The girls burst out laughing and followed him downstairs and outside.
Once outside Callie and Conner found their mom and asked about staying with Karla and Rylee called her mom. While they talked with their moms Karla walked around the yard and looked at everything they’d set up to do. There was a volleyball net and horseshoes on one side of the yard and a large below ground pool on the other.
She didn’t know how to swim, so her lack of a swimsuit wouldn’t be a problem.
“Hey.” Rylee bounced up to Karla. “Mom said yes. I’m raiding your closet because your clothes are nicer than mine.”
Karla grinned “You’re always welcome to my closet. I’m glad your mom said yes.”
Conner and Callie walked up just then “Our mom said yes too. Can Mrs. Peterson pick us all up after the cookout?”
“She said she would. I’ll text her so she knows to bring the SUV instead of Andrew’s Mustang.”
“YAY!!” Callie bounced and clapped her hands. “Now let’s have some fun. Karla did you bring a swimsuit?”
“Ummm…. No. I didn’t know you had a pool. You guys go ahead and swim though.”
“Nonsense.” Callie said and shook her head. “I have like six swimsuits and we’re the same size so you can just borrow one of mine.”
“Oh..ummm…ok.” Karla wasn’t sure how to tell them she couldn’t swim. She’d never been swimming before, she’d never been given the opportunity.
“Karla, what’s wrong?” Conner asked.
“I…ummmm….” Karla started, then stopped and took a deep breath. “I can’t swim.”
“The pool is only five feet deep Karla. You’ll be fine. Plus I’m a really strong swimmer. I’ll save you if you start to drown.” Conner said with a wink and a wiggle of his eyebrows.
Karla burst out laughing at Conner and nodded her head to Callie. “Ok, sure. I’ll borrow one of your swimsuits. Let’s go get changed.”
“Yay! I have the perfect one for you. Let’s go.” Callie looped her arm through Karla’s and led her upstairs as Conner and Rylee followed.
Chapter Thirty-Four
A little while later Karla was in an emerald green and blue tankini and Conner couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was beautiful. “Hey Con. Who’s the cutie?” Kevin asked Conner as he watched Karla play pool volleyball with Callie, Rylee and Kelsey.
“Her name is Karla. Back off Kev, she isn’t your type.”
“Not my type? When have I ever had a type? She’s hot and hot is always my type.” Kevin grinned and continued, “I think I’m going to talk to her when they’re finished with the game.”
“Kevin, please don’t. She’s one of mine and Callie’s best friends and if you make her uncomfortable she may never come back.”
“She’s a smart kid? But she’s beautiful. Someone that beautiful cannot be one of your smart kid friends. I mean Ry’s cute, but she’s like another little sister. Karla is….WOW!!”
“Karla is Dr. Peterson’s foster daughter. Do you really want your games to get back to mom and dad?”
“Backing off. Backing WAY off. Backing so far off I’m not even in the yard anymore.” Kevin shook his head and turned to look at Karla again. “But DANG she’s hot.”
With that Kevin walked over to the food table and Conner went back to watching the girls play. When Karla missed the ball and caused water to splash her and Rylee, her laughter rang out and a smile crossed his face. “Conner, come join us.” Jason yelled; he, Kevin and their uncle Mike, their dad’s twin, were playing horseshoes. “We need a fourth person.”
By the time it was time to eat Conner had worked up a sweat. He and Mike had won two out of three games of horseshoes and he was feeling pretty good about himself. He went in and washed up, but when he came back out his mood instantly turned darker. Kevin was sitting at the table beside Karla. Conner kept his mouth shut and sat between Rylee and Callie. Kevin smiled across the table at him and he glared back at his older brother.
“Con, you okay?” Callie asked, sensing Conner’s change of mood.
“Look at Kevin. He’s doing it again Cal. I cannot let him do her like he does every girl he dates. She’s too fragile.”
“Con, look at Karla. She’s completely brushing him off. She has absolutely no interest in him whatsoever.”
