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After several days of reading letters and getting the will all squared away, Abbie was ready to grieve in private. Sadly, Charlie’s mom was arriving any minute after her flight from Africa. Abbie rocked back and forth in the passenger seat of the Mustang. Charlie placed his hand on her knee to calm her down. They quickly exited the car then entered the airport to meet Charlie’s mom. They sat nearby awaiting Beatrice’s arrival. Charlie tried to calm her nerves the best he could by holding her hand.
“It will be okay. My mom will love you.” Charlie claimed.
“I doubt it but thanks for the reassurance.” Abbie sighed against Charlie’s side.
“Even if she doesn’t like you at first, she will eventually.”
“I know you are trying to make this better, but you aren’t.”
“I’m sorry... I choose you regardless.”
He brought her hand to his lips for a quick kiss. Abbie sighed and smiled lightly from the soft touch. She felt slightly calm after Charlie’s claim to her heart. He was the best man in the world. Abbie couldn’t understand how he popped out of the woman walking toward them. She looked intense and ridged with her suitcase. Her face had a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She looked at Charlie then Abbie with a sigh. Charlie quickly hugged his mom then took her suitcase. They exchanged their hellos in an awkward fashion then walked out to the car.
Abbie felt extremely awkward and didn’t want to be anywhere near the woman. Charlie’s mom was completely opposite of him. He was kind and caring, she was jagged and ridged. They started talking about her trip and the ministry work lately. Abbie was happy to not be under the scrutiny of the spotlight. The woman seemed to wedge space between her and Charlie. Abbie walked behind the two while they laughed and exchanged news.
They arrived at the car in no time. Abbie took the backseat because she didn’t want another reason to get a look from Charlie’s mother. She remained quiet and calm although she wanted to tell off his mother for her condescending tone about their relationship. Charlie often peered at Abbie on the way home. He looked like a sad puppy who needed a home. She looked away because she couldn’t handle his gaze any longer.
Charlie started to talk about the floral shop and all the wonderful new jobs and employees working in the store. His mom sounded pleased with the progress of the store. Abbie rolled her eyes but continued staring to the right of the car. She was enjoying seeing the city as much as she could. She knew one day she would have to leave if the police didn’t bring down the gang responsible for the rapes and drug running in the city.
“Abbie, what do you do?” Beatrice, Charlie’s mother, asked.
“Right now, she is recovering the best she can.” Charlie answered with a smile, peering at Abbie in the rearview mirror.
“I was talking to Abigail, not you Charles.” His mother retorted.
Abbie cleared her throat. “As Charlie said, I am recovering from my hospital stay and grief. I won’t know what I can do next until my doctor’s appointment next week. They will tell me if I can ever fight again in the boxing ring.” Abbie sighed.
“What will you do if you can’t get back in the ring?” She asked.
“I haven’t fully decided yet.” Abbie retorted.
The woman’s obvious disdain showed through her tone. Abbie was less than impressed with the woman. She called herself a Christian yet acted higher than all the people around her. She was intense and discourteous. Abbie didn’t want anything to do with the woman or her baiting tactics.
They arrived at Charlie’s home just in time. Abbie wanted to lie down in bed to hide from the rude woman. She had enough on her plate with her father’s funeral the next day, she didn’t want to deal with another corpse. Charlie helped her escape the tiny backseat while his mother waited nearby, examining the house.
“Aren’t you going to bring Abbie home?” Beatrice asked.
“She is home. Abbie lives with me, Mom.” Charlie answered.
“Delightful. I’m happy you made yourself at home. I guess this means you have no need to get a job since my son makes plenty for both of you.” Beatrice rudely chastised Abbie.
Abbie was about to jump down Beatrice’s throat. She stopped herself and remained silent. Charlie stepped in to defend her honor which made her feel cheap and weak. She didn’t like anyone disrespecting her or her honor. She used to be able to chew people up and spit them out with one sentence. Since it was Charlie’s mother, Abbie knew she couldn’t tell her off. If Abbie wanted a life and future with Charlie, she had to bear the weekend with his mom.
“I’m going to lay down.” Abbie whispered to Charlie.
“Are you okay?” Charlie asked, concerned.
“Yes, just dizzy.” Abbie uttered, looking at Beatrice in the kitchen. “Let me know when dinner is ready.”
“Okay. I will.” Charlie answered, kissing her forehead quickly.
