Page 30 of Sins of the Flesh
"Caleb," she says, her voice honey-sweet as she closes the door behind her."I wanted to thank you personally for such a lovely event."
"Thank you, Charlotte, but Ally did all the work."I reply, remaining seated, hoping she'll take the hint and leave.Instead, she moves closer, perching on the edge of my desk.The scent of her expensive perfume fills the air between us.
"Always so humble," Charlotte smiles, leaning forward slightly."But I know how much work you put into this community.It's one of the things I admire most about you."I shift uncomfortably in my chair, rolling it back slightly to create more distance between us."It's my calling," I say simply.
Charlotte's perfectly manicured fingers trace patterns on my desk as she studies me."You seem...troubled tonight, Caleb.Anything you want to talk about?Mayor-to-priest confidentiality?"She smiles, attempting humor.
"I'm fine, just tired," I lie, avoiding her probing gaze."It's been a long day."She inches closer just as a knock sounds at the door.Before Charlotte can respond, the door opens and Ally steps in, her eyes quickly taking in the scene before her.Her expression remains neutral, but I can see the slight tightening around her mouth.
"There you are," she says, her voice light but firm."I've been looking everywhere for you two.We're starting the cleanup, and I could use some help with the heavy lifting."
Charlotte straightens, her smile never faltering, though something cold flashes in her eyes."Of course, Ally.I was just thanking Caleb for such a wonderful evening."She slides off my desk with graceful precision, smoothing her dress."I should find George anyway.He's probably wondering where I've disappeared to."
As Charlotte exits, her perfume lingering in her wake, Ally closes the door behind her and leans against it.The silence between us is heavy with unspoken words.
"Thanks for the rescue," I say quietly, once we're alone.Ally's eyes soften as she crosses the room to stand before me."What's got you hiding in your office?Did she drag you in here?”
“No nothing like that, just needed a minute.”I smile weakly at her and she squeezes my shoulder.“Shall we get back to work?”
“As long as you're okay,” I nod and we link hands and head back to the party.Truth is I don't know if I’m okay I don't know anything anymore.
Sixteen
Cole
Dancing in the Sky - Dani and Lizzy
A
fter a long day at work, I trudged through the front door of my house feeling exhausted."Mom?"I call out, expecting to see her in the living room.No response.As usual, I glance to my left and see Dad's empty spot at the table with his untouched plate of food from lunch still sitting there.
I take the plate and quickly eat the contents while standing at the kitchen counter, I then wash and dry it and the silverware putting them away.The house seems particularly quiet today; usually Mom is settled on the couch, crocheting and watching her favorite shows.Maybe she went out and forgot to tell me?That is unlikely, but it could have happened.
I climb the stairs, my boots heavy on each step.A muffled sound catches my attention as I reach the top.Pausing, I strain to listen.There it is again - a soft sob coming from my parents' bedroom.My heart clenches as I approach the partially open door."Mom?"I call out softly, pushing it open.
The sight that greets me breaks my heart.Mom is curled up on Dad's side of the bed, clutching his pillow to her chest.Her body shakes with each quiet sob."Oh, Mom," I breathe, rushing to her side.I sit on the edge of the bed, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder."What's wrong?"
She looks up at me, her eyes red and puffy."It's...it's your father's birthday today," she manages between hiccupping breaths.The realization hits me like a punch to the gut.How could I have forgotten?
I feel a wave of guilt wash over me.I wrap my arms around my mom, pulling her close.She buries her face in my chest, her tears soaking through my shirt.
"I'm so sorry, Mom," I whisper, my own eyes stinging."I should have remembered."She shakes her head against me.
"It's okay, sweetie.It just...it hit me harder than I expected today."She sniffles against my chest.
We sit in silence for a while, holding each other.The room is filled with memories of Dad - his cologne still lingers faintly on his pillow, and his reading glasses rest on the nightstand as if he'd just set them down.
Finally, Mom pulls back, wiping her eyes leaning against the wall.“I-I know you think I'm crazy,” she says, and I look at her, taken aback.
“No mom…” I try to protest.
“Hush now and let an old woman talk, would you.”I nod, chastised.“I know you think I'm crazy for leaving a plate of food out for Daddy, sleeping in the guest room to leave my bedroom as it was when he left us.”The last word causes another sob, and she takes a breath.
“I know you clean up the dishes and eat the food.I'm not crazy.It just makes me feel closer to him.The first time I did it was an accident, and I admit I nearly fell apart when I realized how comfortable it was.”She looks at me, her eyes sadder than I have seen in a long time, and I understand now why.
“I know it's not healthy, living in the past, turning this place into a shrine.But I haven't yet figured out how to let him go.”She lets out with another sob.I squeeze her shoulder gently, encouraging her.As much as it hurts to see her suffering, I know her talking about it is necessary.
“William was my everything,” she says, her voice stilted and shaky.“When he left, I wasn't sad; I was angry.I felt betrayed.Of course, that is entirely irrational, but the reality of the pain was too much to bear.”
