New Love by Mj Fields Read Free Book Online Page A

“I’m going to sit with you until he gets here. Your Mother is going to be here as soon as she can.”
    “Thank yo u.”
    “Are you cold?”
    “No,” her voice squeaked and she began crying again.
    He pulled her closer to him and held her head against his shoulder and let her cry.
    They sat there for over an hour before Tessa fell asleep
    She woke up and walked to the bathroom when she came out his back was to her and his arms were crossed over his chest. He was looking out the door towards the ocean.
    “Thank you and so rry. I’m going to shower,” Tessa said and quickly walked back into the bathroom.
    She was embarrassed, sad, and angry.
    While dressing she heard two men talking in the kitchen.
    “Her mothe r should be here soon, I guess. It was all a bit chaotic, Pastor Lou.”
    “I’ m glad you were her for her.”
    “I wish I could stay . She was so sad…is she going to be alright?”
    “Of course, and praise be to God that she was here and that you were here. Ann wasn’t alone.”
    “I’ ll miss my flight if I don’t go now.”
    “Go, she’ ll be fine. Stay safe son.”
    “Always.”
    Tessa walked out of the bathroom slowly and immediately recognized Pastor Lou from a summer VBS as well as past trip to visit Ann when they had gone to her church on Sundays.
    He opened his arms, and she ran into them and cried, “Oh Tessa, it’s you.”
    The family arrived, and calling hours were held. Ann had chosen cremation and wished to be buried in Syracuse with Fred and her siblings. It was a small service. Everything happened so quickly.
    ~
    At home, few people knew about Ann’s passing. She hadn’t lived in the area for years and aside from Maggie and her siblings no one ever really got to know Ann. She was an angel. Anyone who took the time to know her would immediately be able to see that. Tessa replayed their last conversations over and over in her head and took comfort that, as Pastor Lou had said to Ann’s Joe, ‘she wasn’t alone when she passed’. Maggie shared in his sentiments and Tessa tried to as well.
    ~
    Jade, Phoebe, and Becca all gave Tessa a card on her first day back to school and Lucas watched the exchange. Tessa saw him from the corner of her eye and he looked confused as he walked up and tried to grab her arm.
    “Don’t, it’s none of yo ur business,” Tessa sidestepped him a quickly walked down the hall to class.
    The next few weeks Tessa was very withdrawn. She went to the library at lunch and skipped Alex’s basketball games. She was keeping it together on the outside but doing just the minimal to take care of herself. She ate just a little and was no longer running. The thing is, nobody really saw it. Every one’s lives were busy, and Tessa had never been the type to need anyone. The only person she confided in was Toby through letters and email. He was her source of strength. She asked that he not say anything to anyone, and he respected her request.
    ~
    On Valentine's Day weekend, Toby came home. They hung out and talked a lot, he insisted on taking her out to dinner. They went to a place in Ithaca. They sat at the restaurant talking, he even made her laugh. Toby excused himself and went to the bathroom. Tessa took a deep breath and sat back. When she looked up she saw Lucas walk in with his mother. Tessa immediately looked away.
    Lucas’s mom saw her.
    “Let’s go say hi,” Kate smiled at Lucas as she walked towards her. “Hello Tessa, how are you?”
    “How are you?” she smiled brightly at Lucas’s Mom.
    “Much better now, thank you for looking after my boy while I was getting help, Tessa. By the way you’re an excellent cook.”
    “It wasn’t a problem,” she forced a smile.
    “ Lucas where are your manners? Aren’t you going to say hello to Tessa?”
    “Hello Tessa,” Lucas said as if he were in agony.
    Toby walked out and smiled. “Toby you remember Lucas, right?”
    “Hey Lucas, how are you?” Toby asked and extended his hand.
    “I’ m fine