A Brooklet Dreams Christmas: Holiday and a Wedding Novella by C.A. Harms

Author:C.A. Harms [Harms, C.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-04T16:00:00+00:00

I stand off to the side, quietly observing as my pulse races. I see Terrance in his father, it’s mostly the eyes. The same eyes that I look into every day and can’t imagine such hate behind them. The man before me, sitting at a table with an elderly couple as they all share a meal, doesn’t seem like the same man I’ve heard all the awful stories about.

He seems at peace, smiling as the three of them talk and share stories.

The basket I’d made just this morning with all the essentials and personally baked goodies all tucked inside is positioned in front of Mr. Taylor. I’d specifically chosen Mr. Taylor as my recipient this year.

“What are you looking at?”

I jerk in response to the sound of Terrance’s voice and spin around coming face to face with him. He is smiling, that is until he sees what it was that I’d found to be so interesting.

“What is he doing here?” His jaw flexes with irritation and he continues to stare at the man that has caused him so much heartache over the years. “More importantly, why is the basket I saw just this morning on our kitchen counter sitting in front of him?”

I could lie, I could tell him that I didn’t know that he’d be here. Or that he’d randomly drawn the number to my basket. I could pretend to be hiding in the corner of the room, due to not wanting to take the chance and run into the man who abused my husband. But I can’t do any of those things, because though I may stink at secrets I’m even worse at lying.

“I had your father’s name for the gift basket.”

Again Terrance’s jaw flexes over and over and I know he’s trying to hold himself together.

“I’ve been making him treats over the last few months and ensuring that he gets everything he needs.” I know I could have left the last part off, but honestly I have a terrible habit of opening my mouth and every thought I have pretty much falls out.

“Grace,” Terrance runs his fingers through his hair. Tugging on the ends, he turns away from me and I want to reach out for him only I don’t.

When he turns back to me, he doesn’t look at me, I think that is the part that hurts the most.

“Can you get a ride?” My heart feels like it plummets, my stomach feeling hollow.

I nod, feeling tears pool within my eyes.

“I’ll see you at home.”

I watch as he walks away and doesn’t look back, pushing the exit door a little harder than necessary.

An hour later, after I’ve hid in the corner doing my best to keep from breaking apart piece by piece, Aunt Maria asks me if I need a ride home. She doesn't push for details; I think most everyone that was at the church knows already why Terrance left in a hurry. No one tells me I’m wrong, I don’t need to hear something I already know.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.