Page 84 of The Blue Rose
“Mom wanted it that way; we made sure you were gone every time Sharon came over. She didn’t want to confuse or hurt you with what she wanted for us.”
It makes sense, but keeping it from me made me hate him, made me think he was betraying Mom and her memory. I snatch my hands from his, crossing my arms over my chest. “Why did you let me hate you?”
He smiles softly. “We do what’s best for our kids, and letting you hate me, forgetting everything that happened, was what was best for you. When you have kids one day, you’ll understand. You will do anything and everything to protect them.”
“Sharon knows what happened?”
“Who do you think knew what to do with the body?”
I fall into my chair, mouth parted, eyes wide, and staring at my dad.Holy fuck.Sharon was the one to help my dad get rid of the evidence? Why would she do that?If we got caught, we would all go to jail.She must really love my dad.I still don’t believe you can have more than one soulmate, but I’m glad Dad and Sharon found one another through mom. It’s going to take me some time to get used to seeing them together, but if mom was the one who orchestrated the whole thing, then I can accept her. Especially since she was risking jail time for me.
“She did?”
Sharon walks into the room, startling me. “I did it for you, Serena, and your dad. I knew you were hurting. I heard stories from your mom about how Jessica treated you, and I don’t blame you for snapping.”
She stands behind my dad placing her hands on his shoulders. He squeezes her hand, resting his head back on her hip. “I know you don’t know me, but I knew you through your parents. I loved you without ever meeting you; that’s why I wanted to protect you.” She walks over to me, a hesitant smile on her face. “May I?” She reaches her hands out, asking to hold mine. I hold my hands up for her to take. “I will neverevertry to replace your mom. I will never be her or as amazing as she was, but I hope, one day, you will love me as I love you. I know you’renot my daughter by blood, but, in my heart, you’re my child.I could never have any children of my own.Your mom knew that, hoping we could be there for one another after she passed once you were ready. Then everything happened, and I knew your mind was playing tricks on you. I begged your father to tell you, but he was scared you’d snap again, so we decided, together, to let you hate us.” She squeezes my hands tighter. “I hope now you know the truth, we can get through all of this together and form the relationship your father and I want with you. Be a real family. A new family.”
I stand up, and she pulls me into her arms. Dad comes over and hugs both of us, tears shed between us.
“I’m sorry,” I weep.
She runs her hand down the back of my head, the caress welcomed this time. “Oh, sweetie, there is nothing to be sorry for. We’ve spent so much time being sorry for the what ifs, let's spend the rest of our time being happy.”
I bob my head up and down on her chest. I look up and sniffle, “Thank you.” Looking behind her at my dad, I give him a watery smile. “You, too.” We stand like that, embraced in one another, as the sun starts to set.
“How did you know what to do with the body?” I ask, holding onto them both.
Sharon smiles down at me. “This isn’t my first rodeo.” My eyebrows shoot up, tilting my head, she laughs. “That’s a story for another time.”
Dad just smiles, staring at her with admiration. I look back and forth between the two, wondering what hidden secret is being shared. Dad pats and rubs my head. “I promise one day we will tell you everything.”
Not wanting to unpack anything else, I eye them suspiciously, but agree.
Their secrets will be revealed all in good time.
“Can I help with anything?”I ask, rubbing the towel over the ends of my hair, now in pajamas. After three days I needed a shower. Staying stuck in that room was making me ripe. Once the hot water hit me, I felt the weight of everything lessen and wash down the drain. Sharon said she was going to make her famous baked ziti for dinner, but she used cottage cheese since none of us like ricotta. I’ve never had baked ziti before because it is always made with ricotta, but I can’t wait to try it.
She pulls the pan from the oven, placing it on the stove. “If you can set the table, that would be great.”
“I can do that.” Keeping busy and being useful is actually helping me heal. I’ve accepted what I did, but I haven’t accepted what I am. I may be in love with a killer, but that doesn't make me one. I haven't said the L-word back to him yet, but I will when I return. I honestly can’t wait to see Aster again; I’m going to pack up my things tonight and head home tomorrow. I’m starting to get withdrawals. Plus, I could use some cuddles. I snort, grabbing the dishes from the third cabinet I open.Who am I kidding; I need a good dicking.
I set the table, and Sharon brings the ziti over. We all gather around and load up our plates.
The moment the food hits my tongue, I’m sent to tastebud heaven, I close my eyes, letting out an appreciative moan. “Oh my God, Sharon, I’m going to need this recipe. Aster would love this.”
She smirks and her eyebrows lift in success. “I’ll be happy to give it to youifyou tell me who Aster is.”
Dad drops his fork and cocks an eyebrow. “Yes, Serena, do tell us who this Aster is.”
I laugh.These two are so funny. “Aster’s my boyfriend.”
Sharon squeals, which startles me. “You have a boyfriend! Where did you meet? How old is he? How long have you two been seeing one another? What’s his job?”
I raise my hands up, feeling overwhelmed with their reaction, but excited to talk about Aster to someone who isn’t made up in my head. “Woah, woah, woah! Yes, I do. We met at a book bar. He's thirty-two. We’ve been seeing each other for three months, and he’s an entrepreneur.”
“Entrepreneur; so he doesn't have any money?” My dad scoffs. “Sounds like a winner.”
Sharon smacks him, shooting him a scathing look. “As long as he treats her right, and they’re happy, be nice.”
