Page 68 of Unforgiven

“No one would have had to know. No matter what you think about Seth, you’ve got to believe that he’s a private person. He would never go out and do anything that might hurt you in any way.”

“I don’t think he would.” Looking even more uncomfortable, she added, “But still, someone would find out, and then he or she would tell someone else. Then the rumor mill would start up and everything would get tarnished and twisted.” Tabitha sounded so bitter.

“Maybe not.”

“I appreciate you saying that, but things do happen. Secrets always get revealed.” She waved a hand. “Just look at how you came over, and nothing even happened.”

She couldn’t argue that point. But Tabitha did need to know that Melonie’s reason for visiting wasn’t to find fault with anyone. “I didn’t come over because I’m mad about Seth’s relationship with you. I came over because I care.”

“All right.” Tabitha’s tone sounded as though she doubted her sincerity, making Melonie realize that she was going to have to say more. Not just words but speaking from her heart.

“Listen, everyone knows what you’ve been through. I feel terrible for the way you’ve been treated. I’m sorry that some folks think you should have stayed with your husband no matter what he did.” She took a deep breath. “But I also love my brother. I promise, despite the fact that he’s been in prison, he’s a very good person. He really cares for you. And I think that maybe you should consider his feelings.”

“I already have.”

“Then why won’t you give him a chance?”

Tabitha stiffened. “Did Seth send you over here?”

“Nee.”

“Does he know you’re here?”

“I didn’t tell him . . . but I think he had an idea that I was going to come over.”

“So you’re here to badger me with his blessing.”

“Nee. I didn’t come to badger you, and Seth didn’t give me his blessing. I came over because I wanted to. It was my idea.”

“After all this time?” she asked sarcastically. Looking contrite, Tabitha took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for sounding so spiteful. I’m not at my best today.” She sighed. “Listen, I know you mean well, but there are things that are going on with me that you don’t know about.”

When Melonie tried to interrupt, Tabitha held up a hand. “While I appreciate your words about my marriage, I fear that, also, is something we shouldn’t discuss. You are a young woman. My past is nothing that you should concern yourself with.”

“I’m not that young.”

“You’re right. But sometimes it’s not an age gap that separates us from each other, it’s the experiences. In that sense, we’re complete opposites. I think it’s time you left.”

Frustrated with the awful spiral the conversation had taken, Melonie got to her feet. “Is this what you meant about twisting and turning information? Because that’s what you’re doing right now.”

Tabitha stood slowly. “All I’m doing is sharing how I feel. It’s not my fault that you feel differently than I do.”

“You’re right. You’re entitled to how you feel. You’re right that I haven’t been married and I probably have no idea about everything you’ve experienced. But that doesn’t mean I don’t care.”

“Melonie.”

She shook her head. “Tabitha, I’m sorry, but one day you’re going to have to trust other people. To accept that some people really are worthy of your time. I hope and pray that one of those people is my brother.”

With that said, she turned and walked out the door. And almost stepped on the bouquet of flowers and card on the doormat.

Holding the door open, she scooped up the card so it wouldn’t get dirty, then called out, “Tabitha, someone brought you flowers.”

“What?” She hurried to the door and stared at them like they were about to turn into a mass of slithering snakes. “Oh nee.”

“Do you want me to bring them in?”

“Nee. Don’t touch them!”

Alarms were going off in her head, but she didn’t know why. She stepped away from the flowers, then realized the card they came with was in her hand. “Um, there’s a note.” She handed it to Tabitha. “Sorry. I picked it up without thinking.”

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