A Summer To Remember: Novella (Lost Love Book 1) by C.L. Richards Read Free Book Online Page B

will bring the lasagna." Sitting at the table, Mrs. Edwards begins dishing the food out. The room goes silent, both of us eating quietly.  The lasagna's gorgeous, god, how I miss home cooked food. The strain in the room has thickened, Mrs. Anderson places her cutlery on her plate and makes a sound as if to speak. "I'm not sure of the best way to clarify things, but I have to put forth a few questions first alright?" Anxiety builds in the pit of my stomach, 'what's going on?' I ask myself.
    "Did you notice anything distinctive about Josh, days leading to his death?" Casting my memory back to the dreadful day. He was bit testy, nothing stands out, where is she running with this? “I can’t say anything stands out.” What is she holding back?
    "What's going on?" I ask keeping my voice even. Waiting for her to proceed, she takes a full breath before pulling something from her pocket. "I discovered this in Josh's room. It's addressed to you." I reach and take the envelope from her hand, "before you open it, I wanted to let you know I received a letter too. I'm sorry, I let him down." Her voice breaks, tears stream down her cheeks, in a try to comfort her I wrap my hands around her. "It's not your fault if anybody’s to blame, I am."
    "Your wrong dear." she discreetly mumbles "you aren't to blame, I never want to hear you say that again, do you hear me?" raising her voice marginally.
    Agreeing I would never voice the words again. I delicately break the news I have been fearing to say, not knowing what her response will be. Mrs. Anderson gazes at me with a look of skepticism, "You're Pregnant." Nodding my head feeling solemn. "Yes, you're going to be a grandmother."
    We sit in an uncomfortable silence for what appears like forever. Yet in all actuality is most likely just minutes. Exaggerated muteness, frazzles my nerves. Why isn't she saying anything? "I think you should read the letter, dear. Congratulations on your pregnancy." Astonished with her peculiar behavior, What the fuck is going on?! Rage surges its way through my body, not willing to take my pent up anger out on her, I need to leave. She remains standing before me, staring at me with concerned eyes. Respectful as I can summon, I thank her for supper. I turn my back on her and advance to the car. Resting my head against the side of the car, needing to calm myself down.  With the letter solidly gripped in my grasp, I climb into the car. Debating whether now is the time to read it or until I'm alone with no peeping eyes. Does she truly think I can't see her, looking through the blinds.
    Choosing the ideal situation is to read it when I'm alone. I text Kyle letting him know everything's alright and I will be home soon.
    Looking at the horizon before me takes my breath away, a flood of memories leaves me gasping for breath. A place Josh and I were guaranteed to be alone.
    I love hearing the ocean, smashing against the cliffs, the cool breeze tangling with my hair. I take a breath of fresh air, wishing it would evaporate the dread of opening the letter.
    There’s no point in delaying the inevitable. Tearing the envelope my eyes scan the written words.
    Izzy.
      If you’re reading this, I’m no longer walking alongside you. My death isn’t your fault. You see there are things I kept hidden from you.
      Since an early age, I suffered from depression. I always felt like I was walking on eggshells, scared of my own shadow. With the need to always be perfect but in reality, nobody is.   
    Three years ago, my life was headed in the wrong direction. I got in with the wrong crowd always getting into trouble and causing problems for my mother. Drinking every night to erase the darkness within me.
    But when I met you, I knew we were meant for each other. You’re gorgeous. You could’ve had any boy, but you chose me. How could you want plain old geeky me? But to my surprise you did. You weren't playing a joke like so many before had, you wanted me. You made me the