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I’d posted about Blue Ridge last winter.
Ryan had dug deep,preparing thoroughly.
My eyes sparkled as I nodded.
Despite being younger,he didn’t treat me like a“sister.”
He ruffled my hair,taking me to my old apartment to pack.
I hadn’t felt so cherished in ages.
Driving past familiar streets,everything looked brighter.
Ethan and Lily weren’t there,sparing me trouble.
I took only favorite clothes,expecting to miss the place I’d lived for years.
But leaving,I felt nothing.
Letting go of what wasn’t mine was freedom.
We stopped by the hospital for Ryan’s work files.
As we got out,we ran into Ethan and Lily.
Unlike my weary state days ago,I was radiant—soft makeup,a pale pink silk dress Ryan picked,glowing with calm beauty.
Ryan matched in pink and white,looking like a drama lead beside me.
Ethan looked haggard,stubble on his chin.
Lily,dressed garishly like a nouveau riche,forced a sweet smile.
Seeing me,she snorted,clinging to Ethan to leave.
But Ethan grabbed my arm.“Maggie,stop pretending.You miss me,so you’re using this guy to make me jealous,right?”
I smiled gently,raising my hand linked with Ryan’s.“No,I’m happy.Really.”
His eyes shook,his grip loosening like a deflated balloon.
That night,Ethan’s mom called,voice urgent.
“Maggie,I’m fading fast.Can you visit?”
I hesitated.
She pressed,“We didn’t work out as family,but I still care for you.”
Her sincerity softened me.
Ryan insisted on coming but stayed downstairs,not wanting to intrude.
He leaned against his car,waving.“Go.Text if you need me.I’ll wait.”
Knowing he was there steadied me.
My mother-in-law didn’t look frail.She eagerly sat me down.
It was just me,Ethan,and her at the table,like my first visit to their home.
Back then,she’d joined our hands,saying,“Maggie,you’re a good girl.I’m trusting you with Ethan.Love each other always.”
Recalling it,she teared up.
Ethan bowed his head.
“Maggie,Ethan messed up.Men stray sometimes.Forgive him this once.”
So that was the dinner’s real purpose.
Before I could respond,the door opened.
“Mom,Ethan,you made dinner and didn’t tell me?”Lily’s voice was shrill,feigning innocence.
Seeing me,her eyes narrowed.“Why’s this outsider in our home?”
Ethan slammed his chopsticks.“Lily,Maggie’s not an outsider.”
Startled by his coldness,Lily quickly cozied up to him.“If she’s not,am I?”
