Page 14 of Words from the Heart
Chapter 11
Delilah managed to avoid Parker for two weeks. She made sure to stay upstairs or leave if he was here working on the house. Her emotions were all over the place. She couldn’t deny he made her heartbeat to a tune she’d never felt before. Plopping down in an oversized chair, Delilah pulled the wooden box towards her. She’d been so busy avoiding Parker that she hadn’t read any more. As she pulled the bundle out, she slipped the next one out and ripped open the paper.
My Dearest Delilah,
I can’t believe I watched you walk across the stage and take your diploma. How is it that you’re graduating high school? The past eighteen years have been some of the best of my life. I see the look in your eyes, the same one your mother had. You’re itching to leave, to move on. Know that it’s ok. Go, find yourself. I am so very proud of you and I know your mom is looking down from heaven smiling. She would have been proud to have you as a daughter. I know I have been.
Delilah, when you go, know you can always come home. I know you’re just going down the road, but college will take you from me – turn you into an adult in ways I can’t. I will miss you – seeing you jump into the water, laughing with friends, crying from heartache. But know I am always here and always proud of you.
Go – explore the world, my dear girl. Make your mark – make it good.
I love you,
Momma Belle
Delilah folded the letter and placed it back in the box. Momma Belle knew she was running before she did. Her stomach rolled with guilt and anxiety. How could she love her and not have anger for her leaving? Wanting to know more, Delilah pulled another letter out. She craved her words – craved the closeness the letters brought her.
Dear Delilah,
A college grad? I knew you would make me proud. It scared me that I am losing you, though. I know you just want to find the person you’re meant to be, but New York? Couldn’t you do that from here? I know that boy had you wrapped tight – saying all the things you need to hear, but Delilah, sometimes we are too blinded by love to see truth. I won’t stop you – no… I’ll tell you goodbye and wish you well, even though a part of my heart is breaking. I’ve lived a long life. And I’ve seen my share of bad choices, but it’s something you will have to do on your own. And even though I am hurt, it doesn’t change the fact I love you. I do, Delilah you were the second greatest gift I’d ever gotten in life. You and your mom were the blessings God gave me. Take care of yourself. Don’t let John smother you in him.
I love you,
Momma Belle
Delilah sucked in a sob as she crumpled the letter and tossed it into the box. All these years she’d know she’d hurt her – but seeing it on paper just cemented the guilt inside like stone. Grabbing the box, she walked inside. She left it sitting on the table and collapsed on the couch. She couldn’t contain the tears from saturating the soft fabric beneath her.
Parker was stunned. When he walked into Delilah’s, he never expected to find her wrapped into herself crying. He dropped to his knees beside her.
“Delilah,” he ran his hand across her forehead, “what happened?” Her breaths were riddled with sobs and tears. Parker tugged her up, pulling her into his lap as he sat with her on the cushion. He clung to her tightly as her sadness washed over him. After what felt like forever, her tears stopped. Pressing a kiss to her head, “Delilah,” he shifted her so he could look into her eyes, “you ready to talk?”
Nodding, barely above a whisper, “I just left her.”
“What? Sweetheart, you’re not making sense.”
“Isabelle. I just left her – ran for greener grass and now she’s dead.”
“You read more letters I presume? Delilah, that woman loved you.”
“Doesn’t change the fact I left and not once came back or called. I let John take me from her and now… now she’s gone!” Delilah jumped from his hold, “I’m a monster.”
She paced, breathing deeply, “I don’t deserve any of this,” she waved her hands around, “She should have left it to you. You were here with her… you were more family to her than I was. FUCK!”
“Whoa… whoa, hold on a second.” Parker stood, “Isabelle loved you. Do you hear me? She was so damn proud of you – so don’t stand there and tell me you don’t deserve this.” He reached out and grabbed her arms, “You deserve everything.”
“No. I don’t.”
Parker pulled her closer, his lips a breath away from hers, “You’re worth everything.” He pressed his mouth to hers. Delilah stiffened, resisting at first, but Parker pressed in deeper, pulling her flush against him. When he broke apart, “She loved you…I love you.”
Delilah gasped, looking at the man in front of her. “How can you possibly love me? We’ve only known each other a month, Parker. That’s ridiculous… this is ridiculous.”
Parker was about speak, but the sound of someone knocking drew their attention away from the moment, leaving Delilah unable to respond.
“Who the hell is here?”
