4
I turned my head away, not wanting to talk.
89
He got up quickly and tucked the covers around me. “Claire, was it too painful last night? I’m so sorry. I slept like a log. I didn’t take care of you.”
Jake looked genuinely remorseful.
He gently wiped my face and brushed my hair.
“Claire, the doctor said you can go home today.
We’ll have dinner with my parents tonight.”
His voice was soft, but firm.
I didn’t want to say a word, but Jake didn’t
<
push. He just stayed by my side.
He slipped his jacket around my shoulders.
“Don’t catch a cold.”
He took my hand and started walking.
I thought of his phone reminder. Today was Abby’s birthday.
Jake was going to see her.
When we got home, everyone looked happy.
Sue Ellen and her son were already on the sofa.
The little boy was three, maybe four, with chubby cheeks and bright eyes.
For a second, I got lost in thought. If I hadn’t
lost those babies, would my kid be this age, too?
Sun Ellon Wound
“Clairo
como horol
<
11:15
Sue Ellen waved me over. “Claire, come here! Little Tommy’s been asking for his aunt.”
89
The boy ran over and hugged my leg. “Aunt Claire, you’re here for Mommy’s birthday, too?”
My throat tightened. Jake pulled the boy away. “Your aunt just got out of the hospital. Leave her alone, okay?”
His mom came out of the kitchen and saw me. Her face turned sour. “You’re back.”
I didn’t know what to say. I just stood there.
“What are you waiting for? You’re always
running to the hospital. I knew you were so sickly, but I never should have allowed you to marry Jake!”
“Five years, and nothing to show for it!”
His mom’s voice was sharp and mean.
<
11:15
His mom’s voice was sharp and mean.
I put my hand on my stomach. I felt the
emptiness. Did I not want kids?
89
At first, she hated Sue Ellen, blamed her for her son’s death.
At first, she didn’t want to give her son the inheritance.
But Jake and I hadn’t given her any grandchildren, so they’d gotten closer.
His mom glared at me and went back to the kitchen, muttering something about bad luck.
Jake gave my back a squeeze. “It’s okay, Claire. It’s just dinner. We’ll leave early. I won’t let them hurt you.”
Sue Ellen butted in. “Mom, don’t be mad. As
long an
lako and Claire love noch other what’s
<
11:16
89
long as Jake and Claire love each other, what’s
the problem?”
I saw Jake’s face turn pale for a second. He
looked at her like he wanted to explain.
“She’s a jinx. She’s the reason Jake can’t have kids.”
I just smiled, bitter. We’d been family for five years, but I was still an outsider.
At dinner, everyone was laughing and
celebrating Sue Ellen’s birthday.
I stared at my plate.
Then, I felt everyone looking at me.
His mom frowned. “It’s Sue Ellen’s birthday. Aren’t you going to do something?”
<
“Pour her a drink!”
