Page 139 of The Killer Cupcake
"No, sweetie. I didn't know Melo—Carmelo—could even draw. Kathy never mentioned that he had that talent. Apparently, it was something he did in private, and Nicolas was wrong to violate the privacy, whether Carmelo is dead or alive. I'm sorry he showed them to you."
Sandy pulled her knees up to her chest. "You wanted me to read the diaries. I stopped at my daddy being tricked into going to war. But before that, I read about New Orleans. They seemed so happy—Mama and Carmelo. Too happy." She paused, gathering courage. "Is that where I was... made? When they were happy and together?"
Debbie shrugged. "I suppose the diary will tell you the exact truth. But yes, it was around that time that your mother and father made you out of love. Your mama was so happy in New Orleans. The happiest I think I’ve ever known her to be.”
"I don't want to read them anymore." The words tumbled out. "I can't, Auntie. All they do is confuse me, and then I have these dreams?—"
"What dreams?" Debbie asked.
"I don't remember. When I wake up, they're gone. Just confusion left behind." Sandy's frustration mounted. "Tell me the truth. Be honest with me. Nicolas said I had an accident that he was responsible for. He said before the accident, I knew Carmelo Ricci was my father, but Mom erased it. Said Mama told me lies about who my Daddy was before she sent me away to keep me from him. Are they enemies or not? I don’t understand.”
"They aren’t enemies. But for a time they were," Debbie said.
"Then what happened? Damn it!" said Sandy. "I know I'm different. That I'm forgetful, and sometimes I block things. But I haven't been taking my medicine—not since Mama died. And guess what? I'm fine!"
"You listen to me!" Debbie grabbed her arm firmly. "That medicine stops your seizures. Yes, it affected your memory. Made you forgetful at times. And yes, it was bad at first—you had to relearn who we all were. So your mother gave you a world without the pain and the shame she carried. Her and Carmelo loved you enough to give you what they never had. The ability to live free of our legacies. Those diaries help you reach her and learn the truth, but that medicine keeps you whole! You hear me? You take your medicine, or the seizures will come back.”
Sandy flinched at the intensity of the words and the grip on her arm. "Yes, ma'am."
Debbie's grip relaxed, her voice softening. "The truth is, Ely was your father, too. He was there the day your mom gave birth. He pulled you out of her. He was there when you took your first steps, taught you how to talk. He loved you, and he went to war to give you a future he couldn’t afford. Your mother mourned him for so long, I didn’t think she’d ever get past it. She blamed herself for his death. It nearly destroyed her when she found out the truth."
“That Carmelo sent him to war to bring her home? I read it, Auntie, and she did blame herself in the diaries. She wanted to die,” Sandy said.
"That’s the past.” Debbie's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "She did her best to give you a normal life, but Carmelo Ricci wouldn't let her go. And eventually, she realized she didn't want to let go of him either. It's this thing between them and us. I'd call it crazy if my thing with Matteo weren't even crazier than your mom’s story.” She managed a watery smile. "Do you remember anything about the time you spent with Carmelo as a little girl? Anything about a medallion you used to play with? It had red rubies on it."
Sandy's eyes widened. "I... yes, I remember. I saw it in the drawings too, in that room. I would hide it from him. I waslittle, and I remember him going to the safe and giving it to me. He talked to me… taught me… Italian? And we would play a game. I dream about it, and other things too. Him, his voice, but sometimes he doesn’t have a face.”
Debbie leaned forward. "Where? Where did you hide it? Can you remember?”
"I don't know. I was just a kid. I only remember the game."
"You have to remember, baby. It's important,” Debbie said.
Sandy closed her eyes, trying to grasp the wispy memories. "I don't know. I'd play with it, and then he would look for it. We were at a house. A big house. It was scary when I lost him, but he would find me, and he would find it. Then…”
"This house?" Debbie asked.
"I was a kid," Sandy said helplessly. "I don't know. But it could be."
Debbie nodded slowly. "Okay. It's okay."
"Did I do something wrong?" Sandy asked.
"No, sweetie." Debbie pulled her into a warm hug. "It's time for all this to end." She pulled back, brushing Sandy's hair from her face. "I need you to get dressed. You have a visitor."
"Who?"
“Willa. She’s arriving soon, and we will meet her at the airport. And guess who else? Aunt Janey is in town. She's at the house waiting for you. Coffey is here, too. We're all going over to see them.”
"Really? Really?" Sandy's face lit up for the first time. "I haven't seen Coffey or Janey and Willa in so long!"
"I know." Debbie stood, smoothing her robe. "Go to Daphne’s room and pick something to wear. Matteo had clothes bought for her by the women in this family, and her room decorated. She has a lot there. Take whatever you want. Tell her I said it. Let's see what the day brings."
“Auntie?”
“Yes?” Debbie said at the door.
“I’m happy for you. I really do like the Penny Man for you. I’m glad you’re a family again,” Sandy said.
