The Forgotten Child

Chapter 29, The Forgotten Child

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Gina and her husband Fred lived on the edge of Hoquiam in a beautiful newer area with large homes, manicured lawns and flower-filled gardens. Even though the homes styles varied throughout this concrete community, the tan color scheme gave a sense of sameness while driving through it; people either loved or hated it. Gina stood in the middle of the driveway, arms crossed as if ready to take on the devil himself. Her husband traipsed out of the house and waved his large hand, as Emily parked on the street in front of the house. Fred, only a few inches taller than Gina, stood behind his wife—a solid, balding man who could stand to shed a few pounds. He was a good, honest and quiet man; a glazier who never had a bad word to say about anyone. Emily liked him.

She glanced at Katy; sound asleep.

"Well, you look like crap." Gina met her halfway down the driveway.

Emily swiped away another of the endless tears that had become a constant flow these last few days. Maybe it was relief or all the anxiety she'd held onto for so long. She snorted. "You have a way with words."

Fred lingered a few steps behind Gina. "Hey, Emily." When he smiled, you knew it was genuine.

"Hi, Fred. Thanks again for your help. I'm so sorry to be imposing on you guys." Mac climbed out of the truck, the engine idled. "Where should I park?"

Fred walked around Emily. "Back in the driveway, there's a side door to the basement; we'll shove everything in there."

Mac nodded and backed the truck in. Fred yanked open the front door and shouted. "Lance, Rick, get out here and give us a hand unloading Emily's stuff."

Two gangly teens, with light brown hair that was a little too long, shuffled out of the house.

Moving out of the men's way, Emily stepped onto the neatly manicured grass with Gina. "I really appreciate you and Fred letting us stay here, but I promise you; I'll find us a place quickly, and we'll be out of here in no time. And we won't get underfoot. Katy's really good—you know that."

"I know, I know; would you stop worrying? We'll help you get a place. I've already made up the guest room for you and Katy." Katy whimpered from her car seat. Gina unbuckled her and carried her into the house "Go grab yourself some coffee, Emily. I just made a fresh pot."

Emily wandered alone into Gina's large dream kitchen, something like what you'd see plastered on the front of those renovation magazines. She listened to Gina ramble on to Katy, showing her the dusty toys she'd pulled out of the basement for her to play with. Katy was quiet when Gina wandered back into the kitchen with her.

"So, what did Bob say when you told him you were leaving the ranch?"

"Well, brace yourself. He said he knew I couldn't make it on my own. And that a few things had to change before he'd allow me to come back."

Gina's mouth dropped. "What?"

"I burst his fantasy bubble really quick. I was in no mood to put up with his bullshit. So, I told him I was filing for divorce. He didn't say anything, except for me to let him know our new address and phone number. I gave him yours and he said nothing. He hung up."

"I cannot believe you were married to that man for all those years. Jesus, Emily; was he always that much of an asshole?"

Emily flinched, wondering at what point she'd allowed her values to compromise. Even with Brad, she had to wonder what the hell was tattooed on her forehead. There had to be a reason she constantly found herself yearning to be loved.