Abbie walked into the master bedroom and closed the door. She laid on the bed and let her tears roll down her cheeks. She wasn’t tired in the slightest, nor dizzy. She just didn’t want to ruin things with Charlie and his mother. Abbie felt unwelcome and alone. She knew Charlie stood up for her and claimed he chose her, but how far would his mom go to break them up?
I can’t stand that woman. She walked in here like she owns the place. She used to... but that’s beside the point. I can’t believe that woman is Charlie’s mom. I can understand why his sister ran away. I would probably have more luck with her than his mom. Beatrice is like a fire breathing dragon. Abbie thought to herself.
Abigail stared at social media while lying in the bed because she needed a distraction from Beatrice laughing in the living room nearby. The woman made the whole world know who she was. Her laughter rang through the home like a servant’s bell. Abbie hated the twist in her stomach she got after the woman said or did anything. She seemed to think the world revolved around her.
Abbie slowly started to drift to sleep after laying in the bed for a couple hours. She awoke to Charlie getting into the bed next to her. He grabbed Abbie’s slender sides and gently pulled her close to his body. Abbie reached up and touched his smooth face with the back of her hand.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“It’s okay. Did I sleep through dinner?”
“Yes, I didn’t want to wake you.”
“Great. What retort did your mom have this time?” Abbie sighed deeply.
“I’m really sorry about earlier. I knew she would be like that.”
“You warned me. I kept my mouth shut because I knew it wasn’t going to end well if I spoke out.” Abbie conceited.
“You are doing a good job putting up with her. I won’t be upset if you do stand up for yourself. That’s who you are. Just be yourself. If you let her walk all over you now, she always will.”
“Are you giving me permission to defend myself?” Abbie laughed at Charlie. She ran her hand down his chest quickly.
Charlie grasped her hand in his then kissed it. “Yes”
Abbie sighed and leaned her head against Charlie’s chest. “I have a problem.”
“What’s wrong?” Charlie asked, concerned.
“I’m starving.” Abbie chuckled.
“Let’s go get you something to eat.”
“You just got into bed. I can do it myself. Will I wake up your mom if I walk into the kitchen?”
“No, she is probably awake in the guest room upstairs.”
“It’s only seven. Why are you in bed so early?” Abbie asked, looking at her phone. “Are you turning into an old man?”
They both started laughing. “No, I most certainly am not.” Charlie chuckled. “I just missed you, so I came to bed early.”
“Awe. You are so sweet. Now be sweet and go sneak me food.”
“I don’t have to sneak food. This is my house.” Charlie laughed.
“Can you please get food for me?”
“No, you have two feet. You can walk. Unless you want me to carry you again.” Charlie laughed then started to tickle Abbie.
“Stoppppp!” Abbie giggled, gently hitting Charlie’s hand. “I can’t breathe.”
“Okay. Let’s go.” He kissed her cheek quickly then pulled her out of the bed behind him.
Abbie had grown to a place of physical maturity that she could be tickled. Only Charlie was able to tickle her and get a good response. She liked the first time Charlie tried to tickle her. She felt a hint of something other than prickling pain over time. Charlie continued to roam her body until he found the perfect spots where she was most sensitive. He was the only man who got close enough to learn her body and find her weak spots. She was happy with the new vulnerability they shared.
They quickly arrived in the kitchen to start heating up leftovers from dinner. Charlie’s mom had cooked since Charlie wasn’t the best chef. Abbie was happy with Charlie’s caring efforts although his uptight mother didn’t seem to. Abbie kept her comments to herself because she didn’t want Beatrice to hear her, nor Charlie to feel bad. Abbie knew Charlie cared and defended her at every turn against his mother. She tried to keep the peace for the time being.
“Do you feel better now?” Charlie asked with a laugh after she finished eating. The odd concoction his mother made was okay, but nothing like Abbie’s cooking. She missed making food in the kitchen for others. She learned at an early age about cooking and seasoning food well. The food she had eaten was bland and flavorless. Abbie understood further why Charlie couldn’t cook.
“Yes. Thank you for getting out of bed with me.” Abbie smiled.
“Now that you are wide awake, do you want to go watch tv in our room?” Charlie asked. “We could watch cartoons like old times.”
“It hasn’t been that long. Geez.”
“Okay Okay.” Charlie laughed in unison. “What do you want to watch?”
