Diana put an arm around Maggie and ushered her out of the room. Maggie seemed too surprised by the gesture to say anything and when Lily looked at Maya, she just shrugged.
“Yeah, okay, let’s head out to the treehouse.” They left the grey processing center and walked into a world of color.
3
HANNA MCAVOY
Hanna breathed in the crisp air tinged with the smell of soil and rotting leaves as the trio made their way from the processing building towards a patch of trees. It was a smell she wanted to soak up as much as possible. Fall was going to pass her by in Boston—nothing but grey days and rain. Here in Maplewood, it clung to her skin and made her feel settled. Maggie Miller, now Blake, had made out well in the divorce from Mr. Miller, securing her family’s property in an obviously ironclad prenup.
Good for her.
Hanna was acutely aware of Lily and Maya as she took in the red and gold trees that could make any sky romantic.
“This place is gorgeous, can’t lie,” Hanna heard the newcomer, Maya, say behind her. Hanna wasn’t sure what to think of Maya, but she had watched the impression she’d made on Lily, which had made her feel—unfairly, she knew—jealous. She pushed the feeling aside.
“Yeah it has always been beautiful, especially this time of year,” Hanna said over her shoulder. “Never been to the infamous treehouse before, though.”
“Infamous?” Maya questioned.
“Not infamous,” Hanna heard Lily say behind her. “And thanks Maya, well, this is your home too for…”
Hanna heard the question in Lily’s tone. Hanna was curious too.
“Fuck if I know,” Maya said, somewhat dismissively—but Hanna could tell it wasn’t directed at her audience. She added, “Sorry, it has been a lot. My parents’ divorce is final, my mom has packed up and is moving back here. Those are the knowns.”
“Been there,” Lily said, as Hanna said, “Sorry to hear.”
Maya sighed and then chuckled, as if she were trying to get the vibes back on track. “It’s okay. Well–it isn’t okay, but I’m glad my mom and dad are getting the fresh start they need.” After another pause she said, “Not that you two wanna hear this.”
Lily replied, “No skin off our backs, right Hanna? No judgement here, and besides, even if there were, you don’t know us and don’t owe us anything.” Lily shrugged, but it wasn’t dismissive. Hanna saw Maya’s shoulders relax a bit.
“Very true, kinda like telling a bartender all your problems?” Maya said.
“Exactly,” Lily hummed in agreement.
“Great, then I guess I can let it all hang out tonight,” Maya added, laughing.
Hanna slowed and looked at Maya. They all justhappenedto be together, home for the break, perhaps only together for that night. A little honesty wouldn’t hurt.
“For what it’s worth, my parents divorced too, and it wasn’t great. Dad just left. Haven’t seen him since,” Lily said.
Hanna didn’t know much about the divorce; no one in town did. Before she could ask more, Maya turned to her expectantly.
“My parents were high school sweethearts,” Hanna shared. She felt inexplicably guilty for not being able to commiserate, so she added, “I’m adopted though, so not all perfect.”
“Why would that make your family less perfect?” Maya asked. “It’s adoption, not domestic violence.”
Lily scoffed, “Her family is perfect, not a hair out of place.”
“Whatever,” Hanna replied, irked. She was miffed by the way Lily spoke as if everything she thought was fact. Lily didn’t know everything and didn’t even ask.
“Is that right?” Maya asked, as if reading her thoughts.
“I mean, sure, my parents are churchgoing, very even-keeled people. There isn’t any drama in our family—but still.” Hanna wanted to choose her words carefully. Her parentsweresomewhat picturesque, but they’d still had their struggles, namely when they wanted to start a family. Those challenges had led to them adopting Hanna, but she carried their weight like a shroud. Her Chinese heritage made that story visible, something the town often picked at in conversation, trying to understand. A story that was both a reminder of the toll her parents had to pay, and the way she didn’t quitefit.
“But still,” Lily said, urging Hanna on.
“But still, I was an unplanned addition, you know?” Hanna said. “Not plannedbut the best addition in the end.”
