Page 92 of Right in Front of You

CARTER

I grippedthe steering wheel for the first time since the accident. My fingers wrapped around the smooth leather as I remembered the joy of freedom. Finally, capable of being more self-sufficient each day, I was beginning to feel like a man again.

“Are you sure you’re all right?” I asked Molly, as we stepped out of my brother’s car. He had lent it to us for the weekend so we could drive to Hope Bay to celebrate our mother’s birthday. While I thought Molly would object to returning to Hope Bay, she didn’t even say a word. For the past few days, it was as if she were somewhere else, lost in her thoughts.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just been a stressful week at work.”

“I’m sorry. Lots of patients?”

“More like, difficult cases, ya know.”

Far in the distance, dark clouds closed in on our town. Molly jumped out of the car as soon as I parked it in front of my parent’s house.

“Something’s the matter and you’re not telling me what it is.” I stopped her before we entered the house. “Molly, look at me.” I held her by her shoulders, forcing her gaze to connect with mine.

“I’m fine.”

“Translation: I don’t want to tell you what’s wrong.”

“I don’t want to ruin the dinner, but if you do insist on the details, I promise to tell you everything after dinner. I promise,” she added.

“Hmm, I think that’s the best deal I’m gonna get, so I’ll take it. As long as you’re okay.”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

I shook my head, then kissed the top of her head before guiding us both inside, the ‘I’m fine’ response not sitting well in my stomach. The smell of baked rhubarb and strawberry pie hit me first, causing my mouth to instantly water. It was my mother’s best recipe. If I had to bet, I’d say that she wanted to impress Molly.

“Hi, Molly. Welcome.” My mother dove in first for the loving embrace and squeezed Molly as if she were her own daughter. The smile on Molly’s face made my mouth curve as well.

“Thank you.” She handed a bunch of wildflowers to my mother. “These are for you.”

“Thank you so much. That’s very sweet of you.”

“Can I help with anything?”

“No, you’re the guest today, so take a seat and relax. From what I hear, you’ve had quite a week.”

My ears perked up at my mother’s comment. From the corner of my eye I saw Molly’s smile fade. My father walked into the room. We shook hands, and he greeted Molly with a kiss on each cheek.

“How are you holding up, Molly? The chief tells me that you’ve filed a restraining order against your father.”

“What?” I asked. “When did this happen? Not that I’m against it.”

“It’s just precautionary,” she said, taking a seat at the table.

“I hope you two are taking his threats seriously,” my father added.

“What threats?”

Silence buzzed in my ears. I felt my parent’s eyes on me and Molly, who lowered her head.

“John, why don’t we give them a moment to talk before dinner?”

Instead of answering me, Molly stared at the center vase full of wild flowers. I turned my chair toward her, then pulled on hers, twisting it so that she would face me. I had to see her eyes. I had to know how bad it had gotten during the week and if it had, then why didn’t she tell me earlier? The chair legs scraped against the wooden floor, startling Molly. I sighed and gently lifted her chin with my finger to meet my gaze. “What happened?”

“On Wednesday, he came to the hospital, drunk.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

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