Torched by Bella Love-Wins Read Free Book Online Page B

unhappy.
    “It’s been really hard, being here without your dad,” she continued.
    “I miss him, too, Mom,” Tara said.
    She sat on the side of the armchair and held her mom for the first time since she had moved back home. It was probably just as uncomfortable, and no longer a place either of them felt they belonged.
    “How about if I pay what I can, and if you’d like, I can help you hunt for an apartment or condo.”
    “Like old times, when we’d go window shopping on the Fridays that your dad worked late,” her mom answered, with a hint of a smile.
    “Yes, Mom, just like old times.”
    “It’s a date!”
    It was a relief to see her mom feel better. Tara had not stopped to think about how hard her life must be without Dad. She had Kevin to lean on when her father died, but her mom had no one. Selling the house was probably something she should have done a long time ago. Still, there were at least six months until she and Kevin were going to leave for Montana. Tara would have to figure out some living arrangements. God, I wish I could just move to Montana right now! She couldn’t wait that long, and the sooner she and Kevin could return to their original plan, the better.

Chapter 7
    K evin walked into the living room. His parents were sitting in the same spots on the sofa. The television was turned to a news channel, where the anchormen discussed the string of murders. A picture of Jake flashed on the screen with the word WANTED above his face, and his mom unraveled. Her sobs turned to full blown weeping, and even his dad couldn’t soothe her.
    They had not noticed him there, so he cleared his throat as the television program went to commercial. They looked up and his dad turned the television off.
    “I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Kevin said, sitting down on the soft blue armchair.
    “That’s all right. We shouldn’t be watching the news anyway,” his dad said. “I know I can speak for your mother and me when I say we’re in shock there’s a manhunt for Jake.”
    “You’ve got that right,” his mother muttered in between loud sniffles.
    “I’m sorry I had to be the one to tell you.”
    Kevin looked between his parents. His mom’s red face and his dad’s sad eyes were something he wasn’t used to seeing. They always seemed so carefree and nothing bothered them.
    His dad leaned back against the couch.
    “When you left, your mother and I started talking. We know we’ve not been the most vigilant of parents, but we really tried. I guess we didn’t try hard enough.”
    “You can’t blame yourself,” Kevin insisted.
    While he believed in his words, it was easier said than done. Deep down, he also blamed himself for his brother’s actions. He blamed himself for being an alibi when he didn’t know any better.
    “This isn’t anyone’s fault. Jake is sick. The doctors said he has schizophrenia, and things can happen. It’s no one’s fault.”
    “We lost so much time with Jake, and now we might never get that back. We don’t want to do the same with you,” his mother said.
    Kevin didn’t know what to say. He wanted to make things right in their relationship, but it amazed him that his parents were finally admitting something was amiss.
    “I’d like that,” he replied, perking up.
    “Great!” His dad smiled. It had been a while since Kevin saw that sign of emotion in him. “So, how’ve your classes been going?” he asked.
    Kevin settled back in his chair, prepared to answer anything. “Really well. I’m finally getting a good grasp on this Zoology course.”
    “That’s good to know,” his mother chimed in. “We couldn’t help but notice things seem to be different between you and Tara. We haven’t been around to talk about it, but there’s definitely something different.”
    Kevin looked at his mom. It seemed odd to discuss his relationship with them, but he didn’t want to lose the connection they were building. It was an effort he had not seen in