Page 42 of When People Leave
Abby
A bby’s homecoming was filled with happy tears. All four of the kids were up waiting for her. They were afraid that if they went to sleep, she would be gone when they woke up. This broke Abby’s heart, and she assured them she would be there in the morning.
After Addison was the last kid to conk out on the couch, Abby carried her to bed. When she returned, she found Alex pouring them each a glass of wine. Abby sat down next to him, leaning her head on his shoulder.
“What if Brian isn’t my father?” she said, sipping her drink.
“You were born six months after your mom moved to Los Angeles. It’s more likely that she decided not to tell him she was pregnant.”
“I hope that’s true; I can’t handle any more surprises.”
Alex kissed her on the forehead. “I’m impressed with how strong you’ve been during all this.”
“It’s a facade. I keep wavering between being sad that my mom died and then being filled with rage at her. And then my anger makes me feel like I’m a bad daughter.”
“You were a great daughter,” Alex said.
“Thanks. I’m hoping someday I can forgive her.”
“I bet you will.”
“What’s really crazy is that I’m thirty years old and didn’t know my actual birthday or maiden name.”
A tiny male voice screamed out. “Mommy!” Abby and Alex looked at each other.
Abby stood up. “I’ll be back.”
When she returned fifteen minutes later, Alex pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her.
“Hudson has been having the hardest time without you,” Alex said. “Did you have to read I’ll Always Come Back ?” Alex asked.
“No, he wanted to hear Heather Has Two Mommies .”
“Should I be insulted?” Alex asked.
Abby laughed. “His kindergarten friend brought the book to class for the teacher to read to them. Hudson thought it was fascinating how two mommies could make a baby without a daddy. I was too tired to explain it, so I told Hudson they could have a baby the same way mommies and daddies do. God drops one off at their house…I’m a terrible parent. ”
“We have time to tell him that his mom is delusional,” Alex said, falling back on the couch and pulling Abby on top of him. He kissed her passionately. After a few minutes, they came up for air. “I missed that,” he said.
“Me, too.” She kissed him again. This time, when they pulled apart, she moved off him and sat back up. “I need to talk to you about something,” she said.
Abby wanted his full attention, so she got up and went to the chair across from him. If she stayed where she was, she might not be able to say everything she wanted to, especially since Alex’s lips looked soft and luscious.
“Should I be concerned?” he asked.
“I don’t think so.”
“So you still adore me?”
“Couldn’t you tell from that kiss?”
“Good point. So, what’s going on?”
“I love being your wife and the mother to our kids, and I never want that to change, but these last few weeks have made me realize I need more.”
“Okay…” he said.
“I understand now why my mom lived life like someone would take it away from her. She had to be careful that her secret wouldn’t come out, so she couldn’t fulfill her dreams. I think growing up, I sensed her fear, and I took it on. I can’t be afraid to take risks anymore.”
“So, what are you saying?” he asked.
Abby thought she heard his voice crack for a moment.
What does he think I’m about to tell him?
Before his thoughts took on a life of their own, she continued.
“I need something outside of this house to remind me that I’m more than someone who cares for everyone else.
I’m going to take acting classes again and maybe get involved in the local theater. ”
Alex smiled; he looked relieved. “I think that’s great.”
“You do?” She stared at him. “I thought you’d push back on the idea since the kids are so young. If I get a part in a show, you know I’d have to be gone in the evenings.”
“Are you trying to get me to change my mind?”
“I am my own worst enemy,” Abby said, going back to sit next to him.
“I’m all for anything that makes you happy.
We’re a team. We’ll make it work,” Alex said, and Abby hugged him.
“I’ve always known how talented you are, and truthfully, I’ve felt guilty that we got pregnant so fast just as your career was taking shape.
” Alex took her face in his hands and looked into her eyes.
“If you weren’t so damn sexy, I could’ve kept my hands off you, and you’d be famous right now. ”
“You’re amazing,” Abby said. “The classes I’ve researched are only one night a week.”
“No problem. I’ve become an expert at making them dinner, getting them bathed, and putting them to bed. I have the routine down pat.”
“That’s not what I heard,” she said.
“Those snitches will have to put up with me, and so will you.”
“How could I not? You’re too sexy to resist,” Abby said.
Alex picked her up like a baby, carried her to their bedroom, and locked the door.