Pulled(33)
Author: A.L. Jackson

“Mom.” I breathed out a sigh, not having a clue what to say to her. I glanced anxiously at Daniel, trying to gauge his reaction to her. He was already standing to kiss me on the forehead, and he and his parents excused themselves. I watched as they reached the door, and Daniel mouthed, “I love you,” before following his parents out. Mom still fidgeted, standing in the same spot.

“Mom?” I asked. Would she even talk to me?

She had to be so disappointed. She had to be so angry.

“Oh, Melanie,” Mom cried, rushing around to take my cheeks in her hands. I hugged her to me as we grieved together for Eva and for the wall we’d unknowingly built between us.

“Mom, I’m so sorry.” I cried into her shoulder.

“It’s okay.” She shushed me as she swept my hair behind my ear. “We have a lot to deal with, sweetheart. We’ll do that later, okay? Right now I just want you to get better.”

I nodded, thankful she was willing to forgive me. I wanted to explain everything to her, to tell her why I was scared to let her know, but the door opened.

Dad. My stomach twisted in knots when I saw his face.

His expression gave nothing away, and he looked as if he felt nothing, though he couldn’t hide the disgust he felt for me. My voice trembled, shaky and barely audible as I called to him across the room, “Dad?” My voice implored him to talk to me. He shook his head and looked down, leaving the room without saying a word.

It was exactly as I had feared. He would never forgive me for this. I could only imagine the way he had treated Daniel. Mom narrowed her eyes as she watched him leave, turning back to me with a tight smile.

“Don’t let him bother you, sweetheart.”

“I knew he was going to be so disappointed.” I shook my head, wishing I had listened to Daniel when he’d insisted we tell him. “I’m not ashamed, Mom.” I looked at her, needing her to understand I would never regret Eva.

“I know, sweetheart. I know.” She patted my arm, soothing my nerves from the non-confrontation with my dad.

“Did you get here in time?”

She smiled, wistful.

“She was so beautiful.” Mom seemed to be lost in her thoughts before she spoke again. “You’re so young.” I started to protest, but she stopped me, shaking her head. “No, let me say this. You’re young, but you don’t love as if you are.” She swallowed. “You would have been the best mom.” She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, sighing as she looked away. “I just wanted you to know that I truly believe that, for whatever it’s worth.” It was worth everything.

Daniel came back. He opened the door, looking between Mom and me.

I smiled, and he came into the room and sat across from Mom. The tension between them was thick, and it was clear that the forgiveness she had shown me did not extend to Daniel.

I knew my parents would see it as if Daniel had taken advantage of their little girl. It sickened me that anyone could even begin to think of him that way, but I had to be patient. Eventually they would realize how much he really did care about me. Time would just have to prove that.

The rest of the evening people filtered in and out. Nurses came and went, Mom left to get coffee at least ten times, and Erin and Julia ran back and forth to get people whatever they needed. Patrick continually checked to be sure I was being well taken care of while Dad stared at me from across the room. Daniel—he never left my side. He was so exhausted, yet he stayed. I could never love him more than I did right then.

When night fell, everybody left but Daniel, who attempted to sleep in the chair beside me. I asked him to go with his parents and get a good night’s sleep. Of course, he refused. I really never believed he’d leave, but I had to at least try. We both slept restlessly. How people ever expected to “rest and get well” in a hospital I’d never know. Nurses came in and out at least five times during the night, poking and prodding me. I was convinced if they’d just let me sleep I’d be well in half the time. Daniel and I gave up when the first rays of light came through the window. Neither of us felt any better than we had the night before.

“Are you up for any more visitors?” Erin popped her head through the door, her eyes glistening. Daniel and I welcomed her in. She hugged me, and then wrapped her arms around Daniel.

Erin convinced Daniel to take a shower and get something to eat. He looked to me, and I could see how hesitant he was to leave.

My chest constricted at the thought of him walking out the door, an irrational fear taking hold. I wanted to beg him to stay, but I forced myself to assure him I would be fine. I was going to have to get over that.

After what had happened, I didn’t think I’d ever want to be away from him again, but I knew I still had to go back home to Colorado Springs. I still had two months of school left.

Erin settled in beside me and took my hand.

“Hey, sister.” She smiled sweetly at me. I smiled back. I loved when she called me that. “How are you, really? And don’t give me any of that bullshit that you’re fine either.” I chuckled, thankful that she always forced me to be honest with her. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I really can’t say, Erin. I mean, I can’t even begin to describe the heartbreak I feel over her. It’s like this huge piece of me is missing, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop feeling that way. But when Daniel’s nearby, I know everything is going to be all right.” She nodded in understanding.

“Erin, what happened? I can’t ask Daniel because he blames himself.”

She took a deep breath. “Yeah, I know. He really does, Melanie. I don’t know if he’ll ever stop, but there was nothing he could have done. The guy hit you, not the other way around.” She shook her head and picked at her fingernails before looking back to me. “They charged him with manslaughter this morning. He’d been drinking—all night—and was on his way back to Denver. Apparently, he fell asleep at the wheel. His blood alcohol level was more than double the limit.” She paused to give me time to absorb what she’d said.

Never had I felt so much anger, but I pushed it aside. I knew that would be something I would have to deal with over time, forgiving someone I didn’t even know. For now, her news was too much for my broken heart to deal with.

“What about my parents?” Daniel told me everything was fine, even when I knew it wasn’t.

“Well, I think your mom is okay. She was really upset when she first got here and got into it with Mom. She hadn’t slept all night on her way here. When she came in and saw you in this bed, I think she just…snapped. She didn’t really talk to anyone that first day, but once she saw…Eva,” she said, hesitating on Eva’s name as tears filled her eyes. “Oh, Melanie, that little girl could soften anyone’s heart. Peggy apologized to Mom, and now they’re totally fine. She hasn’t really spoken much to Daniel, but she stayed beside him that whole morning after Eva passed. She’s hurt, Melanie, but she loves you and is willing to forgive you.”