Page 76 of From the Ashes
“What do you want me to say?” I sighed. “You already know the truth.”
“Are you two together?”
“We haven’t put a label on it yet.”
“But you’re sleeping together.”
“Oh my god, Mom…” I sighed. “That’s private information.”
“Are you two being safe?”
“That’s none of your business.” I shouldered my backpack, turning toward the door. “I’m leaving now.”
“Phoenix,” she said, grabbing my shoulder. “I… I know I’m being nosy.”
That was the first time in my life she’d ever admitted that, and it made me pause.
“But I’m worried about you.”
“What’s there to worry about?”
“I know Charlie won’t hurt you on purpose. I don’t think he’s ever done anything to you with ill intentions.” Her expression told me she truly believed that. “But hehashurt you. And… Well, I don’t want to see you get hurt again.”
“He’s been through a lot, Mom. He lost everything. It only makes sense that he pulled away from everyone.”
“I know that, honey. But doesn’t knowing that make it hurt less?”
I stared down at her. However, try as I might, I couldn’t argue. She had a point.
“I want you to be happy,” she continued. “And if that happens means being with Charlie, I wouldloveto have him as my son-in-law.”
My heart skipped a beat. Had she just implied that Charlie and I might getmarriedsomeday? The thought nearly knocked me off my feet.
“But I want you to be careful with him,” she added. “If things get too hard, he might pull away again. And I don’t want you to be left high and dry with another broken heart.” She let out a long sigh. “I know it sounds like I’m picking on Charlie, but I’m not. I swear. I can’t blame him for behaving how he does. Not after what he’s been through. But you’re also my son and I don’t want to see you get hurt.” She reached up, cupping my cheek. “I want youbothto be so happy that the pain of the past disappears forever, and you can go into the future with light hearts, like when you were kids. I desperately wish that for you two.”
“Alright Laura,” a deep but soft voice said from behind us. “Let the boy go.” Ted walked up behind her, sweeping his arms around her waist. “I can see where he gets the writing thing from. I leave you two alone for two minutes and you’re waxing poetically about love.”
“I’m not done yet, Teddy,” she replied, halfheartedly trying to squirm out of his grip. “Let me go.”
“You better run,” Ted grinned up at me. “She’s feeling feisty.” He leaned down, kissing her neck. “I know how to help her with that.”
“You’re both disgusting,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I’ll see you two tomorrow.”
“Have a good night,” Ted called.
“Bring Charlie over for breakfast!” my mother added as I stepped out the door. “I’m making cinnamon rolls!”
“We’ll see.”
I turned back just in time to see Ted sweep my mother up into his arms and carry her into the living room. Grinning, I pushed the door closed and headed down the street, my mother’s words still echoing in my ears. I didn’t want to admit how right she was about all of it. But there was one thing I was sure of. I needed Charlie like I needed air in my lungs. And I was gonna do everything I could to convince him of that. No matter what.
“I can’t believe you made me watchLabyrinth,” I muttered, shaking my head. “It’s such a kids movie.”
“What about David Bowie’s bulge makes you think that’s a kid’s movie?” Charlie shot back, his arms crossed over his chest in defiance.
“It’s nothing but puppets!”
“And? They weren’t little fluffy animals or anything. Most of them are terrifying.” He held up a hand to silence me before I could continue. “And the music is incredible.”