Nikki laughed at how eager she was. She placed it in her hands and watched her with a tender smile as she removed the top of the wrapper and took a bite of the chocolate bar. Her moan of satisfaction caused Nikki to chortle.
“I remembered how you would take all of your money to buy these Snickers bars and how I had to vouch for you every time with Dad for buying it even though he forbade you.”
Trish released a laugh of her own. “I remember.”
“Those were some great times,” Nikki reminisced. A melancholic smile graced her lips as she looked out the window at the moving objects. “We were happy and had more freedom to be children.”
She turned to see Trish looking at her with remorse in her eyes. “Having parents who only required perfection really did a number on us, huh?” She sighed dejectedly.
Nikki walked over to sit on the bed.
“I’m sorry I didn’t give Amy to you, Nikki. I should have trusted you,” Trish spoke, her eyes clouded by regret. “My greatest regret has been giving up my daughter.” Her voice broke at the end as she struggled to keep in her tears.
“Trish, losing Amy was not your fault,” Nikki spoke with assurance. “Our parents are the real culprits here. I understand now that you had no choice. What you did took courage, and I want you to know I am proud of you.”
“I don’t think Amy will see it that way,” Trish said, tucking her chin into her chest.
“Trish, Amy understands that your choices weren’t as varied back then. All you have to do now is be honest with her. I promise you, she’ll understand.”
Trish nodded her head in understanding. Nikki reached over and held her sister’s hand. Trish turned to look at her.
“I’m very proud of the woman you are today, Trish. What happened to you back then could have broken you, but it didn’t. You took control of your life, and you made something great. Those are the same qualities I see in Amy. She is not easily broken. She is a determined young woman, and I’m beginning to witness that she has a very caring heart, just like you.”
Trish’s face lit up at this. “I still can’t believe she’s actually here, on Camano Island,” she marveled.
“All because of your own efforts,” Nikki reminded her with a smile.
Trish returned her smile. “I love her so much already, and it keeps growing every time I see her. It’s so much that it feels like my chest would burst open.”
“I know what you mean,” Nikki agreed.
Trish’s eyes took on a faraway look as she said, “I remember when the doctor first placed her in my arms. I was overwhelmed with love for this little human life that I had made.” She turned hopeful eyes to Nikki. “I can’t wait to shower her with all the love she deserves.”
Nikki smiled knowingly.
“Speaking of love, when are you going to finally admit that you have feelings for Paul?” Trish asked, staring directly into her sister’s eyes.
Nikki’s eyes widened in surprise as she sputtered to speak, “Wha-what are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about how his eyes follow you whenever you’re not looking, and I witnessed you do it to him too. I picked up on it from the first day you both came here.”
“Trish,” she cautioned. “I don’t think it is a good idea to entertain those thoughts, especially with everything going on.”
“You’re making excuses,” Trish deadpanned.
Nikki felt warmth cover her hand resting on top of the bed, and she looked back at Trish staring at her in understanding.
“I know you might be feeling a bit scared, but you deserve to be happy, and I can remember from back when you were in high school that Paul was the only person who made you happy. It’s time to give yourself the chance to be happy again.”
“I’ll think about it,” Nikki promised with a reassuring smile.
* * *
“Nelly, it’s so good to see you,” Nikki greeted the gray-eyed, silver-haired woman sitting by a table close to the door in Lot 28.
“It is nice to see you too, my dear. How is your sister?”
“She’s much better. She improves daily.”
