With a wink, he strolls out.Moments later, the front door closes.I settle back, cradling my espresso, my mind drifting to the past ten days since the dinner at his mom's.Cole has been clear he doesn't want to discuss the situation, channeling everything into work and early morning gym sessions.I've joined him some mornings as he teaches me boxing and self-defense, but this non-morning person has her limits.
Knock, knock.
"Alisha?"
"Hey, Sam, come in."
The teenager enters and perches on the edge of the bed, a book beside her as she fiddles with the end of her ponytail.Something's weighing on her.
"What's up, Sam?"
She sighs."I tried to speak to Dad this morning, but he said he isn't ready to talk about his mom."
I set my coffee aside, noting the worry in her expression."Want to talk to me instead, honey?"
She studies the bedsheets, chewing her bottom lip before nodding."I know what Carmen did is terrible, but do you think he'll stay with his decision of cutting her out of our lives?"
I release a long breath.Thank God she didn't ask him this sensitive question."I don't know, honey.Cole is trying to come to terms with what happened.He needs time to process.But tell me, Sam, what are your thoughts about the situation?It seems you've been doing some thinking."
Her eyes grow glassy as she looks away."The first few days, I was mad at her for what she did, but..."She trails off, smoothing the bedding with nervous fingers.
I reach for her hand."Hey, it's okay.There's no judgment here."
Her eyes dart to mine."You'll think I'm crazy."
When I stay quiet, waiting, she continues."When are things going to settle, Alisha?First, I lost my mother and grandparents.Then Leo broke my heart by disappearing.And now my dad is in pain, and I lost another grandmother."
I pull her against my chest as her shoulders shake with sobs."Oh, sweetheart."I bite my lip, fighting my own tears while holding her, letting her grief pour out.God, I wish I could ease her pain.
Finally, she sits back, wiping her eyes, and reaches for the book she brought.
"What's that, honey?"
"It's a notebook my mom gave me.She loved life quotes, and she wrote this passage for me.I've read it several times this week.Would you...would you read it?"
I take the black journal, opening to the first page with its careful handwriting."Want me to read it aloud?"
She nods, and I begin:
"My dear Sam.Here are a few words from me to you that I hope you will take with you in life.
Life isn't a merry-go-round; it's a roller coaster.It won't always be smooth, it may not always be pretty, but it will be an adventure, one not to be missed.And more important to remember, my sweet Sam, is that people make mistakes in their life.I'm no different.I've made mistakes.But when people mess up, try to forgive them.Be the one who nurtures and builds.Be the one who has understanding and a forgiving heart, one who looks for the best in people.Because when you forgive, you in no way change the past—but you surely will change the future.Decide that no matter what comes your way, no matter how difficult, no matter how unfair, you will do more than simply survive.You will thrive despite it.
I wish you, my dear Sam, the brightest and happiest future.A big hug and endless kisses, your mom, Jessica."
I brush away a tear, Jessica's words hitting deeper now that I know her full story."Oh, Sam.This is such a beautiful message."I set the journal aside and take her hands."You want your father to forgive his mom, don't you?"
Samantha nods, biting her lip.
"Honey, Cole isn't there yet.Maybe he never will be, and we need to respect that.But if you're ready to forgive your grandmother, that's okay too."
"Thank you for not getting mad at me."
I stand and pull her into a hug."You can always come to me."Her bright smile warms my heart."Now, let's get ready before you're late for school."
* * *
Walking to work later,I freeze as that familiar spine-tingling sensation crawls up my back.My eyes scan the diner and stores across the street.Where are you hiding, motherfucker?Nothing seems out of place among the morning crowd, but the feeling persists.I hurry the last few feet to Venus, the anxiety fading only when I step inside to Amanda's cheerful greeting.
