Page 21 of The Sweetest Chirp

Ruby’s solemn expression makes me feel worse, and I look away, my chest aching. She clutches my chin in her fingers and forces me to look at her. “You need to go home.”

Her statement surprises me. “What?”

Her eyes burn with tears. “If my daughter were alive and did what you’ve done, I would have done anything to get her back. A mom shouldn’t be without her daughter. How would you feel if Arwen ran away from you—over a boy?”

Just the thought brings me such pain, I can’t draw in my next breath. I glance down at Arwen, and I know I’d be a shell of a woman without her. Is that how my mom feels? My dad?

Emotion burns my throat as I look back at Ruby.

“Damn,” I wheeze, pressing the heel of my hand into my chest. “Went for the jugular.”

“You know I don’t play.”

“You don’t understand,” I try to defend. “Our families are so close.”

“But you’re their baby,” she stresses, her eyes pleading with mine. “Go home.”

“They’re going to be so mad,” I say, choking on a sob. “I leave and stay gone for more than three years, and then show up with my daughter that I share with their best friends’ son? They’re going to rip me apart.”

“And you deserve it.”

“Ruby!” I gasp, but she shrugs, the picture of an honest woman.

“Tell me I’m wrong, but we know I’m not. You took off and left them to fear and worry for you. You deserve a good tongue-lashing, but Maria, it wouldn’t be for long. You’ll be home. They’ll have you back, and they get Arwen, to boot.” She squeezes my hand, and I look up, our gazes locking. “I bet if you called them right now, they’d come get you as fast as possible.” My heart clenches. I know they would.

I sniff, trying to hold back my emotions as I meet her gaze.

“And you’re wrong for keeping that baby from her daddy. I’m not trying to scare you, but that’s a whole different issue. The way he looks at you? At her? Jeez, Maria, you’ve dug yourself a mighty big hole. But he’s ready to dig you on out.”

“He broke my heart.”

She holds my gaze. “Tell me this, Maria. Do you feel good that you made him pay for that by keeping his little girl from him? By keeping Arwen from her dad?”

No, I don’t feel good about any of it. All I feel is pain, but it wasn’t my intention to hurt him, not like he hurt me. I was terrified and didn’t want to have to convince him that Arwen was his. I mean, he knew from the jump when he saw her, but it would have been different if I’d come home pregnant. It would have been embarrassing, him saying she wasn’t his, asking for a test. It would have been such a strain on our families, and it’s all still so much.

All I know is I feel more lost now than I did when I left.

Unable to vocalize that, I whisper, “My name is Audrina. Maria is my middle name.”

Ruby doesn’t even react; she only holds my hand tighter. “I don’t care what your name is. I only care about the woman before me. She is strong, she is resilient, and she is a damn good mother. You have given in to your fear for way too long. Feel it—but fight it, my love. Because you, Audrina Maria, are meant for more than this place, and so is Arwen. Go home.”

Before I can agree or make up another excuse, the door opens and Thatcher comes barreling in. He’s holding a pharmacy bag, but also a little Bluey plush. “Okay, so—” His words cut off when he sees I’m not alone. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He swallows hard, his shoulders falling as he walks toward me, handing me the bag.

Ruby stands, tucking her hands in her pockets. “Not at all. I need to apologize. I didn’t introduce myself downstairs. My name is Ruby.”

Thatcher holds out his hand. “Thatcher Orlov.” She takes it, and he gives her a weak but charming smile. “Thank you for taking care of my girls.”

Ruby looks back at me with a knowing look. I want to yell I’m not his, but this is already messy. He’s trying to be civil, so I need to do the same. “Hey, Audrina, I could use your help downstairs.”

I stand at that, but then I point to Arwen. “I can’t leave her here by herself.”

Ruby throws her thumb toward Thatcher. “Her daddy is here. He can watch over her.”

Before I can answer or even look at Thatcher, Arwen whines as she sits up. She looks around the room, her face still a bit flushed but not too bad.

Coming out of her slumber, her wide brown eyes focused only on me, she signs,Mommy, my ears hurt.

I know, my love,I sign back, sitting beside her.Can I give you some medicine to help?

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