Page 142 of Steps

“I saw how much it broke your heart to end things.The way you cried for him while clinging to Ali. I figured if you were likethat, then I wanted to check on Varen. Saw him in the parking lot. He was inbad shape.”

Uneasy, I shift on the bench and stare across thestreet. “It had to be done,” I murmur, still trying to convince myself.

“The truth is, that’s why I’ve been avoiding you.It’s clear you truly love each other and seeing the pain in your eyes makes mefeel so guilty for forcing you apart. But…”

I shrug. “It’s understandable that you can’tsupport us. You’re married to my mom.”

He nods. Silence settles between us for a moment.“You know, I’m actually terrified of seeing Varen. I’m sure he hates me morethan ever now.”

“No, he doesn’t.” I touch his arm. “Varen needsyou.”

“Perhaps he needs you more.” Daniel straightensfrom the bench and tosses the rest of the ice-cream into the trash nearby.“Let’s go home.”

My home is with Varen.

We walk back to the ice-cream shop. Danielpurchases a small tub of homemade coconut gelato for my mom before heading tothe house.

34

Saturday, I accompany Kenya and her dad to thefacility where they’re admitting Tracy.

They’ve left Kenya’s little brothers with a friendto shield them from this challenging moment.

It’s a sad time for the family, and I want to bethere for my best friend.

When we return to their apartment, she runs off toher bedroom and locks the door. I can hear her crying.

Mr. Jackson wipes his face with the palm of hishand. He says to me in a dull tone, “Thanks for coming with us, Toya. But justgive her time. Yeah?”

I nod. “Of course. Please tell Kenya to call mewhen she wants to talk.”

“Sure.” He walks me to the door and waves as I headout. Maybe I’m no use to anyone right now.

Back at the house later, I skim through thelibrary for a book to escape into.

I’ve been curious aboutThe Time Traveler’sWifefor a while now, so I consider it fate to have come across it in thelate Mrs. Kirby’s collection.

Getting comfortable on the loveseat by the window,I open the book to begin reading, only to find a small envelope addressed toVaren waiting inside. My mouth drops when I turn it over. It’s from his mom. Ithasn’t been opened.

“Oh my God,” I mumble to myself.

I quickly stick it back inside the book and closeit at the sound of footsteps coming downstairs.

“Hey. Reading?” Daniel eyes the book in my hand.His smile wavers a tad. “Time Traveler’s Wife, that was my late wife’sfavorite.”

Which makes sense as to why she left the envelopeinside this one.

Should I tell him about it? What if it’s onlymeant for their son to find and no one else?

“Um, how’d it go with Varen the other day?” I comeout and ask, standing with the book before me.

He sticks his hands in his pockets. “Not good. Heasked me to leave the second he opened the door and saw me.”

My shoulders sag. “I’m sorry.”

Daniel shrugs. “I’ll keep trying.” He motions tothe library. “Don’t let me disturb you. I’m getting something to read as well.”He continues on his way.

Discreetly, I slip the envelope out and place thebook on the coffee table. Perhaps this last message from his mom will providesome closure and help Varen heal his heart once and for all.

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