Page 124 of When Sky Breaks
“Yes, but first, how’s your head doing?”
My mom briefly touches the fading pink line on her forehead where the stitches once were and cringes. From embarrassment over the whole thing or vanity, I don’t know. “It’s fine. Thanks.”
Sky bobs her head. “That’s good to hear.”
When it’s clear my mom isn’t going to say anything else, Sky continues. “Um, well, about Dannie. I haven’t seen my mother since before the fire. I was ten. There’s only so much I remember about her, so anything you can tell me, I’d appreciate. Especially if you know where she is.”
Marley Moore doesn’t get uncomfortable. She and my dad would argue with cashiers over how many coupons they could use to get the best deals and never hesitated to get a manager involved if they felt slighted. If we ever went out to eat—which was a big if on whether I’d be invited—neither of them felt remorse if they dined and ditched. I always made it a point to go back and pay if I found a way to, my face burning each time. So no, my mother shouldn’t be sitting here ready to crawl out of her skin.
“Dannie was complicated.” She shrugs, her rings again clinking together as she fidgets.
Sky stiffens and loses any filter she may have had. “What’s complicated about forgetting your own children?”
Marley jerks her head as if Sky hurled the accusation at her instead of Dannie. Sky squeezes my thigh tightly, and I brush a hand down her spine, letting her know I’m here and I’ve got her.
“She wanted to let loose. You weren’t the only one getting knocked around by your dad.”
It’s my turn to straighten in my seat. “And that makes it all right to you? That Dannie abandoned her kids because she was also getting beat up? I understand the system is screwed, and it’s hard for women to come forward when they’re being abused, but come on, Mom. Sky was a little girl, Chase, a baby.” I lower my voice so the neighbors don’t get a front-row seat to this shit show. “You and Dad and Dannie were supposed to be the adults, not partying when life got too hard. That’s why I’ve been working so hard to get Chase’s Place done so that there’s somewhere safe for these women and children to go.”
My mom turns to me, a flush moving up her neck like a red tide. “No, that’s not what I meant. I’m sorry.” She fans her face. “I’m just nervous, okay? Dannie was upset and called me and asked if she could come hang out that night. She was burned out taking care of your brother and having to deal with your dad. I didn’t know she already made plans with you. She always did her own thing.”
Instead of my thigh, Sky crushes my fingers next, and I bring them to my lips for a kiss. “I’m sorry, Shortcake,” I murmur. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I feel helpless.
She shakes her head like she’s shaking off the pain and continues. “Do you know where she went? After she found out about the fire.”
Marley sighs and sits back, picking at the tweed material of the armrest. “She never told me. She’d call every once in a while to chat, but she was always in a new place. Kind of like me and Kent. A nomad. I suspect she—well, you, too—have other family. Otherwise, I’m not sure how she’d make it.”
I don’t believe Sky ever considered the fact she might have family out there. She told me she never heard any stories, and no one came forward after the fire to take her in, so she naturally assumed she was all alone.
But now, I see hope mingling with her fear and frustration.
“Do you still have her number?”
My mom nods and stands, walking to the hook near the door where her purse hangs. “I can give you the only number I have, but like I said, we only talked occasionally, and the last time was several years ago,” she says, pulling her phone out of a side pocket.
Sky releases me to grab her phone, her hands trembling as she holds it and waits.
I watch as she inputs the digits into her contacts, noting she added her under Dannie instead of Mom. I don’t blame her. It’s hard to even see my mom as more than Marley, a virtual stranger in most regards. I should be grateful I can reconcile with the one who gave birth to me, but I’d be lying if I said it was easy.
Sky’s cloudy gaze meets mine. “Can we go? I don’t really feel so well.”
“Absolutely.” I brush back her hair and kiss her forehead before standing.
“We’re going to head out,” I say to my mom, helping Sky to her feet, lacing our fingers once again. “I’ll swing by later.”
“Are you sure you have to rush out? I mean, you just got here. But okay, it’s okay, I understand. Yes, I’ll see you soon.” She wrings her hands and then shoves them into the front pocket of her hoodie, stretching out the peace sign embroidered on the front as she walks with us to the door.
“I’m sorry this wasn’t the best visit, Sky. But I would like to get to know you better someday. You’re all Auggy here ever talks about.” Her smile is small, but it’s genuine.
Sky dips her head and leans into me, clutching my arm. “He’s a good man. I’m lucky to have him. And I’m sure there will be more opportunities to get to know one another. I did want to offer you my condolences for your late husband.”
Marley plays with the ends of her braid, shifting on her feet. “Thank you. It’s been rough, but I’ll be okay.”
As soon as we step out and the door shuts behind us, Sky wilts. I hold her around the waist and walk side by side down the stairs, supporting her the way I know I can. With my presence.
I open the truck door and lift her inside, buckling her seat belt and tilting her chin toward me. “I’m proud of you for being so brave. I know that wasn’t easy.” Tears spring to her eyes, and I lean in to kiss her softly. “Whatever you need, Shortcake, I’ll give you.”
Her forehead rests on mine. “You being here is enough. I’m sure being around her isn’t always your favorite thing to do, either. Thank you.”