“I could force you to watch a cooking show.”
“Ugh, Groan.” Charlie sighed deeply.
“I’m just kidding. I watch enough cooking shows already. We can watch cartoons.” Abbie laughed lightly.
“How about a compromise? One episode of cooking then one of cartoons. In two hours, I will be passed out then you can watch more tv or fall asleep with me.”
“Nice plan. I like it.” Abbie smiled.
“Good. Let’s go.” Charlie smiled back.
They entered the bedroom to nestle together and watch tv. Charlie passed out before the cartoons ended. Abbie smiled then ruffled Charlie’s hair playfully.
He is passed out cold. I should have known he wouldn’t last long. He is used to going to bed early anyways. I’m more of a night owl than he is. I would stay up until ten most nights when I was getting up at five in the morning. I kind of miss those days... It sure beats this life. I hate how Beatrice talked to me. The worst part is I don’t have any ideas for my future. I don’t have anything to argue with. I can tell her off, but I have nothing substantial to make her look bad. I am living off her son and I don’t like it. I want to be doing something other than watching tv and playing bum all day long. Abbie thought to herself.
Abbie finally fell asleep around midnight. The late nap didn’t help her sleeping pattern. She woke up at seven in a panic. She forgot about her father’s funeral. She needed to get up and shower before going to the funeral home with Charlie. She shifted in the bed to find Charlie missing from her side. She blinked her eyes once more then sat up in the bed. She heard talking in the living room nearby.
“I heard you two last night. You know living together is against God. And under my roof! I can’t believe you, Charles. I raised you better than this. What is wrong with you?” Beatrice sneered.
“Mom, I love her. She is going through a hard time in her life. She had nowhere else to go. What do you want me to do? Throw her out? I can’t just leave her homeless on the side of the road.”
“Why do you have to take her in? Doesn’t she have other family? Where is her mother?”
“She left when Abbie was five.”
“Clearly. That explains a lot.” Beatrice snorted with disdain encompassing her voice.
“You have no right to talk about my family or me like that! You don’t even know me.” Abbie shouted ripping open the door. “Charlie and I sleep in the same bed that doesn’t mean we do anything together. You shouldn’t jump to judge a book by its cover. Quite frankly, it’s none of your business.”
“Well, look who decided to grace us with her presence.” Beatrice sneered. “It’s fitting, considering you don’t have to be up early to go to work or make a life for yourself.”
“If I could be working right now, I would be!” Abbie retorted. “I’m not some charity case. I like to make my own way in life. I was extremely independent before your son came along and saved my life.”
“Yes, he likes to save every dead bird he finds.”
“Mom, that’s enough.” Charlie bit out.
“What?! I am your mother. I can say whatever I want. This is my house after all.”
“It was your house. Now it’s my house. I won’t let you disrespect Abbie like that. This is my house, my rules.”
“I see it’s going to be like that, is it?” Beatrice sneered. “I guess I shouldn’t have come at all. I haven’t seen you in two years.”
––––––––
“Mom, I told you this weekend wasn’t good to visit. We have Vincent’s funeral today. We aren’t in a good place emotionally to cater to you.”
Hearing Charlie say her father’s name brought bile up into her throat. Abbie felt like throwing up and crying from the dramatic and emotional scene playing out before her. Charlie was defending her honor, once again while she listened stunned. She didn’t want to lodge a wedge between Charlie and his mother. He didn’t need to lose his parents just because she lost hers.
“She’s not, but you are. You hardly knew the man!”
“I knew him for a month and a half! That’s plenty of time to get to know someone.”
Abbie turned back into the room in tears. She couldn’t handle the drama of the conversation and the grief of the day. She missed her father and Charlie’s mom was not helping. Abbie quickly jumped in the shower and got ready for her father’s funeral. She cried all her tears in the shower to release the pent-up emotions within her. She felt lost and afraid because she didn’t know how to interact with people or talk about the good things with her father. She was struggling to deal with her budding emotions. She disliked Beatrice a lot for her rude comments and attacks to her family. Abbie didn’t have much respect for her mother, but she wasn’t about to be disrespected because her mom abandoned her.
Abbie emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body. She quickly wiped the last tear from her eye upon seeing Charlie sitting on the bench near the end of the bed. Abbie glanced at him then looked away. She quickly grabbed clothes then threw them on the bed.
