Chapter 6
Diane punched my shoulder–hard. Then immediately pulled me into a hug and started sobbing.
“When did you find out? Why didn’t you tell me? Am I not your friend?!”
“Don’t you dare run off somewhere to die alone.”
I held her, but my eyes stayed locked on Jenna standing across the platform.
I was too afraid to guess why she’d come.
“I told Jenna everything.” Diane whispered. “She’s the one who bought my ticket out here.”
Diane grabbed my bag and started talking nonstop about how much had changed since I’d been away.
Jenna stayed quiet. Just stood there. Quiet in the car. Quiet driving us to the hospital.
It was strange. I’d faced her in court without blinking. Now I couldn’t meet her eyes.
When the doctor asked questions, I stared at my hands.
“Started hurting about two years back. It’s bad now.”
“I take painkillers when I can. Can’t keep much food down.”
“My hands shake. Legs are weak. Tired all the time.”
When we got the results, Diane broke down completely. Said we had to go back East. To a real hospital.
“Delia, we’ll get you proper treatment. We’ll figure it out. Please.”
I shook my head.
I knew my body. I wanted to go home. Wanted to be buried next to my mother.
The city wasn’t my place. I didn’t want to die in some cramped apartment.
Jenna suddenly laughed. She threw the papers at me.
“Why?! Why do you get to be the hero while I’m the ungrateful bitch?!”
“Who the hell do you think you are?! My whole life, you made every decision! I couldn’t do chores, had to stay in school, had to live with Diane taking care of me–did you ever once ask what I wanted?!”
“I hated you! Hated you for cutting my hair and turning me into a joke! Hated you for forcing me into computer science! Hated you for killing Dad–and now I find out I’m the biggest idiot in the world!”
Co You Wanted Me Gone? The Comedy Show from My Ghost Perch Is Savage!
8.1%
Chapter 6
“You’re the saint. The martyr. Sacrificed everything so I could have a better life. But what about me?! Did you ever think about what I actually wanted?!”
She dropped to her knees, shaking.
I reached for her. She slapped my hand away.
“Out of everything I hated… the worst part is you never told me.”
[You carried it alone.]
[You made me look like a fool–helping strangers while you suffered.]
All I could say was “I’m sorry.”
I’m sorry. I wanted you out so badly I forgot to ask if that’s what you wanted.
I’m sorry. I thought I knew what was best. I was wrong.
I’m sorry, Jenna.
If I could do it over, I’d do it all differently.
I wouldn’t cut your hair. I’d let it grow long and help you style it.
I wouldn’t force you into a career you hated. I’d brag that my daughter was going to be a scholar.
I wouldn’t have killed him. Wouldn’t have wrecked everything you’d built.
Jenna, I hope in your next life you get a better mother than me.
Someone who listens. Someone who doesn’t break you while trying to save you.
Diane pulled us both to our feet. Her voice was firm.
“Jenna, listen to your mom.”
“If she doesn’t want treatment, respect that. Let her live what’s left the way she wants.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
