Page 39 of Found

“I’d love some, thanks,” she yelled back.

I went to the counter and filled two cups with steaming hot coffee then added cream and sugar to Edith’s, exactly how she liked it. I carried them behind the counter and set them down, then I pulled out a stool and sat down. Edith came out a moment later and sat down beside me. Her gaze traveled over my face, eventually landing on my scar. I watched her closely for signs of distaste or censure, but there were none to be found.

“Are you feeling better, Zach?” she asked, worry causing her forehead to crease as she looked me over for signs of illness. I felt my face heat with shame for having lied to her.

“Edith, I need to talk to you,” I told her seriously.

“You can tell me anything, Zach,” she answered kindly. She turned on her stool, giving me her full attention.

I took a deep breath. “I wasn’t really sick yesterday and my name isn’t Zach. It’s Zane. Zane Wilkinson.” I waited for her anger, knowing that she had every right to fire me and tell me to never come back again, but she didn’t.

Edith tilted her head, a gentle smile curving her lips. “It’s nice to meet you, Zane Wilkinson.”

“You’re not angry?” I asked. She laughed at the surprise in my voice.

“I’ve always known that you were carrying secrets around with you, Zane. It’s in your eyes, in the way you keep everyone at arm’s length. That’s why I was so happy to see you with Jeremy. You’ve smiled more since he showed up than in the whole two years you’ve worked here. That boy’s good for you,” she said.

I ducked my head, staring at the cup in my hands. I hadn’t realized that my secrecy and unwillingness to let people get near had been so obvious to her. Edith had always been very perceptive though and I should’ve known she’d pick up on it.

“I won’t push you, but I do care about you, very much. I’d be willing to listen, anytime,” she said softly.

I lifted my head and met her warm gaze. I started talking then. I told her everything, from my mother’s suicide to my father’s abuse. I told her all about Isaac and the outstanding person he’d been. I told her about the hospital staff’s kindness and how they’d given money to a virtual stranger just to try and help him be safe. I told her how I’d worked odd jobs, desperately searching for somewhere to call home, but that no place had ever quite fit until I’d found Bradbury Lake.

Edith cried throughout my story, but she listened quietly, letting me get it all out. It was easier that time, I realized. The pain eased the more I spoke of what I’d been through. It was as if the more I spoke about my past, the less power it had over me. Finally, I told her about the file I’d found in Jeremy’s room and the fight we’d had after. The only thing I didn’t tell her was the part where Jeremy had told me he loved me. That was something sacred that I wanted to keep, just for myself.

“So, you’re hurt and angry with Jeremy right now,” she said. I nodded my head, even though it was more of a statement than a question.

“Yeah. I mean, I guess he had a job to do, but he lied to me,” I said glumly.

“Listen, I understand why you feel that way and you have every right. He did keep the truth from you and that’s never an easy thing to accept. But you lied too, Zane,” Edith pointed out gently. “We all lie at one point or another and we all have our own reasons for doing so. Sometimes it’s to protect others and sometimes it’s to protect ourselves. Who’s to say what’s right and what’s wrong?”

“I know, you’re right. I’m certainly guilty of hiding parts of myself too,” I admitted sheepishly.

“You had your reasons, but now, I hope you’ll stop hiding and show the world what an incredible young man you are.” Edith smiled at me and I leaned forward, giving her a hug. She seemed surprised at first, but then her arms wrapped around me.

“Thank you. You’ve been more of a mother to me than my own mother ever was,” I whispered over her shoulder.

“Oh, you’re going to make me cry again,” she sniffled.

I pulled back, and we laughed as we both reached for a tissue at the same time. I talked to Edith for a few more minutes and then I walked out and climbed into the cab of my truck. I looked out the window at the sun shining across the water. Bradbury Lake had been a peaceful refuge for me, but it was time I faced my fears. After seven long years, I was going back to the one place I swore I’d never return. I was going back to Chicago.

---