“I’m sorry for what she said.” Charlie uttered, standing quickly.
“It’s not important right now. I need to get ready for the funeral.” Abbie sighed loudly.
“Abbie, I know you are hurting right now. Please don’t push me away.” Charlie answered, coming to Abbie’s side.
“I’m not pushing you away. I don’t know how to deal with my emotions right now. Arguing with your mother didn’t help.”
“I know... Just please talk to me. Tell me what you are feeling.”
“Charlie, right now I need to get dressed so I can plaster a smile on my face for whomever decides to show up to my father’s funeral. I can’t deal with your mother right now. I have a lot on my mind. I’m sorry. I can’t waste time having a therapy talk right now.”
“That’s not what I’m doing. I’m trying to help you.”
“Yeah, because I’m a dead bird who needs rescuing.” Abbie retorted then walked toward the bathroom with her clothes. Charlie grabbed her before she could get away. She started to panic and go into fight mode from the quick physical action. She reached up to hit Charlie. He caught her hand quickly then kissed it. The action was normal to stop her attack and remind her who she was talking to and dealing with. Abbie dropped her hand.
“I’m sorry.” Abbie muttered as tears stung her eyes.
“It’s okay, Baby. I don’t think you are a dead bird. I meant everything I said. I told you before we picked her up that I chose you regardless. Do you believe me? Or what she is saying based on her emotions?”
“I don’t know what to believe!” Abbie yelled raising her hands.
“Abbie, look at me.”
Abbie stared at Charlie with frustration. “WHAT?!”
“Baby, I love you. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Really? You had to say that now? I already have so much on my plate. I don’t know how to handle that right now, Charlie.”
“Abbie, I told you because I want you to know. You don’t need to say anything or deal with it. I just want you to know how I feel.”
Abbie gripped her head to slow the emotions and thoughts flooding her mind. She was happy to know Charlie loved her, but she was fearful of what his admission would require from her. She wasn’t used to someone omitting their feeling and being genuine about it. Charlie was a kind, gentle, and thoughtful guy however his timing since she wasn’t ideal since she was getting ready for a day of grief.
“I don’t know what to say... Thank you.”
She didn’t want to be completely insensitive because she knew telling someone you genuinely love then wasn’t easy. Ricky threw around the term love all the time as if it was confetti. It didn’t seem to mean anything when he said it. Charlie’s words held weight and truth behind them. Abbie knew Charlie loved her because his actions spoke volumes to her heart. He was intentional and realistic about his emotions and words. Charlie didn’t say anything unless he truly meant it. The thought of someone loving her warmed her heart. Unfortunately, she was also terrified of his love and affection.
“You’re welcome. Today I will help you the best I can. Don’t worry about being alone to deal with people.” Charlie offered.
“Thank you.” Abbie sighed. “I need your help with people... My dad... He would talk to the press and people of importance. That’s not my thing. I would rather punch people than deal with press.”
“I don’t blame you. It will be okay. Now go get dressed before I accidentally see you naked.” Charlie laughed then kissed her forehead. It was just like normal. He wasn’t awkward at all.
“Don’t make me tease you.” Abbie laughed.
“I have to get dressed too.”
“I guess I will call out before leaving the bathroom.”
“Unless you want to get ready out here. I need to shower too.”
“Fine. I will get ready in here. Go make yourself smell good.”
“Anything for you, Baby.” Charlie laughed.
“Charlie, do you really mean that?” Abbie asked softly.
“Of course, I don’t say anything I don’t mean.” Charlie smiled.
He kissed her forehead once more then entered the bathroom. Abbie returned to the bedside. She heard the water turn on quickly behind the door. She slowly dropped her towel then started getting dressed. Charlie left the bathroom without calling out first. He got to see her with a bra and panties on. She froze while trying to get her pants on. He exited the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his slender hips and rugged abs. Abbie felt desire flood her core immediately.
“Do you need help?” Charlie laughed.
“I think I got it. You didn’t warn me!” Abbie laughed back.
“I’m sorry I didn’t know I needed to. I figured you would be dressed by now.” Charlie laughed.
“Who’s teasing who now?” Abbie joked.
“Like what you see?” Charlie smirked with an eyebrow raise.
“I’m not going to answer that. You don’t need a big head.”
