Page 298 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Reason To Sing

for deserting him, but I know I am incapable of caring for him
in this state. I just can’t. I need to get out of here. I need to get
away from Gord. And Gord needs to man up with his son!
He stares at the table sullenly. “Okay. No problem. Of
course I will.” He sounds very contrite and understanding.
Looking up, he adds, “I’ll drive you to the station.” It’s more of
a question than a statement.
No, thank you. You are not a knight in shining armour.
And I am no longer a damsel in distress.
I stand up defiantly. “No. I’ve already arranged a ride.” Gord
looks back at the table as I continue, “You need to call your
mother and tell her exactly what’s been going on here. I will
not pretend and lie to her any longer. I’ve saved the image she
has of you long enough.” My anger is intensifying. “I’m done,
Gord! No more. You need to tell her the truth. You at least owe
her that. And you owe me that too.” I love my mother-in-law
dearly, but I can’t protect her from knowing the ugly reality of
her son any longer.
“Yes, I will, of course,” he agrees timidly as the taxi honks
from our driveway.
I grab my bags and leave. No hug, no kiss for Keldon, no
words at all. Gord will have to deal with our little boy. Right
now, it’s all I can do to breathe.
I settle into the back of the cab and finally catch my breath.
So much faking! All this time I faked a perfect little family. I
painted the picture expertly so that I wouldn’t lose face. So that
we wouldn’t lose face.
All I’ve ever wanted is a nice little family that is not a
dysfunctional mess. Different from the one I grew up in. A safe
place where people can be honest and real. Is that too much to
ask? Maybe. Because the new life I dreamed of after leaving
Hudson is blowing up in my face. Maybe God is punishing

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