Page 101 of Beneath the Blue Moon

***Casey***

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I have to get back to work.”

“It’s fine. You’ve babysat me long enough.”

“Clara’s here. If you need anything, you just let her know.”

“Okay.”

He kisses me softly and tucks my hair behind my ear. “I love

you.”

“I know.”

“You know? Isn’t there something you want to tell me?”

I knit my brows in mock confusion. “Thank you?”

“Minx.”

“Yeah, but you love that about me.”

“I love everything about you.”

“I’m awesome. Why wouldn’t you?”

“Why wouldn’t I indeed.” He kisses me once more and

straightens, resting his hand on the handle of his gun. “I’ll be home in time

for our appointment with Dr. Shorter.”

“See you later.”

The moment he leaves the room, Clara walks in.

“I made breakfast, dear.”

“Thank you.”

“How are you feeling?” she asks as she places the tray on my

lap.

All I can do is shrug because I can’t explain the feelings

stirring inside me. I feel hurt, guilty, angry, lonely, like it’s the end of

the world… and then when I’m with Ethan, I feel like I can get through this.

I’ve decided to tell him everything. Whatever happens, happens. I just hope he

loves me as much as he says he does.

“You’re one of the strongest people I know… and so is Ethan.

You’ll get through this and you’ll come out stronger than before.”

“Thanks, Clara.”

I eat my breakfast and contemplate her words, wondering if

I’m really that strong. Before, I did what I had to do because I had Daddy to think

about. But now….

With a sigh, I place the tray on the floor and pull the

covers over my head. The memorial service yesterday took a lot out of me, and I

didn’t sleep much. I need a nap.

***

“Casey?”

I open my eyes to the afternoon sun shining in through the

drapes.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Sitting up, I find Anna poking her head through the door. I

smile, motioning for her to enter.

“Come in. Just give me two minutes.”

As she walks in, I head to the bathroom. I return to find

her sitting at the foot of the bed, looking nervous and unsure of herself.

“Hi.”

“Hi. Sorry, I didn’t come sooner, but I wasn’t sure you were

up to company.”

“No need to apologize. I’m the one who owes you an apology.”

“For what?”

“I promised I would help you and I just disappeared.”

“I understand. I heard what happened, and I figured you’d

need some time.”

“I did.”

“But you’re back.” She smiles. “I’m glad.”

“Me, too.”

“Uncle Ethan was a total dragon when you left. He loves you.”

I know. “What about that boy you told me about?”

She gives me a toothy grin and moves closer. “After I

stopped feeling sorry for myself, he asked me out.”

“Of course he did.”

“We’ve been out a few times, and it’s going well.”

“I’m glad. You deserve to be happy.”

“So do you.”

Clara appears in the doorway, looking distracted. “Casey, I

have to run out for a bit.”

“That’s fine. Go ahead.”

“Anna can keep you company. I won’t be long.”

“No problem, Aunt Clara,” Anna says.

We spend the next half hour talking about everything and

nothing. She’s a wonderful girl. Smart and funny, too. I feel a weird

connection to her I can’t explain. Maybe it’s the fact that we both lost our

parents.

In the middle of a sentence, she freezes, panic taking over

her features.

“What’s wrong?”

Leaning forward, she whispers in my ear, “Whatever she says,

don’t listen to her.”

She then stands, clasping her hands in front of her. I hear

movement and turn to the door to see Helena approaching. I take a deep breath,

preparing myself.

“Helena. I expected you a lot sooner.”

“Yes, well… I’ve been busy.”

She glances at Anna and dismisses her with a flick of the

wrist. Anna casts one last pleading look my way before walking out, her head

down.

“So… what can I do for you today, Helena?”