When Conner looked at Karla he realized his sister was right. Kevin kept trying to get Karla’s attention, but she was talking to Kelsey and completely ignoring Kevin. “You’re right, she’s completely ignoring him.”
“He isn’t happy about it either. Look at him.”
A huge smile crossed Conner’s face when he saw the look on Kevin’s. He was fuming at being ignored. Since he’d turned fifteen he’d gotten any girl he’d wanted. He wasn’t used to being rejected.
After watching Kevin try for a few more minutes Conner smiled when Kevin got up and moved beside Mike. Once Kevin was gone Karla looked up at Conner and smiled. She was completely unaffected by Kevin’s charm and Conner was thrilled.
****
Kevin was nothing like Conner, Karla thought to herself when Kevin finally gave up and left her alone. She had intentionally ignored him because he’d made her uncomfortable. She was glad when he’d finally given up and moved to the other end of the table. When she’d met Conner’s eyes she’d noticed that they were clouded with something she couldn’t explain.
After she finished eating she got up and went inside to the bathroom. When she came out Conner was waiting for her. “You okay?” He asked softly. “I hope Kevin wasn’t bothering you too much.”
“Yeah. I’m fine. He backed off when I started ignoring him. He isn’t used to being turned down though is he?”
“Not at all. He considers himself a ladies man.”
Karla grinned at the memory of Kevin’s face when she’d told him she wasn’t interested. “He was struck silent when I told him no. I didn’t think he’d ever give up, but I’m glad he did.”
“Me too. I’d hate to have to say something to him. He’s my brother and I love him, but he can be a pain in the butt some times.”
“No Conner. I don’t want to be the reason for a fight between you and Kevin. Family is too important for that. Promise me that you’ll never choose anyone over family.”
Conner looked at the pained expression on her face. “I’m sorry Karla. I didn’t mean to upset you. I was only saying that I know how Kevin is and I don’t want to see you get hurt by him. He’s a player and we all know it. I’ll always love him, no matter what he does, but I can’t promise to stand by and watch him hurt someone I care about.”
“He isn’t going to hurt me because I’m not the kind of girl to fall for smooth words and a sly grin. I’m glad you were concerned though. It means a lot to me knowing you care.”
Rylee and Callie walked up just then. “Karla, Dr. and Mrs. Peterson are here. They said they tried calling you but didn’t get an answer so they were worried.” Rylee told her
“Shoot. I left my phone upstairs with my clothes. I’ll go talk to them now.” Karla said and ran out the door.
“What’s going on Con?” Callie asked. “It seemed like you two were having a very serious discussion.”
“I was talking to her about Kevin. She looked upset when she left the table and I came to check on her.” Conner answered. “It was a pretty serious discussion. She wanted me to promise to never put anyone before family, no matter what. I couldn’t make that promise to her and that kills me, but I cannot and will not stand by and watch Kevin do her like he does every girl he dates.”
“I completely understand and I won’t stand by and watch it either. I love Kevin, but he’s a player and I won’t let Karla get played.”
“Neither will I” Rylee chimed in with her opinion. “Now let’s go see why the Petersons were trying to get ahold of Karla so bad.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
When they got outside Karla was standing off to the side, alone and holding a piece of paper in her hands. Lesli
e approached them with a sad look on her face. “Hey guys. We’re taking Karla home as soon as she changes clothes. If you all still want to come over you’re more than welcome. I think Karla is going to need all three of you tonight.”
“What’s going on Mrs. Peterson? She looks so lost.” Rylee said as she watched Karla walk into the house.
“Before I answer that, how much did she tell you three about her past?”
“I think she told us everything Mrs. Peterson. We know about the abuse and that her mother was in jail before she died. We also know about Tony.” Conner answered for the group. Hatred for Tony shined in his eyes.
