Page 23 of Shattered Dreams

“Did he ever get better?”

“When he got sick, that slowed him down.”

“Why did she stay?”

“Well, you’d have to ask her.” Dad nodded and got up from the table. “All I know is she managed to raise three men who are nothing like their father.”

I looked back out the window and saw Miss Jean watering her flowers. “I think I will.” Standing up, I smiled at Dad. “You mind watching the kids for a few?”

“Nope.” He popped another chip into his mouth.

I slipped out the side door to the garage and walked across the yard to the fence. “Hey Miss Jean!”

“Well hello there, Jo.” She stopped the hose. “How’s your day going?”

“My van died. My ex won’t stop calling. And Richard didn’t know I was home.”

She smiled. “He didn’t?”

“You knew I was home.” I leaned on the fence.

“Why don’t you come on over and we’ll sit in the cool house with a glass of lemonade.”

“Homemade?”

“Is there any other kind?” She dropped the hose and walked towards her garage.

I strolled back towards the house and went through my garage. The gentle breeze fluttered my hair, and I got a whiff of myself.

Breast milk, peanut butter, and B.O.

“That’s attractive, Jo.” I chuckled to myself.

Note to self: take a shower before Richard picks us up.

I walked through the yards to get to their house and as I rounded the corner of their house, Petey and Sophie ran over greeting me.

“Bawrooo.” The half husky girl did a dance for me.

“Hello to you too, Sophie.”

I paused, petting them both, and then they led me into the garage to the door leading into the mudroom.

Miss Jean sat at the table with two tall glasses of lemonade and a small plate of cookies. “Have a seat for a few.”

I sat down and looked around awkwardly feeling like I forgot something.

“When you get used to the little ones being around, it’s weird being alone.” She took a sip of her drink.

I let out a sigh and sat back. “It really is.”

She reached for a cookie and let me sit in the silence. After a minute passed by, I twisted my lips and looked at her.

“Jolynn. I held you as an infant. I know your moods. Spit it out.”

“You stayed.”

Jean nodded. “I did.”

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