Wrecking Ball by B. N. Toler Read Free Book Online Page B

you. We’re genuinely happy, Sophia, and have been for a very long time. The moment I messed up, I hated myself for wronging Gary. He’s my world and when I thought I might lose him, I vowed that if he forgave me, he’d get every ounce of me, faithful, loyal, and honest. And he has.”
    “But why , Mom? Why’d you do it?”
    “I told you. I was selfish. In most marriages, there’s always one who gives a little more, has more patience, and takes less. In my marriage that person is your father, and correct me if I’m wrong, I think you’re that person in yours. You’ve always been like him.”
    I hesitate before responding. I’ve never thought I gave more, but maybe in a lot of ways I have, but in the biggest way, it’s been patience. I have always shown extreme patience with Brandon. “I just don’t know how to stop feeling so betrayed.” And that is the truth. Even when I’ve told myself I should forgive Brandon, the bitterness from his betrayal burns inside of me and wipes out any idea of forgiveness.
    “You know how when you cut your finger, you put a Band-Aid on it?”
    I nod to her confused.
    “Eventually you have to remove that Band-Aid and let the wound breathe, which is scary because it hurts when you touch it against something, or maybe gets salt in it while cooking, but eventually you have to expose that wound, or it will never heal. You’re wounded right now, Sophia. To heal, you have to show that wound to Brandon, expose it so he can help you mend it. I know you’re afraid he may do it again, but that’s something you have to decide. After everything, all of the years of love, babies, jobs, laughs, tears, and fights, is he worth exposing that wound?” She pats my hand as tears well in my eyes. “If you decide you want to work it out, Sophia, make no mistake, it will be hardest for you. You’re the one that’s been wronged. You’re the one that has to put the pain behind you to move on. But I have a feeling if you can, you won’t regret it, dear.”
    “I sent him away for the summer with the girls so I could think ,” I blurt out.
    She sighs heavily. “He’s probably going crazy, too. I know I did when your father ignored me for months.”
    “I guess I should call him and let him know where I am.” I stare up at her for a moment. My mother has always hung the moon in my eyes. In many ways, I’ve tried to be just like her, dutiful and loyal. It makes me sad to know that my mother and father’s marriage is scarred , and I know it was hard for her to confide this in me. What mother wants their child to know such a thing about them? But then comes to reason, why in fact, despite her indiscretion, she told me to help me, to give me another point of view, and that’s why she really is the best mother. A woman that would expose her own shame so that her daughter might make a better decision. “I love you, Mom.” I slide off my stool and hug her tightly.
    “I love you , too, honey.”
    I leave her in the kitchen, slipping quietly through the hall towards my bedroom so as not to interrupt Tia and my father’s discussion and call Brandon.
    “Hi ,” I say when Brandon answers.
    “How are you?” he asks. His words are clipped. Is he angry?
    “I’m good. Just wanted to let you know I’m at my parent ’s house until tomorrow. Then we’ll be heading off.”
    “Oh. A ny idea where you’re going?” His tone is tentative, as if he’s unsure if he should ask.
    “Not yet. She’s being very secretiv e, but as soon as I know, you’ll know.”
    “Okay. You wanna speak with the girls?” he offers and I wonder if he doesn’t want to speak with me. Maybe he’s mad I made him go with the girls.
    “Yeah ,” I answer quickly, hoping my surprise isn’t evident in my tone.
    Without another word he puts Ferrah on and then Chloe . Both girls tell me about the presents their grandparents bought them today and how much they love the beach. My heart aches because I miss them so much, but I