To Tell You the Truth by Beth Vrabel

Author:Beth Vrabel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: 2021-06-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Mama was going to be transferred to Pondview Treatment Center, which was in the next town over. It was a place for adults with eating disorders. The counselor and doctor acted like it was a surprise birthday party that it had an open spot.

“You’re so lucky they have a bed for her,” the counselor said with a toothy smile. “There is almost always a waiting list there!”

Daddy had squeezed my hand then, and I knew we were thinking the same thing—other families, just like ours. Other mamas, just like mine.

The two of us went home to gather some things she would need.

“She’ll live there for a week at most, and then come home,” Daddy told me. He was folding Mama’s shirts and putting them into a suitcase. “Things will be different then.”

Things already were different. I tucked Mama’s toothbrush and hairbrush into the front of the suitcase.

Days or years had passed since I had called the ambulance, though the clock told me it was just a few hours.

“Well, one thing’s for certain true,” I said into the silence between us once Daddy zipped the bag. He didn’t prompt me to continue, so I went on ahead. “It’s a really good thing I pushed Catrina down those stairs.”

For a moment, Daddy didn’t move. “And how do you figure that?” he finally asked. The ringing in his ears must’ve been extra loud because his whole body seemed to vibrate.

“ ’Cause that meant I was home when Mama fell,” I explained.

Daddy didn’t say anything else, not even when we sat together at the dining room table. I suppose he was as mixed up as I was with time, considering it was just four o’clock in the afternoon, yet he made dinner. He was even confused about what meal we were having. Scrambled eggs, toast with butter, pancakes, and apple slices pan fried with cinnamon.

After we ate, Daddy rubbed at his beard with his hand. “I’m going to go back to the hospital. I’ll give Mrs. Murphy next door a call, and she’ll stay with you until I get home.”

“Can I go to Raymond’s instead?” I asked. “I can walk there. I’d…” Guilt slithered inside me. “I’d really like to be with a friend,” I finished, and then held my breath. If he remembered that the Cricketts were leaving for their road trip tonight, my plan would be squashed.

Daddy watched my face. I wondered what he saw. His mouth twitched and he seemed to nod to himself. “You shouldn’t be hanging out with a friend the day you get suspended from school, but these are special circumstances. I’m not sure when I can pick you up from the Cricketts. Probably not till past Raymond’s bedtime.”

“I’ll come home.” I straightened my back. “I’ll tuck myself in. I’m big enough for that.”

Daddy looked at me with sad eyes. “You sure? Mrs. Murphy could come over—”

“I’ll be fine! I’ll call her if I need her.” I cleared our plates so I wouldn’t have to look at Daddy while I pushed my words past that slime monster slithering around my throat.

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