“Okay, good. I’m glad you all are standing by her and accepting everything. She was scared you would all turn away from her.” Leslie told them. “About forty minutes ago Captain McGraw showed up at the house. They cleaned out Karla’s mother’s jail cell today and found two letters she’d written but never mailed to Karla. He brought them to us. That’s why we were trying to get in touch with Karla.”
“Oh my gosh. Has she opened them?” Callie said in horror.
“No. She said she wanted to wait until she got home. That’s why I think she’s going to need you three. She’s going to need us all.”
“We’ll just go grab our things and tell everyone bye. It’ll take about ten minutes, tops.” Conner said before he darted inside and upstairs.
“All I have to do is change out of my swimsuit and I’ll be ready. I don’t have anything with me but Karla and I are the same size and I’m sure she’ll let me borrow some pajamas.” Rylee said before she turned and walked away too.
“I’ll be finished as soon as possible Mrs. Peterson. Don’t leave without me.” Callie said before she walked inside behind Rylee.
Ten minutes later, after having said their goodbyes, Karla, Callie, Conner and Rylee were all loaded into Leslie’s seven passenger SUV. Karla stared silently out the window the entire ride home. She was lost in her own thoughts and everyone left her alone with them.
When the SUV stopped in front of the house Leslie turned to them all. “Let’s go in and have some hot chocolate and cookies in the kitchen while we talk.”
“Sounds good Mrs. Peterson.” Rylee answered and they all got out and went in the house.
When they were all seated at the table Karla opened the first letter and read it out loud.
Dear Karla,
I know I was never the best mother to you, hell I was barely a mother at all, and I know that you probably hate me, but I wanted you to know that I have always loved you.
When mama and daddy found out I was pregnant with you they weren’t mad or angry with me, they were disappointed with me; which was worse.
I met your father when I was almost seventeen years old. I was working at a hotel in Dallas as a waitress and he was staying in the hotel during a business convention. I fell for him instantly. When I first came on to him he turned me down, telling me he was happily married with two children back in Puerto Rico. I wasn’t used to rejection, I had used my body since I was thirteen to get what I wanted. I’m not proud of it, but I can’t change it now. On the last night of the convention I was his waitress again and I drugged his drink at dinner then I bribed a maid to let me into his room and I waited.
When he came in he could barely walk so I helped him to the bed and took what I wanted from him. I was meaning to leave before he woke up, but I fell asleep. The next morning when he woke up he yelled and screamed and called hotel security. I was escorted from the hotel and fired.
Six weeks later I discovered I was pregnant. I knew exactly who the father was, but all I had was his name and I had no money to try to track him down.
Now that you know the truth I want you to share it with his children, I know you’ve been in contact with them. Maybe this will restore their image of him.
You may not believe me, but I never meant for you to ever get hurt. I never showed you, but I love you Karla.
Always, Diane
When Karla finished reading the first letter everyone was silent. She got up and walked out of the room. Rylee moved to follow, but Andrew stopped her. “Give her a minute. She needs to absorb what she just read. If she isn’t back in a few minutes you can go to her.”
“Yes sir. She just seemed so broken when she left. I’m worried about her.”
“We all are, but she’s stronger than any of us give her credit for.”
A minute later Karla came back carrying her cell phone. “I sent Manuel a text and told him I needed to Skype with him and Kiara tomorrow night. They need to hear this letter. They need to know that our father never willing cheated on their mother.”
“Karla, honey, are you alright?” Leslie asked in a soft voice.
“I never thought my opinion of her could get any lower than it already was, guess I was wrong.” With a shake of her head to clear it Karla picked up the other letter. “Who’s ready to hear what else she has to say?”
When everyone nodded she opened the second letter and started reading.
Dear Karla,
This is the second letter I’ve written you, I never mailed the first one because I didn’t know where to mail it too.
In a few days you’ll have both of them though.
Some of the other inmates and I are planning something, I’m not going to say what in case this letter is found, but I don’t plan on surviving it.
I hope you understand. I’m doing this for you because I want you to be happy. For once in my life I want what’s best for YOU. This is going to sound selfish of me, but I am ending my life in three days.
