Chapter 6: Family Truths and Broken Doors

“I have to go back to my hometown.”

“Okay.” He closed his eyes, pulled the blanket up. “I’ll go with you.”

“Carter.”

I called softly.

“Mm.”

He didn’t open his eyes. His voice was faint.

“Go sleep in the master bedroom. Take a shower—there’s a new long white T-shirt in the closet.”

“And you?”

“I’ll sleep in the side room with Lily. Put your dirty clothes in the bathroom—I’ll dry them in the morning.”

“Okay.” He got up. “Go to sleep, it’s late.”

He went to the master bedroom.

I checked the clock—it was already three a.m.

We had to leave early tomorrow. Not much sleep for me.

I hadn’t been back in years.

When the alarm went off, I got up, went to the master bedroom, took Carter’s dirty clothes to the balcony, and put them in the washer.

Then I went to change Lily’s clothes in the side room.

She wasn’t in bed. Not in the living room either. The master bedroom door was open.

Could it be...

I peeked in.

Sure enough, Lily was barefoot, standing by the bed watching Carter sleep.

He hadn’t woken up yet.

I took her out and changed her in the side room.

After making breakfast, Carter’s clothes were dry.

I took them to his room, placed them by the bed.

While feeding Lily, I heard the door open.

“Is Lily up?”

I jumped up, looking toward the hallway.

“Mom, why are you here?”

“You have to leave early today, so I’ll take Lily to her early learning class.”

I picked up Lily and hurried over.

“Mom, take her quick! Don’t be late!”

I stuffed Lily into her arms.

Lily turned, waved her little hand toward the master bedroom. “Mister.”

My scalp tingled. Oh no.

“Mom, drive safe!”

I was about to close the door, but my mom blocked it with her foot. “What man?”

“There’s a man in Mom’s bed.”

I widened my eyes. Before I could deny it, my mom pushed past me and rushed to the master bedroom.

I followed, unable to stop her.

“Mom, let me explain!”

Just then, Carter came out, already dressed.

“Ma’am, hello. I’m Lily’s dad.”

My head exploded.

It’s over. So, so over.

“Didn’t you say he died in a car accident?”

My mom looked at Carter, then at me. “Autumn Sullivan, you lied to me!”

I dragged her into the side room and closed the door.

“Mom, let me explain.”

At this point, I could only confess everything.

My mom listened in silence.

Silence. The calm before the storm.

I stood aside, bracing for her anger.

“So... you wronged him, had the child on your own?”

“Mm.” I nodded, resigned.

“He looks good. What does his family do? How many people are in it?”

Huh?

“Mom, you’re not mad?”

“I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before...”

She suddenly stood up and opened the door.

She pointed at Carter playing with Lily. “Isn’t he the one on TV...”

I cut her off. “He’s not!”

My mom narrowed her eyes, clearly not buying it.

“It’s late, go now!”

She pushed me out the door.

“Mom! My phone!”

I banged on the door. After a while, it opened a crack and my phone was handed out.

I took it, about to speak. “Mom...”

“Go, I’ll deal with you later!”

Door slammed shut.

Inside, I heard my mom say, “Son-in-law, ignore her. Let her go do her business!”

I stood there, stunned.

This wasn’t how I pictured this going.