Page 85 of Psycho

I swallow past the lump in my throat, and turn to my mom.

“Are you okay?”

Reaching up, my mom gently touches the bruises on my face, as she exhales a sad sigh.

“I hate that he did this to you, and I know, without asking, it wasn't the first time. I’m sorry.”

A tear rolls down my cheek, as she brushes it away with all the tenderness you’d expect a mother to have.

“I’m okay. Now, are you okay?”

She nods and admits, “I have a lot to make up for, and I will, but it’ll take time. I’m a work in progress. Some days are better than others, but I have the right doctors and therapist now. Thanks to Massimo.”

I look her over, like I’m checking for injuries, but it’s because I’m still having trouble believing that what’s in front of me is real.

“Mr. Bonetti didn’t-”

She holds her hand up, telling me to stop talking, and I do.

“We had bad information, and I think we both know that now. I’ve made so many mistakes, Hadley. You’re a stranger to me now, and that’s my doing. I hope you’ll let me at least try to fix things between us.”

We drink our coffee, and talk about everything past and present. It feels good to have my mother back. I don’t want to leave her here, but I know we can’t stay here all day.

I glance at Massimo with a questioning look, and as if he understands my thoughts, he nods slowly.

“Mom, we have to go see Mama Bonetti. Would you like to come? I’m sure she’d want to see you.”

I’m really not all that sure if that’s the truth, but I go with it anyway, hoping it’s the case.

She shakes her head no, and speaks after a sad smile crosses her face.

“No, honey. Not today. Baby steps, and today should be about you. I would like it if you’d go with me soon to your father’s grave.”

I nod. “And Michael’s.”

My mother sighs, with her hand over her heart.

“I will never forgive myself for not being his grandmother. I should have been there, but I was barely aware of anything outside of my grief.”

She’s not wrong, and I am not sure I’ll ever understand how it happened. How do you lose yourself like that, and all but forget you have a daughter who needs you?

Rising from my chair, I hug my mom.

“I love you. I’m glad you’re back where you belong.”

Massimo growls.

“This is not where she fucking belongs, and she’s moving, as soon as I find an appropriate house for her.”

Both my mother and I exchange a glance, but neither of us says a word. Leaving is hard, because I worry that, when I come back, things will be back the way they were. For now, I try to enjoy the gift he has given me.

“Thank you,” I whisper when we get back into the car.

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

PSYCHO

She has fidgeted for the entire drive, appearing nervous about seeing my mother. Hadley doesn’t realize she has nothing to worry about, unless hugs are a problem. My mother is likely to sweep her into her arms, and never let go. Mama felt the loss, when her mother took her away, more than any of us. She considered Hadley a daughter, and it took years for her to come to terms with it. As I pull in front of Bones and Athena’s house, she chews on her lip, riddled with anxiety, as I grab her hand, pull it to my lips, and kiss the back softly.

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