“Mom.” God, what do I say to this? My eyes fill with tears.
Before I can think of something to say, she continues, “But mostly, I’m so proud of you and the young woman you’ve turned into. And I’m so honored to be your mother and I can’t wait to throw my arms around you. I promise I’ll make things up to you.”
I’m bawling now, not even trying to hide it.
“I love you, Mom. And I’m so happy you’re doing better. I can’t wait for you to come home.” And I mean it. Really mean it.
“I know; me, too. And it won’t be long. I’m learning some really good skills here about how to handle things when I feel overwhelmed. I’m getting strong, just like you.”
This crushes me because I don’t feel strong at all. Ethan tells me I’m strong, too, but it’s not true. I feel helpless and out of control and scared about everything.
“I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too. Now tell me about Ethan.”
A smile spreads across my face. “He’s so nice, Mom. And cute. And fun. And he really likes me and I really like him. Like more than I’ve ever liked anyone and I haven’t known him that long. Don’t you think that’s weird?”
She laughs and the sound is music to my ears. She sounds normal. Better than normal.
“No, that’s not weird. Dad told me what happened in Arizona. You and Ethan have been through a lot together and I think it’s very normal to have intensified feelings after something like that.”
It’s so good to talk to her about this, especially when Dad thinks we should spend less time together.
“Are you being careful?”
Oh my God. Is she asking me about sex?
“Ummm…Mom, I…”
“You don’t have to tell me. I’m not in the position to demand anything from you.”
And this makes me suddenly so sad.
“Well, I can’t wait to see you and Teeny and Dad,” she says in a happier tone. “And go with your heart, Anna. Your instincts are good. And sometimes you just know when you’ve found the right boy for you. That’s how I felt about your dad. Couldn’t keep my hands off of him!”
“Mom!”
She laughs again. “And I still feel that way about him today. He’s a good man and he wants nothing more than to protect his family. We’re all so lucky to have him.”
“I love you, Mom. So much.”
“I love you, too. Kiss Teeny for me and I’ll see you soon.”
I end the call and head back to the family room, drying my face on my shirt as I walk down the hall.
Dad winks and smiles when I enter the room and I smile back. Talking to Mom was just what I needed.
Agent Williams and Agent Parker leave with Ethan so they can speak with his family while we pack up some belongings to last us while we’re gone. Dad calls work to tell them we’re off to Scottsdale to tie up a few loose ends.
I call Catherine with the same story. She knows I’m full of crap but goes along anyway.
It shouldn’t be this easy to leave everything behind.
Rules for disappearing
by Witness Protection prisoner #18A7R04M:
Do not join clubs, dance line, or any other really fun organized group at school….
