There was a quick shuffle on the other side before someone answered, “Shay, it’s dad.”
“Dad?” I didn’t keep the surprise out of my voice.
“I need you to come home, son.” He sounded agitated and immediately my pulse pricked up a notch. “She needs you.”
“Who?” I frowned at the phone. “Mom?”
“Skye.”
“Why? What happened?”
The pregnant silence on the other side only served to further tighten that spot between my shoulder blades. Every scenario possible played war with my erratic thoughts. “Dad?” I said breathlessly, fusing calm into my pulsing heart. “If they allowed me to take a call during field exercise, it must be critical. “What are you not telling me?”
I tensed at the sudden hoarseness to his next words. “It’s Julie.”
“What about her?” My grip tightened on the phone.
“She had an accident, son,” he choked out.
“Is she...” I trailed off unable to voice the words sitting full frontal.
I heard the heaviness in his sigh before he couldn’t answer. “She didn’t make it.”
“No!” I blurted, my eyes filling with tears, not caring that I stood in an office filled with manly men who might consider me a fucking pussy. “W-what...” I swallowed the thick ball of pain wedged in my throat. “How?”
“Brain hemorrhage. They couldn’t stop the bleeding in time. I’m sorry, son.”
He didn’t have to say more before the phone clattered to the desk and I was turning to the Sergeant Major. He gestured to the chair at my rear, calling for the administrative officer.
Exhausted after a restlesstwenty fours while I waited for an available flight, I climbed out the cab and inhaled deep breaths. Several cars filled the driveway and lined the street opposite. Somehow, I made it home without breaking down. Now as I glanced around, reality barreled down on my shoulders, and I felt the sting of tears behind my eyes. Taking another moment to breathe, I walked up the path.
I barely opened the door before Dad swallowed me in a solid embrace. “You’re here,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. Dropping my duffle, I held him tight. We stood that way for a couple of seconds and when he finally leaned back, his lips curved in a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Good to see, son.”
I’d never seen my father emotionally wrecked before and his solemn expression had me swallowing hard to curb the tears. This wasn’t the time for me to breakdown. “How are you holding up?” I asked as we entered the living room.
“Hanging in there,” he replied as family and friends came forward to greet me. Some with quick handshakes and others with light hugs.
After Dad’s sister, Katie, hugged me and stepped back, I was surprised to see my grandmother standing behind her. Immediately my thoughts went to Skye. It was no secret Grandma despised Julie and I hated to think how she’d treat Skye now that Julie was...
My thoughts stalled when she embraced me. “How’s my favorite grandchild?” she whispered in my ear, her smile wide when she leaned away.
“I’m good, Grandma,” my reply half-hearted, my gaze darted around the room.
Dad noticed. “She’s been sleeping in your room, son. Three days now and she won’t come down, eat, or talk to anyone.” He sounded tired. I didn’t blame him. He’d just lost his wife and having to worry about his withdrawn daughter while putting up a solid front for the neighbors and friends must be taxing.
“I’ll check on her.” With a quick nod to him, I headed for the kitchen. There, I checked the fridge before grabbing a few things.
“I made her some mac and cheese,” Grandma said behind me.
Closing the door, I set the items in my hand on the countertop. “She doesn’t like mac and cheese.”
The “Oh.” I got wasn’t exactly the understanding type. Then she followed with, “you spoil that child too much, Shay. One of these days she’s going to become a handful, even for you.” I glanced at her and continued working without comment. “It’s not healthy that you still allow her to sleep in your bed with you.”
“What the hell does that mean?” I snapped before I could stop myself.
She reared back at the vehemence in my tone. Then shaking her head, she offered me a smile that was as fake as the fur-lined jacket she wore. “She’s a growing girl, Shay and you’re going to have attachment issues. That’s all I’m saying.”
“She’s just fucking turned eight, Grandma.” Her eyes widened, her expression shock. I didn’t care. “She’s a child and right now, she’s hurting. She needs me. So go plant your unsolicited seeds somewhere they’re actually needed.” Her words alone told me she wasn’t about to let Julie’s body find peace and I’d be damned if I let her interfere.
