Page 81 of Revealing Mark
It was Sunday and I was intending to go around to my parents’ place, but I wasn’t ready to see Mark just yet. It still hurt too much, but I had no choice. Maybe it was better to get it over and done with instead of avoiding him, as it may make it worse. Although I couldn’t imagine feeling worse than I already did.
I made sure I was early so I was able to see my parents before my siblings and Mark arrived. My mom was so happy to see me, the moment I entered the house she had hugged me tightly while weeping silently. No words had been needed.
I had also come to the conclusion that there was nothing that could be done to change the past so I had to make peace with it even though there was still leftover anger and sadness I was still trying to work through.
Maggie had sent over the picture of me that I had admired and notified me that once I had enough space she would send some more over. I had hung it up in my living room, feeling a closeness to a stranger each time I studied it.
The painting made me feel something about myself that kept me pushing forward even when at times I wanted to curl into a ball and admit defeat.
Seated beside my mom in the kitchen, we had a cup of coffee and talked, but I didn’t want to talk about the secret she had kept from me. Instead, I found myself telling her about Maggie and my half-brothers.
“I’m not sure your brother will like the competition,” my mom said with a knowing smile.
I laughed. “I’m sure he’ll cope.”
Nothing could replace the relationship we had. The relationships I was building with Sebastian and Cole would be different. Matthew I knew well but I was still getting to know my half-siblings.
“Is Matt coming?” I asked, not sure if he had changed his mind.
“He said he was.” My mom’s voice was strained. I leaned closer and placed my hand over hers.
“He’ll come around.”
If I could show him I had put it behind me then he would find it easier to come to terms with it himself. I was sure of it. I heard the front door open and close. I felt a moment of nervousness but was relieved to hear Sophie’s voice.
She was happy to see me seated at the kitchen table when she entered. “It’s good to see you.”
“You too,” I murmured, getting up to hug her.
Only a few minutes later the sound of the door opening made me stand. It was probably Matthew.
I smiled when he entered and Sarah followed behind, holding his hand.
He gave me a dimpled smile when his eyes settled on mine and I rushed over to hug him. “You came.”
“For you,” he breathed into my hair.
“You don’t know how much it means,” I whispered, feeling overcome for a few moments.
He pulled away and studied me. “How are you doing?”
I swallowed my heartache. “I’m good.”
He didn’t look entirely convinced but let it go. While I greeted Sarah, Matthew walked over to our parents. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him hug them.
It felt like something had been repaired. In that moment, I felt a sense of completion. Even though things with Mark would be complicated, the weight I had carried since discovering the truth about Robert lessened.
This time when the front door sounded, I knew it was Mark, since it couldn’t be anyone else. My heart galloped like it was going to break free from my chest but I refused to look up when I heard him enter the kitchen.
Even when he greeted everyone, I couldn’t lift my eyes to meet his. Just the sound of his voice and his presence was enough to make me feel raw again.
“I need to talk to you,” Mark said in the direction of my brother. I snuck a look in to see my brother nod. His chair scraped back as he rose.
Mark exited the kitchen into the backyard and Matthew followed. I couldn't help feeling curious about what they had to talk about. Mark had sounded super serious, although he was rarely anything but.
I nursed my coffee, refusing to allow myself to be concerned with what was going on outside. It was none of my business.
It was only when I heard the raised voice of my brother that I followed Sophie and Sarah to the back door. My parents were just behind us.
