The Secrets We Keep

Made His Mark

6 Months Ago

When I arrived at Max and Eugene's house, I quickly realized I was not needed. It turns out they had very specific plans for the decorations and were fussing over tiny details. Details that I, apparently, did not have an eye for. So, I took it upon myself to watch little Rosie. I packed her in the stroller, and we took a stroll through the park not far from the house. We stopped by the pond so she could watch the ducks. She was making the cutest little quacking sounds.

It was only spring, but it was a warm, sunny day. The bright sun intensified the purple blooms of the redbuds, and I could smell the sweet scent of the viburnums in the air. Spring is my favorite season. Everything looks new and green after the winter grays. I let my mind wander as we strolled.

Last night. The memories of the night cap came flooding back. I brushed my hands over my lips remembering how Daryl tasted like tequila and smelled like the woods after a rain. I could still feel his hands tracing my body-

Rosie's laughter jolted me from my fantasy. I looked at my watch, I've got five minutes to get back to the house! When I rounded the corner, Max was waving me over to make me move faster.

"Hurry we need to get ready! The party starts in an hour!" She shouted at me. We speed walked the half block to their home. They had secured one of the few single family homes left in the Commonwealth. We tried to be fair when assigning homes, but Eugene had been through hell to get us here and save the city that we rewarded them. We gave Connie and Kelly the choice of moving to this neighborhood, but they declined. They were perfectly fine in their shared apartment.

Max and Eugene's house was a gorgeous, two story home complete with a big brick porch and a swing.  I loved being here. It reminded me of the house I grew up in. The screened in porch off the back was my favorite. My grandmother and I would sit in ours for hours. Sometimes without even talking. Just enjoying each other's company and the warmth from the sun. I thought about my family. Did they make it? I went back for my mom, but it was too late. I've been holding onto hope that my sister and her kids found my dad and are surviving. If I could figure it out, I know they could.

Max took Rosie upstairs to get her dressed and I retired to the living room. Just a little exhausted from the walk and, well, last night. "Well, hello there, River." Eugene found me in the living room lounging on the couch. "You look too weak to swat a gnat." That's Eugene for tired.

"I was up late last night." A quick flash of shirtless Daryl took my breath away momentarily.

"Well, ya better add a little giddy-up to your step. Max does not tolerate bone-loafers at parties." He hit a little jig and a goofy smile.

"Ok, ok. I'm up." I pulled myself off the couch and trudged up the stairs to Rosie's room. Max was busy getting the little one ready. "Good, you're here." She didn't even look up. "Get in that bathroom and see if there is some makeup that matches you and cover those bruises on your neck. There will be kids here and I don't feel like explaining." My hand shot to my neck. I didn't even think to check.

In the bathroom mirror I could see that Max was right. I searched the drawers and found a powder that would have to do. I powdered my neck but still see the purple-ish marks.

I leaned against the door frame Max's room. She was finishing up getting herself ready. She was wearing a knee length bright floral dress that had a little bounce to it. It complemented her skin tone well. "Good enough for you?" I snickered at her.

"No. I can still see them. Put your hair down or something."

"Eww, fine." I pulled my bun out and combed through my hair with my fingers. "They are from sparring at the gym, by the way."