Mark Banks worked in construction and liked to pretend he had a gruff exterior, but Elaine knew her dad was a big softie. He frowned at Andy and held out his hand, as if to shake it. “Sir.”
Andy just laughed and jumped into his arms.
Layla tried to drag them both into the house, but they paused at the door.
Uncomfortable, Elaine grabbed her handbag, locked the car doors, and held back at the car. Her brain was frazzled, her heart was raw, and her insides were mush. She wasn’t sure she was capable of making conversation right now, and yet she had to have what was bound to be one of the most difficult conversations of her life.
“Guess what, Grandma?” said Andy. “I turned into a great, big bear the other day.”
“Of course, you did.” She laughed and patted him on his bottom. “What an imagination. You two head inside. We’ll be right in.”
Her parents turned to her. The walk up the pathway to her family home had never been so long. Elaine bit her tongue in an attempt to banish the lump in her throat. She’d promised herself no more tears. She’d already cried a million. Between Connor and Lloyd, surely her body couldn’t possibly dredge up any more water. With a deep breath, she walked up the front porch stairs. “Mom. Dad.”
Her mother’s face crumpled as she tucked Elaine’s hair behind her ears. “Baby girl. Come here.”
They surrounded her in a long, tight group hug. Protected by their embrace, Elaine succumbed. Tearful spasms shook her body. All she could think about was Connor standing on the dock, waving at her, his face so drawn and sad. Her parents didn’t let go until her last tear was shed, and she soaked up the affection.
“You’re shaking.” Her mom’s face creased with anxiety. “Are you taking your iron pills? You’ve always been a little anemic.”
Elaine grinned. “I’m not anymore. I promise.” Anemia was the least of her problems.
“It’s been too long,” said her dad.
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“Now, now.” Her mom smiled. “Your apologies aren’t good here and you know it. We’re just so happy to have you home.”
Home.
Was it home?
Time would tell.
Connor. Her bear groaned.He’s our home.
“Come inside,” said her dad. “I’ve marinated some thick steaks for dinner. You know, the ones Lloyd always liked.” When he caught his own reference, he blushed. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I still find myself talking about Lloyd some days.”
“It’s okay. I do, too.”
“We have so much to catch up on.” Her mom sighed. “We want to hear all about Alaska. Toni and Fred have been calling. They seem worried about you, but they wouldn’t say why. And you have to tell us all about your time on Gemini Island.” She perked up. “How is Lloyd’s friend Connor doing?”
Connor. If only they knew how those two syllables pierced her soul. “Connor is, um…”
“Let the girl come inside, Wendy.” Her dad laughed. “Pretty soon, all the neighbors will be over, getting in Elaine’s business.”
“Your dad’s right. Dinner will be ready in two ticks. You must be starving after your drive.”
“Actually, Mom,” said Elaine as she followed them into the house, “can dinner wait a few minutes? There’s something I want to talk to you about.” She sat at the kitchen table. If she didn’t get it off her chest now, she’d lose her nerve.
“Is everything okay?” asked her mother.
“Yes, everything’s fine, but everything’s changed, too.”
Her father grinned. “That sounds mysterious.”
“Mom, Dad, have a seat.” When they were seated, Elaine grabbed their hands and held them. “Do you remember when Lloyd and I started dating? One day, he brought me into the woods with him. He told me he had a huge secret. He was really scared to tell me, but I told him he could trust me. I want to share it with you now, and I need to be able to trust you.”
“Of course, you can trust us, baby girl,” said Wendy.
Her father nodded.
Elaine smiled and began her story.
