice and back home. At some point, though, you’ll have to talk to the man.”
He offered her his hand, and she took it reluctantly. She felt the heat in her cheeks, but rose from the chair with grace and determination.
“I’ll see you to the door.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” He bowed over her hand, giving it a squeeze.
She nodded.
They walked side by side. His arm brushed hers. Annabelle felt warmth spread to her belly from the contact.
It’s just nerves. He makes me so angry. Am I doing it again? Attracted to the wrong kind of man? No, Coach is nothing like David. Tillie would tell me to get my poop grouped, I’m sure.
“I’ll see you tomorrow when I bring Tad home from practice. Think about what I’ve said. As a teacher, I’ve met all kinds of people. You can trust your instincts most times. You’ll know when you talk to him what he really wants.”
Annabelle stood in the doorway, lifting a hand in a half-hearted wave.
He’s probably right and that makes me mad enough to spit. Men!
He walked down the steps to his car, looked over his shoulder and waved back. He sat in the car until she shut the door. She clicked the lock, letting out the breath she had been holding.
“Damn.” Annabelle’s emotions were raging right along beside her hormones. She would give his words some serious thought with reluctance.
Admit it, Phil makes me feel like I haven’t felt in years. My dearly departed David squashed my heart like a June bug. No. I won’t allow myself to be hurt like that again.
“Kids!” Annabelle called up the stairs.
“Yeah.”
“Get washed up for dinner, please.”
“I’m clean.” Tad zipped down the stairs.
The girls stood in the bedroom doorway; their eyes followed their brother. Annabelle sighed before turning down the hall to the back of the house.
“This whole dad thing is creeping me out,” she heard Peggy say.
“Let’s get dinner on the table. Joe and Tillie will be here soon.”
Tad zipped back up the stairs before Annabelle could stop him.
“We’ll help, won’t we, Megan?” Peggy said.
“Sure.” Megan joined Annabelle and Peggy and headed into the dining room.
FOR TWO DAYS, things were quiet, the kids subdued. None of the usual yelling and teasing occurred. Peggy could tell her grandmother worried but didn’t know what to do to make her feel better. Yesterday was the last day of school and they couldn’t stay cooped up all summer. Saturday, Sam planned to look for a dog at the pound, but it would take a while for the animal to feel at home or be protective. Peggy would just have to keep an eye on everybody. And hope that Gram’s heart wouldn’t give out again.
“Why don’t you go with Tillie for a walk this morning,” Peggy said. “We’ll be okay while you’re gone. Promise.” She laid her hand over her heart.
“I do feel like I need to move. I’ll see if Tillie will bring her cell. Then you can call us if you need anything. We won’t go too far.”
“Quit worrying. I’ve got mine right here in the pocket of my shorts.” Peggy gave it a pat. “We’ll be fine.”
Ten minutes later, Annabelle came downstairs in her walking shoes, just as the doorbell rang.
“I’ve got it!” Annabelle yelled and pulled open the door.
Peggy slid into the entry just as Tillie stepped into the foyer.
“Hi there, ladies. Ready to do some hoofing, Annabelle?” Tillie wore her favorite wild woman tee, khaki slacks and well-worn tennis shoes.
“Yes. Did you bring your phone?”
“Wouldn’t leave home without it.” Tillie flashed her turquoise cellular before putting it back in her pocket. “All charged and ready to go.”
“We’ll be back in thirty minutes, tops.” Annabelle kissed Peggy on the cheek. “Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Tad and Megan yelled their good-byes from the top of the staircase. Putting her crutches in one hand, Megan bumped down the stairs on her fanny.
“I’m going to see if I can find a good movie to watch.” Megan stepped into the parlor and turned on the television.
Tad came down the stairs two at a time. “If there’s a game on, I’m watching it.”
“Too late!” Megan yelled, “I got first dibs.”
Peggy eyed her brother’s back as he stood in the doorway to the parlor with his hands on his narrow hips.
He’s getting so tall! Only a year and a half between us, yet he spurted up a head taller than me. What happened to my “little” brother?
“You better not be watching some sappy chick flick. It’ll rot your brain.”
“Right, and car chases and gun fights are so grown up.” Megan threw a pillow at him.
In the doorway, Peggy chuckled. The first day with no school had been too long and too quiet. They definitely needed to establish a new routine, and she wondered if Miles would be a part of it again. She’d avoided him the last week even though he rode the same bus. His friend Mark said his dad took away his car and he had to do community service.
There was a tentative knock at the door. Tad jumped off the couch and stood just inside the door jam, out of sight.
“Who is it?” Peggy said. The curtain obscured the male silhouette that was the wrong shape or size to be either Joe or Miles.
He knocked again. “Peg.”
“Who is it, please?” Peggy asked.
“It’s me, Peggy, open up.”
Recognizing her father’s voice, she put the chain on the door and opened it a crack.
“Dad? What do you want?”
“Can I come in?” His quiet voice sounded nervous, unsure.
“No. You can’t. We’re not supposed to let anyone in when we’re . . .”
His face flushed and
Peggy felt the hairs on her neck stand up. “I saw your grandmother walking around the corner. I want to talk. Now open this door.”
She felt the heat of anger emanating from her brother. Peggy put her hand on his.
“Leave us alone!” Tad yelled.
“Tad? What’s the matter with you? I just want to talk.”
Her father’s voice sounded strained. Peggy stuck her right hand in her pocket and felt the phone. He shoved on the door, bouncing it on the hinges. She used the edge to block the right side of her body, using her left hand to hold the door in front of her.
“Go away,” Tad said from beside her.
“I just came to see you. I want to know you’re all right.” Tom kicked the door. The bracket that held the chain twisted away from the doorframe.
Peggy used her body to keep the door between them while she took her phone out of her pocket and Tad slid it from her hand.
“Go away, Dad. I can’t let you in. Call Gram and we’ll set something up . . .” She turned to her brother and whispered. “Call 911.”
“Why should I? You’re my kids, not hers.”
“She’s our guardian.” Peggy held the edge of the door so tightly it hurt her hand.
“Don’t give me that crap.” Tom leaned his body against the wood.
Tad slipped back into the parlor. Peggy could hear her sibling whisper, then silence.
“Why won’t you let me in? I’ve missed you kids. Come on, Peg . . .”
“You can’t be here without Gram.” She struggled to prevent him from shoving the door back any further.
Impatience twisted his features. “I’m your father, dammit.”
“Please, don’t get mad. We’re not allowed to have people over when we’re alone.”
The door exploded back. Peggy fell on the tile. Pain streaked from her butt to her head.
“Why shouldn’t I be mad? I’m family and I’m being treated like dirt.” He stood over her, chest heaving.
Peggy used her feet to scoot backwards, away from his towering form. She slid a few feet, stopping at the door jam.
“Where are your brother and sister?”
“They aren’t here. They went out the back.”
“Why are you lying? I heard Tad yelling.” He reached down and grabbed her arm, pulling her onto her feet.