Page 53 of Forgiving Fate

One step at a time.

Shifting in my chair and placing the phone on speaker, resting it on my knee, “Are you celebrating today with anyone?” I ask.

“Nope. Just hanging out in my apartment. I never heard from you or Mama and Papa Evans, so I stayed home. Where are they, by the way? They haven’t answered my calls for a while.”

Panic and hurt hits me like a devastating wave and I take a few deep breaths.

I can do this. I need to do this. He deserves to know.

“I–I really hate to do this over the phone, but I think you deserve to know.” I can’t look at my phone. Even though his face isn’t on the screen, I still can’t brave even looking at his name as I say my next words.

“Allie…”

“I-I’m so sorry, Harrison, but they passed away a few months ago. I’m very sorry I didn’t call you, I just kinda…fell inside my grief.”

Tears brim my eyes and I force them away.

Silence fills the phone for a few moments, and then I hear the telltale sign of someone trying to hide their sobs. My chest constricts and the tears I tried to keep at bay break free.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t call. Everything just got way too freaking hard and crazy. I couldn’t even fucking think. I can barely look atmy phone or hold a conversation. I am so freaking sorry. I know you loved them and they loved you like a son.”

“Don’t you dare apologize. You lost the two people that love you most in the world. I don’t matter in the slightest. I am so sorry. Does Lolo know?” His voice is full of sorrow and hurt, and I know he is hurting right along with me. But his words smack me in the face.

Logan does know, and for the first time in months, I feel a little piece of my love for my best friend coming back together. Harrison didn’t say anything other than mention her name, and it feels like a monumental moment.

Logan was the catalyst for why my life was forever altered, but she had no idea what was coming. And I still can’t look her in the eyes or speak to her. But at this moment, I want nothing more than to be okay enough to run to her and wrap her in my arms. I want all three of us to come together and, just for a few minutes, miss the two souls that held us together and created a blended and beautiful family.

“She knows,” I say through the lump in my throat.

“Geez Al. I am so sorry. I wish I could hug both of y’all.”

“Me too. They really loved you both, Harrison. They were always so, so proud of you and Lo.”

“Shit. I can’t…I don’t…Um how did it happen? You don’t have to answer at all if it’s too hard.”

I knew this question was coming, but dammit, how do I do this without telling the full truth that I am not even ready to face?

“They uh–there was a break in at the cabin they were renting in New York for vacation. The man was a complete psycho, and he killed them.”

“I–I have no idea what to even say other than I’m so freaking sorry.”

Wiping tears away, I nod as if he can see me, “It’s not okay, but hopefully one day it won’t hurt as bad. I’m sorry I had to tell you this way.”

“No, don't be. Did they catch the guy? I’m surprised I never saw anything on the news. Usually something like that would pop up somewhere.”

“They were vacationing in Upstate New York. Not many major news outlets around. But no, they didn’t catch him. He died before they could catch him.”

Harrison gasps. “He died? How?”

“Not sure, honestly. I just was told he died and didn’t ask questions.”

“Oh. Don’t blame you.” He is silent for a moment, then continues, “So Logan knows?”

“Yep.”

“Good. Is that where you have been? With her?”

Now that is not a story I can easily work my way around without telling most of the truth.

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