Page 21 of Living for Truth
“Oh, honey.” My mom sets her hand on my knee. “I’m not going to tell you what you’re feeling isn’t true, because I’m not you. But I will tell you that if you’re already so far gone for this girl, you’ve got to protect your heart. She may never feel the same way you do.”
I know this, and I know she’s right, but I just… I justknow.I know in my soul Hannah and I belong together. I may fall in love fast, but it’s always been a more lustful, overwhelming, can’t eat, can’t sleep kind of love.
What I feel for Hannah feels like snuggling up in a warm blanket on a rainy day and listening to the rain pitter patter on the window while I read my favorite book. The feeling only grew the more time I spent with her. And I know—Iknowit’s crazy as hell. Especiallyfor someone my age. But maybe that’s why I trust the feeling. I’ve been around long enough to discern one feeling from another.
“I know, Mom. I have to look out for Aly, too. So Hannah and I will be friends, and whatever happens, happens.”
“You’re destined for a great love, Morgan. I’ve always known that. Please don’t settle for anything less.” Mom squeezes my knee and then stands. “We better make sure your daughter and father haven’t eaten all of my dough.”
I stand and follow her inside, where Aly is telling my dad about her new island in Critter Trails. I don’t personally understand that particular video game, but Aly loves it, so I listen while she tells me about it. From what I gathered, there’s no plot to the game. You create islands and trade things with other villagers.
“Alright, Aly girl, let’s get these cookies in the oven so you and your dad can get going. I’ll send you home with the frosting so you can decorate them.” My mom uses a spatula to move the shaped dough pieces onto a baking sheet.
“Okay, Gigi, I’m going to go wash my hands. Dad, can I go get my GameSky so I can show Papa my new island?”
“Sure thing, Bub. I’ll help your Gigi clean up.”
“Thank you!” Aly’s voice echoes down the hallway as she darts to the bathroom.
“Did you have fun at Gigi and Papa’s?” I ask Aly later that night while we’re eating dinner.
She’s back to pushing her food around her plate, and a small frown has settled on her face. “Yeah, Gigi helped me draw with chalk, and Papa liked seeing my new island.”
I set my fork down and reach across the table to place my hand on hers. “What’s up, buttercup? You seemed so happy earlier with Gigi and Papa. Did something happen?”
She looks up at me, and her bottom lip wobbles. “I texted Mom to ask her if I could see her on Mother’s Day in a few weeks, and she said, ‘Sorry, Alyssa, I’m busy that day, maybe another time.’” She sighs. “I’m her only daughter. Doesn’t she want to see me?”
“I think it’s time I have a chat with your mom, Bub. I know you didn’t want me to, but if she’s not going to hold up her end of the bargain, that’s not fair to you.” My voice, luckily, doesn’t betray just how angry I am with Whitney. She’s going to get an earful from me.
Aly doesn’t say anything, just nods her agreement and starts pushing her food around her plate again.
After a few minutes where she hasn’t even taken a bite, she gently sets her fork down. “I’m not that hungry. Can I go play some video games until bedtime?”
“Sure thing, Bub. Just cover your plate in plastic wrap and put your fork in the dishwasher, please.”
She does as she’s asked, and Bean follows her as she makes her way to her room.
I take my time washing the dishes from dinner while I contemplate what I’m going to say to Whitney. I hope she answers because if she doesn’t, I don’t know how I’m going to fix this. I didn’t want to tell Aly this, but I’m going to threaten to take full custody and not allow visitation if Whitney doesn’t get her shit together and start spending time with her daughter. I’d have a pretty good case since she hasn’t seen her in almost a year.
I knock on Aly’s door, and when I get the clear to come in, I poke my head in and say, “I’m going to be in my office if you need anything, okay?” All I get in response is a quick thumbs up, but I’ll count that as a win.
I head into the third bedroom, which I’ve made into an office, and sit down at my desk. I don’t come in here very often, since I don’t like to bring work home with me, so it’s pretty empty. All that’s in here is a bookshelf filled with books, an “L” shaped desk with my laptop on it, and my office chair. I have a picture of Aly and me in the hospital from the day she was born on my desk, and I smile at the memory of the best day of my life.
Then, I put on my game face because it’s time to call her mother.
I click Whitney’s contact number and listen to it ring once, twice, three times before Whitney answers with a tinny, “This is Whitney.”
“Whitney, it’s Morgan. We need to talk about Alyssa.” I’m not going to waste time with pleasantries. I’m even more irritated that she doesn’t have my number saved.
It’s so silent for a minute, I think she hung up, but then she clears her throat. “Morgan. How are you?” Her voice wobbles a bit.
“I'm fine, Whitney. Know who isn’t fine? Our daughter. She’s cried twice in the last week because her mom won’t talk to her.”
I can practically hear her eyes roll as she says, “Oh, please, she’s being dramatic. I’ve talked with her plenty. Sorry I can’t be at her beck and call day in and day out. I have a life of my own, Morgan.”
My jaw tenses, and I remind myself fighting with her won’t do Aly any good, even if I have some choice words for her.
“It’s been almost a year since you’ve spent any time with her in person. If you don’t start upholding the custody agreement, I’m going to petition for full custody, and then you’ll never see her,” I threaten.
