Jeff came walking into the kitchen, holding Luke in his arms, and he just looked at me. “What in the fuck?” he said.
I knew it wasn’t because Grace was covered in baby food.
“I know, but listen, your mom is going to be here any minute. You need to get him out of here, Jeff—like now!”
Then, the doorbell rang.
Jeff closed his eyes. “Fuck. Me.” He turned and walked out of the kitchen.
I moved wi
th lightning speed to clean up Grace. I heard Jeff telling his dad that he shouldn’t have just shown up like this. Then, I heard Jeff opening the front door. I grabbed Grace and practically ran out into the hallway to the front door.
I stopped in my tracks when I saw Sharon, Ellie, and Alex. “Oh no,” I whispered. We’re about to have a little family reunion.
“Um…Mom, Ells…can I talk to you outside?” Jeff asked.
I glanced over to his father sitting on the sofa. I couldn’t help but notice how sad he was. Serves his ass right for what he did to all three of them.
“Why? What’s wrong?” Ellie asked.
Ellie could always tell when Jeff was upset or worried. Nothing got by her as far as he was concerned.
“Ells…let’s just…”
Sharon looked at him as she tilted her head. “Jeff, what’s going on? Your face is white as a ghost.” She peeked over Jeff’s shoulder and saw me standing there. She smiled when she saw Grace kicking and holding her arms out for her. She pushed Jeff out of the way and started to walk in.
“Mom…really, I think it’s best if we step outside for a minute.”
“Nonsense. I want to see my grandchildren and…” Her voice trailed off as she looked into the living room. “Brian? Is everything alright?” she asked in a whispered voice.
“Sharon, I’m so sorry. I had no idea you would be here,” Brian said as he slowly stood and started wringing his hands together.
Ellie came barreling in and stopped right behind Sharon. She stood there and just stared at her father. He smiled when he saw her, and when he looked down at Alex, he smiled bigger.
“Why are you here? How dare you come back into our lives! Haven’t you caused us all enough trouble? You need to go…right now!” Ellie shouted, scaring both Grace and Alex.
Sharon turned around and shook her head. She took a crying Alex out of Ellie’s arms. “Shh…baby girl, it’s okay. Ellie, please, honey, calm down.”
Jeff walked in and set Luke down.
He immediately ran up to Sharon. “Alwex! Alwex!”
Sharon put Alex down, and Alex and Luke both hugged each other. I quickly looked up at Brian, who seemed to have tears in his eyes. I glanced over to Jeff, and he looked more confused than angry.
“Luke, Alex…come on, y’all. Let’s go into Luke’s room and play!” I said, trying to be all cheery and shit.
Luke and Alex took off for the playroom, and I followed behind them. As I looked back, I saw Sharon turn toward Jeff and Ellie.
“Kids, your father and I need to tell you something.”
Holy shit. Sharon wasn’t at all surprised to see Jeff’s dad. Shit! Why can’t it be nap time?
I stood there and just stared at my mother. Why is she not surprised to see my father?
I glanced over at him, and he looked exactly like I remembered…but older…and sadder. His eyes were filled with sadness.
Good, I hope his life has been miserable—that bastard!