Page 11 of Wrecked By You

I moved into my room and paused as I took off my uniform. It was a relief to be staying at my parents’ house. I felt like a child, seeking comfort. I changed into some sweats and a T-shirt and folded up my uniform. I wouldn’t have my mother wash it. That would be relying too much on my parents, in my opinion. I had a spare in the closet anyway.

I padded back down the stairs. The game was still going, but now McCrae had opted out and was in the kitchen with my mom.

When I walked through, Kayla said, “Jason and Trent, I think it’s time you guys wind it down. Want to go watch a movie in the loft upstairs with me?”

Jason stayed in his seat. “My dad didn’t say we had to go to bed.”

My boys were used to the aunts and uncles bossing them around, but they would never give up time to stay awake.

I nodded to the loft. “Go with your aunt.”

Trent rushed forward for me and put his arms around my waist again. “Why don’t you come with us?”

I patted his back and nodded. “Of course. Let me eat. You guys go get ready for bed, then go watch a movie for a little bit, and I’ll be up.”

Reluctantly, they made their way up the stairs.

My siblings cleaned up the cards and put everything back in the poker kit.

I moved into the kitchen and saw a plate with a napkin over it next to McCrae.

My mom poured some water. “Sit down. Tell us what’s going on.”

Normally, I would refuse to tell anyone anything, but the weight of this was too much for me. Plus, it was pointless. My family knew my history, and they would know that something was going on. Not to mention the fact that it was a small town. I sat, closed my eyes, and bowed my head, saying a silent prayer over the food.

My siblings and father had all wandered in the kitchen now, each getting various snacks and standing around the island or sitting.

I took a couple bites of the lasagna, grateful to come home to hot food. “Thanks, Mom.”

She moved next to me and patted my arm. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re staying. Now tell us what’s going on.” She looked worried.

I paused and took her hand and squeezed it. Then I resumed eating and spoke. “I saw Isla today.”

My mother gasped. “What?”

My father picked up some nuts in a bowl and leaned across the counter, popping one in his mouth. “She and Kyle were visiting?”

I shook my head slowly.

McCrae squinted at me. “What was that, brother?”

I took another bite and then used the napkin to dab at my lips. It was inevitable to just explain everything. “We need a new dispatcher, and Mrs. Friendly brought her in to see me today for an interview. As I was interviewing her, she told me she was back, and she needed a job. I asked about Kyle and her kid, and she said she is divorced and the baby was stillborn.”

My mother gasped.

There was silence for a second.

I sighed. “Then she proceeded to remind me that she had tried to call me a couple of times and I ignored her phone calls.”I shrugged. “I’m not proud of that.” I stared at my food and then threw the napkin on top, not feeling so hungry.

Kayla shrugged. “That’s crazy.”

Ella stood next to Noah at the end of the counter. “I always liked Isla. She probably needs a friend, being back in this town.”

Ella knew too well how it felt to come back to Refuge Falls and need someone.

Kayla put her arm around Ella. “She probably does. We should figure out where she’s living and go visit with her.”

My mom clasped her hands together. “I want to go too. I know how hard it’s been with her own mother. And everything that happened …” She trailed off.