Page 63 of If It's You

“I know, sweetie. And I love you for it.” She paused, “Butyou can’t fight the past.”

Christian froze, unprepared for one of his dad’s favorite mantras. His dad had been the epitome of living in the moment. Every decision and every opportunity served a purpose and whatnot. But he’d stopped believing that the day his dad had died.

“Have you read your father’s book yet?” His mom asked.

“No.” He shook his head even though she couldn’t see him.

“You should.” His mom stopped talking to turn down whatever music Emi must have been listening to. “But anyway, back to the reason I called, I was actually wondering if we could come to visit in two weeks. I talked to Jayce’s parents, and they said the Jensens love having visitors, and your sister has been dying to see all the baby cows.” His mom spoke at lightning speed. Christian barely registered what she had said.

“What?”

“Would that be okay? We wouldn’t stay long, I wouldn’t want to get in the way or anything, but I miss you, and it’s been a while since I’ve taken a vacation from work.” She was rambling because she was worried. But he never wanted his mom to feel like an imposition. There would always be room for her wherever he was.

“Of course, Mom. Let me go talk to Grandma.”

“Grandma?” Concern laced her words.

“I mean Jayce’s grandma. She told me to call her that.”

“Oh, okay sweetie.” His mom seemed less sure of her decision to visit by the second. Christian put his mom on hold as he spoke to Grandma. As expected, Grandma was more than thrilled.

“It’s all good. Grandma will make up a room for you,” Christian said into the phone.

“Oh, wonderful. I’ll see you soon sweetie. Have fun for me.”

“I will.” He half-smiled, and the old familiar ache crept into his heart. His mom deserved the world, and he wished he could give it to her. But he couldn’t bring his dad back.

“Beans are ready,” Grandma’s boisterous voice echoed through the house.

Christian’s stomach growled. One bite of the delicious beans told him how wrong he’d been. Grandma’s magic beans could fix everything.

Sixteen

Maizie: Want to come to the farm tonight? Grandma has been asking about you.

Rob: Yeah! @ 7?

Maizie: Yup.

Sunday night, Maizie plopped down on the couch beside Hugh.

“Nice shiner,” Hugh said.

“Can everyone please stop commenting on my face?” Maizie said.

“Oh dear, what happened?” Aunt Cherie immediately reached out to her, cupping her face in her cold hands and inspecting her eye. Aunt Cherie was the oldest of Grandma and Grandpa’s children and looked the most like Grandma. She was always mothering everyone, even Grandma.

Grandma hated it.

Maizie took a deep breath. “Christian hit me.” The room went silent, and all eyes turned on him.

“I did not!” Christian said, falling back a step when uncle Dan approached him.

“Next time you hit someone, make sure they don’t have a big family.” Maizie gave him an evil smile.

“Okay, very funny, now please tell them what actually happened.” Christian pleaded with his eyes.

The stares weren’t letting up. Her family was waiting for an explanation, and Maizie could give them one.