Page 94 of Claws and Feathers

But she needed to face her. She needed to say goodbye.

Abby wrapped her fingers around the steering wheel as she sat in the driveway. Anxiety bubbled in her belly when she looked over at the front of Kate’s house. Cupcake mewled from her carrier in the backseat, encouraging Abby to do what she needed to do.

Deep breath.

She exited her car on wilting feet, the lump in her throat growing larger by the second. As she stood on Kate’s front stoop, fonder memories washed over her. The last time she’d been there was for Game Night. There had been laughter and flirting and blossoming friendships. Everything had beengood. Fun. There was a whispering promise in the air of brighter days ahead. There was hope for a new life with new friends and new relationships.

Abby sighed. Nothing good ever stayed.

She tapped lightly against the screen and waited. Rustling and movement could be heard through the door, and Abby’s nerves peaked. She wrung her hands together as Kate finally pulled the door open.

They stared at each other for a moment. It looked as if Kate were registering Abby’s physical presence, like the notion was too far-fetched to be true.

“Hey,” Abby finally said, unable to concoct a more profound greeting.

Kate stood there, propped up against a cane in her right hand. She used her other hand to push open the screen and step outside. “I didn’t think you’d come by.”

Abby moved backwards, giving Kate space to join her on the front walkway. Abby’s eyes drifted to the cane, prompting her heart to twist with sorrow. “I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner,” she replied ruefully.

“Yeah. Me, too.”

Abby ducked her head with guilt. “I wanted to. I just… couldn’t. I couldn’t face you, and I know that makes me a coward, and I know you probably hate me, but I couldn’t face everything that happened. Everything I put you through.”

Kate studied her through stoic eyes, her face unreadable. “I don’t hate you.”

Abby glanced up at her friend. Kate didn’t look well – her hair was stringy and unwashed, her skin pasty, her body frail. She had a distinct look in her eyes that Abby recognized well. It was the look of someone who had suffered. “I’m so sorry, Kate. I’m so sorry about James.” Her voice caught on his name and tears rushed to her eyes.

“You didn’t do it.”

It was a quick response – a simple response.

It was as if it were the only response.

Abby felt flustered. “You don’t know the whole story, Kate.”

“I was there,” she countered. “You didn’t do it.”

Abby sucked in a breath and nodded her head. She would allow Kate to believe that. It was easier that way. “I, um… I also wanted to tell you that I’m leaving. I’m going to be staying with my brother while I work through everything,” she explained, monitoring Kate’s expression closely. Still unreadable. Abby tried to lighten the mood. “Now that I know Ryan isn’t a heroin addict, and only avoided me for years because he was paid to by our grandmother who was trying to protect me from a horrible secret…”Another deep breath.“Well, I guess we have a lot of lost time to make up for.”

Kate swapped her cane to her opposite hand and shifted her weight. “How long will you be gone?” she wondered.

“I’m not sure. However long it takes, I guess.”

“Is my brother okay?”

Abby’s mind flashed to the dock. She was certain the heartbreaking look in Cooper’s eyes would forever haunt her. No, he wasn’t okay.

Nobody was okay.

“I think he’ll need time to process everything,” Abby responded. “It wasn’t an easy decision.”

Kate pursed her lips together. “I see.” She was noticeably unconvinced as she sighed and averted her eyes. “Well, take care of yourself, Abby. I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for.”

She was about to turn around, but Abby stopped her. “Wait. I – I have something for you.” Abby reached into her pocket and pulled out a check. “Here.”

Kate took it with tentative fingers. She frowned, then blinked in astonishment as she analyzed the dollar amount. “What is this?”

“It’s for you. For your medical bills. Whatever you want.”

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