Twelve Steps to Normal(92)

Lin returns a moment later, and I tell them all about Nonnie. It feels good not having to pretend with them anymore. I never should have in the first place.

An hour later, Raegan bursts through the doors.

“I’m a sister!” she exclaims. “She’s so tiny. And beautiful. My mom’s okay, although this one nurse poked her three separate times before sticking an IV in. But they say she handled the pregnancy very well for her age.”

A wave of relief rolls through my chest. “That’s so great.”

Raegan turns to me, squeezing me tight. “Thank you for being here.”

I try and return her smile. “Can we see her?”

“Yes!” She’s swelling with pride. “She’s in the hospital nursery. Follow me.”

We follow her past the double doors and around the corner of a long hallway. Raegan stops in front of a long window where half a dozen babies are resting in beds that resemble high-tech shopping carts.

“That’s her,” Raegan says, pointing to the farthest bed on the right.

My eyes land on this tiny bean of a human, small and safe, gently wrapped in a soft white blanket. She’s beautiful, already so loved by so many in this world. In Raegan’s eyes, she’s perfect—but she’ll make mistakes. It’s impossible not to. But I can tell by the way Raegan is gazing at her, she’ll love her through anything. And maybe that’s all anyone can ask for.





FORTY ONE


EVEN THOUGH MY DAD TOLD her she didn’t have to, Aunt June flies into town the next day. She says it’s not a big deal, that she has time off to spare. I can’t say I blame her, though. My dad wasn’t exactly okay the last time he lost someone.

When I pick June up from the airport, she wraps me in a huge hug. I squeeze her tight, overcome by waves of emotion.

“Oh! I’ve missed you,” she says as we walk to my car. “I know it’s only been a few months, but you just look so grown.”

I feel a smile tug on the corners of my lips. “I sort of feel that way, too.”

She waits until we get in the car before she goes, “Your dad told me everything, about his friends staying at the house, although I wish you would have. I’m so sorry to hear about Nonnie.”

My chest tightens. I don’t know if I’m still in denial about it, but it’s like a fresh wound every time I hear her name. “We’re all… sort of getting through it together.”

She sighs. “When he told me about his friends living here, I’ll admit I was a little worried. I can’t imagine how you reacted to that homecoming. But after talking to him for a long while, it seemed as though they’re good people and, more importantly, they haven’t relapsed and put you in any danger. After all you’ve both been through, I know he’d do anything to keep your environment safe and stable.”

“I haven’t ever felt threatened by them. Honest,” I say. “But I was afraid Margaret would react badly and send me back to live with you.”

Aunt June’s eyes fall soft with sympathy. “And you just wanted to be home.”

I nod.

“Well, I’m sorry to visit under unfortunate circumstances, but I’m looking forward to meeting them. I’m glad your father has this support system, you know.”

“I am, too,” I say, and I mean it. Because they’re not only his support system, but mine, too.

“And I’m glad you’re happy here, doll.”

“It doesn’t mean I don’t miss you.”

“Ah, I know.” She smiles. “But it’s nice to hear it.”

As I’m pulling in the driveway, I notice a strange, multi-colored something hanging from the mailbox. My brain automatically jumps to Nonnie’s love for rainbow extravagancies, but I know that can’t be it. After helping June with her suitcase, I start down the driveway.

“Just a second,” I say.

I open the mailbox all the way, freeing a Starburst bracelet made from only the tropical wrappers. There’s a note attached, but I already know who it’s from.


I KNOW YOU’RE GRIEVING, AND I WANTED TO SAY I’M SORRY. I DIDN’T WANT TO BOMBARD YOU WITH TEXTS OR ANYTHING. IF YOU WANT TO TALK, I’M HERE.



I clutch the bracelet in my hand. This is the first time I’ve heard from Alex in over a week. Does this mean he could be open to forgiving me?

I swallow, remembering our conversation in the workshop. He’s probably just offering his condolences. Like Lin said, that’s who he is—a nice guy.

“Anything good?” June asks as I’m unlocking the front door.

I stare down at the bracelet. “I hope so.”

Wallis bombards June as soon as we walk through the door. I use her suitcase as a blockade until my dad runs down the hall, grabbing him by his collar. Saylor is on his heels, apologizing profusely.

“I’ll let him outside,” he says. “I’m Saylor, by the way. It’s great to finally meet you.”

“Likewise,” June says, and I can’t help but think how surreal it is that she’s here.

Wallis woofs as Saylor takes him away. He wanted to keep him, and he’d asked us if that was okay. I remembered when Nonnie said she wasn’t going to give up on him. I know Saylor won’t, either.