Page 18 of Redeeming Heart

I slipped the card into my pants pocket even though I thought about ripping it to shreds and throwing away but I couldn’t convince my hands to obey.

Aunt Maggie dropped me off after my shift and I was grateful that she didn’t push me to rethink the coach’s offer. She at least understood that healing takes time.

Everyone was except for Meredith was asleep when I got home. For a second, I paused when our eyes met. I was aware of the struggles I’ve put her through since she arrived and she already had a tough past with her ex-husband and all.

Mom would have called her strong if she was still alive. We all had battles of our own and Meredith was still fighting hers every single day with the knowledge that Jonah’s father is a murderer and they survived his wrath.

My father could at least give her a better life where she can give Jonah something he never had.

I dropped my things at the door and kicked off my shoes before heading over to the kitchen where she was seated working on dad’s laptop.

“I don’t know if it is too late to eat but I made you dinner.” She said, avoiding me.

I made it pretty clear that I didn’t want her here. “Does Jonah tell you about what is going on at practice and school?” He is supposed to. I never hid a thing from my mother and we used to speak for hours. She always knew the right thing to say to make me feel better.

“No, why?” She asked, raising her head.

It was probably not my place but she had to know that her son has talent and he can’t waste it. “Jonah has serious talent and he is throwing it away because of bullies.” Her eyes widened.

“He told you?”

I shook my head. “I can see a bully from a mile away and spending time at the rink watching him practice, witnessing what his teammates are doing to him.”

She dragged her hand over her face. “That’s why he has all of those bruises.” She muttered.

“I just thought it was part of falling because he was still getting the hang of his skates.”

“That’s why the coach called me but I thought Jonah decided that it wasn’t for him.”

My mother was the complete opposite of her. She never let anything slide and she believed to talk about everything, and trust meant everything to her.

“I don’t want to tell you how to raise your kid because I am not a mother, but Jonah needs you. More than you know.” He is supposed to go up to her and talk his heart out.

I grabbed my dinner and headed up to my room when I saw Jonah sitting on the top of the stairs. “Did I just break bro-code?” I asked, wondering if he was going to make a big fuss.

“I expected you to tell on me.” He admitted.

“The magazines.” He clarified when I didn’t understand.

“You didn’t break our deal- not yet, anyway.” He chuckled but it was half-hearted.

I sighed and sat down next to him on the step. “You are not the only one who is struggling to form a bond with your father.” He confessed.

“My mom has never been the same since your father locked mine behind bars. Your father at least makes her smile and laughs, and I am happy for her.” He explained.

“What about you, though? Are you really happy? Not for your mom or my dad’s sake but yours?” I asked.

“I know you hate the thought of your dad and my mom getting married, but I am happy because I got a sister out of this. Not the best kind but still someone pretty awesome.” I smiled at him and playfully bump his shoulder with mine.

“You are not bad yourself,” I said, standing up and ready to go to bed.

“Sasha,” I looked at him and caught him looking at me with eyes almost begging. “Do you think you can help me become a better player?” I frowned.

“You want me to teach you how to play?” He nodded, standing up.

“I want to become as fearless as you out there. Work on my strikes and can teach those doorknobs not to mess with me.” I chuckled at his remark.

“I will see what I can do to help you out but I am not a big fan of ice hockey and I am not sure if the plays work the same.”

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