Charlie laughed. “I already have a big head. I’m confident in who I am. Thank you.” He grabbed clothes then met Abbie on the other side of the bed. She was still frozen because she was busy checking out Charlie. Her pants were caught on her left leg. She couldn’t muster enough power to pull up her pants. “Here, let me help you with that.”
“No, it’s okay. I will get it.” Abbie answered, quickly pulling her arm up. She hit Charlie’s towel just right. It fell to the ground in a quick swoop. Abbie looked away quickly although she knew Charlie was more embarrassed. Abbie burst into nervous laughter while he scrambled to replace his towel around his hips. “I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”
“Whatever you say. I didn’t mean to tease you. This isn’t show and tell!” Charlie laughed.
Abbie laughed harder while trying to pull her pants up completely. The morning had taken a fun turn. She didn’t feel weird about seeing Charlie naked. As a matter of fact, she was slightly turned on. He was red with embarrassment although he tried to play off that he was okay. Abbie chuckled to herself lightly.
Charlie grabbed his clothes again then walked back into the bathroom. Abbie restrained herself from laughing and cracking jokes. She knew it wasn’t the time or place although she thought it was hilarious. She had never seen a naked man before, although Ricky tried to expose himself several times. She never paid attention or cared what he looked like. Charlie was a different story. She kind of wanted to know what she was getting herself into.
Abbie quickly finished getting dressed so she didn’t cause another scene. Charlie cleared his throat before exiting the bathroom. Abbie snickered a smile then looked away. He sprayed on cologne then met her on her side of the bed. He wrapped his arms around her from the back. She nestled her head against his chest because she was finally comfortable with him.
“Is this better?” Charlie whispered in her ear.
“I enjoyed the scene before, but this is a little more appropriate.” Abbie smiled.
They both laughed easily then Charlie kissed her neck. She spun in his arms then took a big whiff of his cologne. She loved the deep musk playing against his fresh scent. Abbie buried her nose into Charlie’s chest and breathed in dramatically for effect. She looked up at Charlie then smiled.
“You smell so good. Your cologne drives me crazy.” Abbie laughed against him. “And I do like what I see, by the way.”
“Good.” Charlie replied softly, emotion gripping his throat. “Can I kiss you right now?”
“Are you sure this is the moment?” Abbie laughed.
“Well, you just saw me naked. I think that’s a great memory to top with a kiss.” Charlie chuckled.
“Do you think a kiss will ruin the will power between us?”
“I think that’s already gone since you saw me naked, and I saw you half naked...” Charlie chuckled.
“Does that mean you want to have sex with me?” Abbie asked, hesitantly.
“Abbie, I don’t want to have sex with you right this minute. In the future, yes but not now... Are you going to keep asking questions or let me kiss you?” Charlie replied, looking from her lips to her eyes.
“Fine, you can kiss me.” Abbie answered, shakily.
“Never mind. You aren’t ready.” Charlie pulled away.
“Are you kidding me? What a tease.” Abbie smirked.
“I’m not teasing you. I genuinely want to kiss you, but you aren’t ready. I heard your breathing and saw the emotion in your eyes. You may say you are ready, but you aren’t.”
“I’m sorry. I know there is something wrong with me.”
Abbie started to walk toward the bedroom door. She wanted to get out of the room that was filled with laughter until tension took its place. She hated the thick choking air surrounding her. She wanted to run away and fast. Charlie quickly grabbed her sides and brought her in close once again. She fought the urge to struggle against his gentle grip and fight to get away.
“Abbie, there is nothing wrong with you. It just isn’t the time. We have to be at the funeral home in thirty minutes anyways.”
“Yes, there is. I cringe most of the time if I’m touched and I want to kiss you, but I’m scared.”
“What are you scared of?” Charlie asked. Abbie didn’t answer right away. She didn’t want to tell Charlie how she felt. “Abbie, talk to me please.”
“I’m scared you will run away. I’m scared I’ll ruin this.”
“Baby, I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.” Charlie pulled her close.
“How do you know that? What about the gang and all that’s happened in the last couple of weeks? Aren’t you scared?”
“Not really. I know God will handle it.”
“That’s not a good enough answer to me.”
“Great a heathen. How wonderful, Charles. Excellent choice.” Beatrice yelled on the other side of the door.
“MOM! Butt out!” Charlie yelled quickly. “This conversation doesn’t concern you. Stop eavesdropping!”
