Page 100 of Stone
On this beautiful morning, I had a mug of steaming hot coffee in my hand.
The rainbow of colors muted against the last glimpse of the moon and stars was picture perfect.
The light breeze was tickling my skin while just being warm enough to keep goosebumps from popping down my arms and legs.
Yet I wasn’t at peace, nor did I feel anything at all. I was completely numb inside.
I’d remained awake all night, cradling my knees while I’d sobbed and lingered in bouts of fury. I had no idea what to think or how to feel any longer. I’d seen the anger and distrust in Stone’s eyes.
The hatred.
I’d lost him for good all because of lies.
As I leaned my head on my bent knees, I studied the ocean.
At least I wasn’t alone.
A single surfer was out in the cresting waves, his ride magical in the sense he seemed as one with the surf. I’d watched Stone for fifteen minutes, nursing the cup of coffee while contemplating what to say to him.
Thankfully, I’d been able to lose myself in his talented ride. Maybe it would be short lived, but after the rough night, I’d needed a little respite. I hugged my arms, finally shivering fromthe early morning chill. Or maybe my blood was just thin. I’d nursed the drink for a full hour after hiding behind closed doors, trying to calm my nerves.
My son had appeared.
My son.
The baby boy I hadn’t been able to hold in my arms, the tiny creature I’d begged to see, but had been told something was wrong. I’d called for the doctors, demanding I be allowed to see him. A nurse had threatened to restrain me if I didn’t calm down.
My mother hadn’t been able to look me in the eyes and I’d thought that was because she was distraught. No, she’d lied to me just like my father did.
That’s because my father had sold my son to another family. My guess was Tyler’s adopted mother was good friends with my dad. Why would my own father do that to me?
I closed my eyes, sucking back another round of sadness. My eyes burned from the number of tears that had fallen and my heart couldn’t ache any more than it already was. How could my father do something so despicable?
Another tear fell and I wiped at it roughly. Now wasn’t the right time to allow my mind and my heart to be devoured by emotions.
Yet everything was surreal, every memory brought to the surface once again.
When I opened my eyes again, Stone was walking toward the shore, the surfboard under his right arm, the cord still attached to his ankle. He tossed his wet hair from side to side and in thereflection of the light, I captured beads of water as they were pitched on both sides.
If only I had my camera with me.
When he finally noticed me sitting on the beach, he stopped walking for a few seconds. Shadows crossed his face making it impossible to read his expression, but I could feel an entirely different level of electricity than before.
He straightened to his full height, resuming heading toward the house. I was certain he planned on passing right by without saying a word. How could he not be furious with me? I’d deceived him. Not entirely on purpose, but if only I’d had the time to tell him about what I’d thought was a tragedy. If only.
But I couldn’t turn back time. I couldn’t try to explain what had no definitive answers. My father had left two messages and tried four other times to get me on the phone.
I’d ignored all of them.
What the hell could the man say to me that would make a damn bit of difference? Nothing. Not a single thing.
I turned my head away when Stone drew close, fearful I’d turn into a sobbing mess while he walked by. The rustle of sand and a slight thump drew my attention.
His presence was almost ominous, and both the rush of adrenaline and the tremendous electricity was too much for me. I hiccupped, something I’d done as a child when I was nervous.
I’d grown out of the reaction years before.
“You’re adorable when you hiccup.”
