like a left-out schoolgirl every time they go out, and, eventually, Nikki gives in. Hours later, the four of them will plaster their buffoonery all over Facebook, the visit to the Playboy Mansion being the best one yet.
Somehow, I always get stuck with the shitty stick. I stand there in the kitchen, preparing dinner for everyone, including Dad and Debbie, who have driven down to spend time with Amelia. My mom’s traveling across Europe with my sister, a much-needed bonding session I suggested after my mother came clean about her past. I still remember the night it happened, a month ago when she came to visit us.
“Tell me, Mom, what did your dark angel do to you that has made you so bitter about love?”
She placed her hand over her heart, and with her other, she reached out to me for support. “He came into town one day. He was beautiful like a knight in shining armor. I was seventeen, I knew nothing about love, but I knew enough to know that my heart only wanted him.”
Her eyes scanned my face, waiting for judgment. “He promised me things… the world, and I allowed him to take me in the woods that night. He promised he would love me and be gentle, he always promised he would, but that night he hurt me, took my innocence on the dirty, cold floor. I begged him to stop. I told him if he loved me, he wouldn’t hurt me. He didn’t listen… he took me, then left me there, crying, and I never saw him again.”
I was shocked at the revelation. It all made sense why she warned me of this creature. Her dark angel, the big bad wolf, had robbed her of her innocence.
“Mi corazon… Please don’t hate me…”
“Mom,” I reassured her, squeezing her hand tight. “I don’t hate you.”
“Melanie…” she trailed off.
What about my sister? I watched my mom’s eyes as the secret lay within, and it was there written all over her face.
“It was too late. He left me and implanted his seed. How could I ever forget him?” Her voice now trembling.
Daddy, my heart bled for him. He loved Melanie so much.
“Does Dad know?” My voice was high-pitched, the air not flowing quickly enough.
“He knew that this man had a hold of me. Deep down inside, I know he does, but he always loved Melanie the same as you.”
“Go to her, Mom, go release the demon that has ravaged you. You’ve been carrying this burden for too long. Set it free, and I promise you he won’t haunt you anymore.”
She nodded, smiling before caressing my cheek. “I was wrong, Corazon. He’s not your dark angel.”
I let out a small laugh “Oh, he is, Mom, the only difference is he knows who’s got him by the balls if he ever pulled a stunt like that.”
Amid her tears, she let out a laugh and began the journey to setting her demons free.
I’m knee-deep, or should I say fist-deep in turkey and cranberries when I hear a noise beside me. I look up and find Adriana standing by the kitchen bench. I muster up a smile, and lean over to hug her tight, careful not to smear anything on her beautiful white dress.
“I didn’t think you would come,” I murmured.
She smiles, it still pains her, but it’s a smile. “Someone has to help you out in the kitchen because the lazy-ass crowd in the living room is playing Twister.”
“Again?”
“It’s down to Rocky and Eric.”
“This never ends well—” I am interrupted as Rocky yells out, “Dude, your fucking dick is in my face!”
Adriana laughs. It’s the first laugh I have heard since Elijah passed away. She has the most beautiful smile, and what right does God have taking away the one thing that brings it out?
Not now, Charlie, be strong for Adriana.
“I’m glad you’re here. We’ll get through this. As a family, I promise you that.”
“I know, Charlie. Elijah told me we would.”
We hug each other again before carrying the starters into the living room. As I suspected, Rocky and Eric’s position put gay porn to shame. I burst out laughing as the spinner requests Eric to move his left foot, which causes him to collapse onto Rocky’s face.
“Fuck, Eric! You did that on purpose,” Rocky yells, pushing Eric off him.
The entire room bursts into laughter, ending the Twister game.
Emily suggests we sing some Christmas carols to celebrate, and Lex asks Amelia if she wants to play with him. She nods and holds