“I can hear you both from the living room. I heard everything. She probably dropped your towel on purpose.” Beatrice sneered.
“Mom! Please stop talking.” Charlie begged.
Abbie pushed her way out of Charlie’s arms. She was too embarrassed to continue talking. She wanted to run away fast. They had to leave right away to get to the funeral home in time. Abbie grabbed her purse then left the bedroom while Charlie and his mom hit off another argument. Abbie couldn’t stand the fighting. She walked out to the car and waited for Charlie to join her. He quickly closed the front door then walked to the car. He looked peeved after his argument with his mother.
“I’m sorry.” Charlie sighed.
“She’s right. Everything she says has a bit of truth to it.”
“Did you pull down my towel on purpose?” He asked sternly.
“No that was an accident.” Abbie answered.
“See she wasn’t right. She isn’t right about everything, Abbie. She thinks she is, but she isn’t. She isn’t right about us either.”
“What if she is? I knew from day one that you were too good and too nice for me.” Abbie sighed.
“Stop right now. I am not too good for you. We are just right for each other. There is nothing wrong with this.” Charlie gestured.
Abbie looked away from Charlie. She couldn’t handle his honest gaze and genuine affection. Beatrice’s words swirled around her thoughts. She felt like trash next to Charlie. He was better than her. He had a career and money coming in. Abbie was a washed-up boxer with no hope for a career or future. She didn’t have a house or car to her name. She relied on her father to speak up for her at engagements because she couldn’t handle people. She was a nobody and Charlie’s mom had figured that out.
“Baby don’t do that. I know you are going over everything she said. She’s wrong about us. We are meant to be together.” Charlie claimed. He grabbed Abbie’s hand then kissed it before driving off.
Abbie remained quiet during the whole car ride. She didn’t want to make matters worse by opening her mouth. They arrived in no time at the funeral home. Charlie checked on the flowers to make sure they were the best and arranged properly. The man loved his flowers. He always wanted everything to be perfect. Abbie didn’t know how-to live in Charlie’s world. His life was completely different from hers.
She found a chair near the back of the room with her father’s casket in the front. She wanted to be furthest away from his coffin at all times. The close proximity to her father’s body made matters more difficult. Abbie tried to calm down as tears dropped from her eyes. She didn’t want to deal with people and the emotions running through her. She closed her eyes then prayed for strength although she didn’t exactly know who she was praying to.
Around eleven o’clock people started showing up. Abbie didn’t try to act okay because she wasn’t. She was guarded and didn’t bother to smile. People her father boxed with and trained with showed up. They told her stories about his fights and good ole’ times from back in the day. Abbie learned a lot about her father from the stories told around her.
Charlie never left her side unless he had to for an emergency. Abbie was happy to have him there to help her through her pain. She had to sit most of the time because her legs couldn’t carry her. She wanted to conserve as much energy as possible so she could give a short eulogy for her father. Everyone heard about her accident in the news, so they were compassionate and supportive of her needs. Each person said they were sorry for her loss. She wasn’t sure how she felt. She held back tears the best she could.
Her aunt showed up with her family and Abbie’s cousins. Abbie hadn’t seen her father’s family, so it was awkward. Abbie was shocked because her aunt was rather kind. She was completely opposite of her gruff father. The woman was sweet and offered Abbie a place to stay if she needed one. Abbie thanked the woman, but said she had a great place to stay. Abbie introduced Charlie as her boyfriend to every person she met. She figured he earned his role, considering all he did for her and her father.
Everyone loved the flowers and commented on the great service. Abbie knew she didn’t plan most of it. She let Charlie take the reins because she didn’t really care. Her father was gone, and that was all she knew. She didn’t understand the importance of flowers like Charlie. He talked about love and sentiment like he was an expert. Abbie felt inadequate next to him.
Finally, it was time for the service and stories. Abbie had to sit in the front with Charlie since that was her place. She was happy to hear all the different stories although she hated the close proximity to the casket. There were some laughs and some crying moments. Abbie heard someone give a story from the back of the room. She recognized the woman’s voice but didn’t quite understand why. Abbie turned around to see the woman of her youthful nightmares standing at the back of the room giving a touching speech about Abbie and her father. It was the same woman in the photographs her father kept. Abbie shot darts from her eyes at the woman who abandoned her as a child and ruined her life.
