Page 116 of Rainstorm

“Ariel, let’s just go get more coffee.”

She understands that I cannot leave until I’ve seen for myself how Chase is, and that his mother feels exactly the same way. It’s pointless going home since we wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway. So no one is going anywhere.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” my mother-in-law says after several hours. It’s almost dawn and I can see the sky turning different shades of pink through the window.

Nora moves her chair right up close to me, to avoid being overheard by Ariel and my mother.

“I never thought Chase would continue with this nonsense about getting a divorce. I always thought it was ridiculous.”

“You knew about that?”

“I only found out recently. Chase kept everything to himself, just like his father always used to. I didn’t even know about his diagnosis until I overheard him talking with Zeph.”

She hugs me tight. I love this woman, she has been a blessing in my life.

“I’m so glad you’ve overcome this crisis. Chase acted like a fool, but a fool in love.”

“I’m still not sure, Nora.” And that’s the truth. “I only found out about his ALS diagnosis today, and I still can’t take in what has happened.”

“And yet here you are, still here for him, just as it should be.”

“Nora, I’m here because it’s the right thing to do. But I have to say that in all honesty, I’m still not sure in my heart that your son and I have a future together.”

“I understand that you’re hurt, Rose. But don’t act too hastily, think things through with a cool head.”

“I don’t think this is really the time or place, Nora.” I’m politely telling my mother-in-law to butt out, I’ll be making my own decisions in my own good time. Just me.

She gives me a sad look, but she gets what I’m saying and backs off.

“I’m going to get something to eat,” I announce, getting up from the chair. As I head to the door I feel Nora’s gaze on my back. I can’t help it, she wants one thing while I’m not sure what I want. I need some time to clear my head and I won’t be pressured.

“I’ll come with you.” Ariel also jumps from her chair, but I put my hand up to stop her as I want to be alone. She gets the message, loud and clear. “Or perhaps I’ll stay here, I have some bubble gum in my bag. You want some?”

My mother’s eyes almost pop out of her head when she sees the crumpled pack Ariel offers her—she’s very picky.

“Thank you, but I’m fine,” she replies.

I soon as I’m in the hall, I take out my phone to make a call.

“Ariel told me what happened, about the accident,” Sawyer immediately says when he picks up. “So I’ve been expecting your call.”

“Sawyer, I need to talk to you about the divorce.”

“That figures, Rose. We can stop the process any time, or we can just postpone the court date. I’m sure the judge won’t oppose, knowing Holland is in the hospital.” He stops. “By the way, how did his surgery go?”

Ariel and her big mouth.

“Since it was spine surgery, we have to wait until he wakes up to see how successful it’s been, but everything went well as far as they can tell.”

“That must be a relief, I’m happy for you, Roselynn,” he says. “You know that I’m here for you if you need anything, anything at all, either as your lawyer or your friend.”

“Thank you, Sawyer. Can I talk to you, ask your advice on something? I don’t want to leave the hospital, and I know it’s a work day and you’re going to the office in a while…”

“No worries, I’ll come straight over. What hospital are you in and where shall I meet you?” I give him directions, and he says be over in a while.

With each passing minute I’m more convinced about what I should do. I can’t go back, but I can’t move forward either knowing that I’m walking on thin ice.

???

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