Page 64 of Our Unexpected Beginning
“Oh. Yeah.” The words stung, and Julia looked away, unable to stop herself from shrinking internally. Her sizenever bothered her, and it was her mother’s main focus and a bone of contention.
Julia didn’t hate her stretch marks, and she embraced the few her pregnancy brought. They symbolized growth for not only her child but for herself.
“We’re a sweet potato for a few more days.”
Cassandra looked at Graham with obvious confusion.
“We have been keeping track with a fruit and veggie of the week.”
“It started out as a joke.”
“It’s supposed to help give you reference to the baby’s size.”
“Charming.” Cassandra looked at Julia. “It’s not all fruits and games you know. Being your mother is exhausting.”
“Oh yes, I forgot, the awkward kid who never fit into your bubble.”
“Now what isthatsupposed to mean, Julia Lynn?”
“That you’re a mother to the wrong children. I was always your weird kid, right? The one you didn’t understand? I got a college scholarship to design school. But it was stupid, wasn’t it? That’s why you told them I wouldn’t be coming because it would severely affect my mental health that I wasn’t in a good place!”
“I was protecting you! Your brother was just in an accident. You were broken.”
“Why mom, did you forget what you asked me?”
“I–I,” she stammered. “I wanted your support. You’re my daughter. Of course I wanted to keep you close and safe.”
“Is that why I had to alter my clothes so they fit right because you didn’t see the value in buying them when you could shame me from eating. Because I was too heavy to be in pretty clothes. I heard you. I ate your bullshit for years and I don’t know how or why Aunt Elaine puts up with it as much as I have. But I’m done.”
“I don’t know where you get your rudeness from.”
Graham stood behind Julia and rested his hand on her shoulder, he leaned in and spoke softly. “Whatever you need, I’m here.” He squeezed her shoulder in reassurance.
“You know what, I’m not doing this. I came to help my aunt and now that we’re done it’s time to leave.”
“Cass, I wish you would stop. I don’t understand why you two are always fighting.” Aunt Elaine turned to Julia and rested her hand on her arm. “You don’t have to stay considerate where you don’t get consideration.”
“I don’t know how you manage to always get my sister to take your side.” Cassandra snidely remarked.
“There shouldn’t be sides, Mom.”
“You’ve become so difficult.”
“Please let this be a reminder on why I didn’t tell you until now. I have a garden of red flags that I should have paid attention to sooner.”
“Please,” Aunt Elaine sighed. “Devin wouldn’t want all this fighting, he loved you both.”
“Tragedy’s change people, sister.” Cassandra sighed with a modicum of sympathy. “I don’t think you understand what it’s like to lose–”
“Stop. Don’t you dare talk to Aunt Elaine that way.” Julia’s heart raced and she closed her eyes, her hands balled into fists. “I’m not doing this anymore. It’s time to tell the truth.”
“Pregnancy really has made you delusional. You should see a doctor about that.”
“Stop!” Julia felt like she was swallowing nails. Her eyes burned but she refused to cry. “It wasn’t an accident, Mother, don’t you understand? The pedestal you shoved him onto… us. There’s no way anyone could live up to your standards. He wanted to be a Marine, but it wasn’t what you wanted. He just had to be a doctor or you couldn’t live with yourself. You pushed and pushed.”
The older woman’s mouth opened, and for once, no sound came out. Her jaw bobbed, and her face flushed red. “Stop!”
“But Devin’s death wasn’t an accident, and until you admit it to yourself and everyone else, maybe one of us will finally be able to move on.”