Since I’ve been in here I have realized that I am nothing but bad for you. I have never been any good for anyone, especially you.
I love you Karla and I hope that someday, somehow, you are able to forgive me.
I hope you find happiness wherever you are. I love you, and in my own way I always have.
Best of luck to you.
Love, Mom
When she was finished she buried her face in her hands and cried. She cried for Diane and for herself. She cried for Manuel and Kiara. She cried for Grams and Pops. When she was all cried out she looked up and into the faces of the people she loved. She had found happiness, she’d found a home and she’d found love.
Chapter Thirty-Six
“Karla are you okay?” Rylee asked from across the table.
“No, not really.” Karla answered looking around at all of them. “But I will be because I have all of you to help me.”
“You will always have us Karla, never doubt that.” Callie said as she got up and walked around the table to where Karla was sitting. She sat down beside Karla and wrapped her arm around her. “We love you and we will always be here.”
“Yeah. Always.” Rylee said and went to sit on Karla’s other side and wrapped a supportive arm around her too.
Conner silently got up, stood behind Karla and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Yes. You have us and we’ll always be here.”
Leslie’s eyes filled with tears at the sight of them giving strength to Karla. “What do you want to do now Karla?”
“Right now I want to go take a shower and clear my head. I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that she actually did those things to Alexander. I know she was young, and I know she apologized to me, but that doesn’t excuse her actions. It also makes me wonder if that’s why she always blamed me for everything. I’ll be back down in a few minutes. I just need a little time alone.” She walked out of the kitchen, up the stairs and into her room. She’d just shut and locked the door when her knees gave out and she sank to the floor, curled into a ball, and cried harder than she’d ever cried in her life.
As she cried she let her mind open up and examine her life up to this point. When she’d been younger and lived with Grams and Pops she’d been happy. They had always shown her love and compassion. They had always been there. She remembered back to her kindergarten program, she’d been a dancing daisy, Grams had hand sewn her costume
, and they’d sat in the front row and recorded it. She remembered now that they had both kept looking at the back of the auditorium, but she had no idea what they were looking at.
Grams had always told her stories about Diane too. She’d always tried to let her know what kind of person Diane was, even though Diane chose not to be around. She’d shown her pictures of the four of them together at Diane’s high school graduation. After that day the pictures started having Diane in them less and less, but Grams and Pops had both told her that Diane had been busy. That she’d wanted to be there, but couldn’t be.
It wasn’t until Grams died that she realized they’d been lying to her about Diane. She’d overheard a conversation between Pops and Diane. Diane had been yelling so loud that it’d woken her from her sleep so she’d tiptoed to her door and cracked it open a little.
“Diane I am going to need your help now. Before your mama got sick we had no problem taking care of Karla, in fact we loved it, but now that she’s gone I just can’t do it by myself. She’s such a good kid and if you’d take the time to get to know her you’d know that.”
“Daddy I don’t want anything to do with her. She ruined my life and I wish I’d never had her.”
“Diane your choices ruined your life. Karla is a consequence of those choices. You’re not seventeen anymore and I think it’s high time you grew up. I ain’t going to be here forever so you need to get to know her.”
“She can go into foster care for all I care. I’m only twenty-four and I ain’t ready to settle down yet. I ain’t gonna settle down yet.”
The last thing Karla heard was the door slamming and tires squealing as Diane left. Diane didn’t show up the next day for Grams’ funeral.
She showed back up a few days later and stayed this time.
When a knock sounded on her bedroom door she pulled herself back to the present. Not wanting to see anyone just yet she went into her bathroom and took a shower. When she came out she looked at the clock and almost two hours had passed since she’d come up here. She knew they’d be worried. After taking a deep breath she unlocked her door and opened it. Rylee, Callie and Conner were all sitting on the floor waiting for her to come out.
A New Beginning (The Second Chance Series Book 1) Page 10