The Forgotten Ones

Chapter 5

I ran my finger over the clingy, green tank top hanging in my closet. It was a little revealing for a Fourth of July cookout. Maybe I should wear a simple T-shirt. I stood pondering my outfit, focusing on something I could control for a change. Why was I so worried about how I looked for this cookout anyway? I'd known the Magliaros forever. I'd known Ethan forever.

I sighed and reached for the green tank when a flash in the woods stole my attention. There was no way that was just the sun reflection off an aluminum pie plate. I walked over to the window and saw...nothing. What was wrong with me? I let out a frustrated groan, threw on my top, and jogged down the stairs. I was going to find those pie plates hanging from trees in the backyard—there was no other explanation for it.

I walked out back, my eyes scanning the trees. I heard footsteps behind me and whipped around, my hand flying to my mouth when I saw my mother standing directly in front of me. She stared over my shoulder into the woods, her gaze intent. She must've seen it too.

"Mom? What are you doing out here?" I asked, looking around for my grandparents. My mother only left the house to go to doctor's appointments, and even then she had to be heavily medicated. She didn't answer me, just kept looking beyond me into the woods where Liam and Ethan had met the other day.

"What is it?" I asked turning back toward the tree line. I bit my lip,hoping she hadn't glimpsed Liam that day.

My mother started walking toward the trees. Oh, no. Not a good idea. I rushed up beside her. "Uh, why don't we go back inside, Mom? I think The Ellen Show is coming on."

She stopped and turned to me. She stared into my eyes for a minute, her expression full of longing, then she nodded, the light in her eyes flickering out as she allowed me to lead her toward the deck.

As we climbed the stairs Gram opened the slider, still holding a dish rag in her hand. "There you two are," she said, casting me a curious glance.

"We were just listening to some animals squabbling in the woods, Gram.But we're heading in now since we don't want to miss Ellen." I raised my eyebrows and hoped Gram caught my I'll tell you later look.

"Oh, I see," Gram said, nodding.

After I got my mother situated in front of the television, I joined Gram at the kitchen counter where she was chopping a cucumber and adding it to a salad.

"I heard something in the woods," I explained. "I guess Mom followed me outside."

Gram continued chopping. "Hmm...that's strange. Was there anything out there?"

"Just some birds squabbling," I said, grabbing a cucumber slice. "But that reminds me. Ethan told me he's building a house on that empty plot?"

Gram placed the knife on the counter and wiped her hands on a towel. She looked into my eyes and smiled. It wasn't a happy smile, but a silent plea for understanding.

"You're wondering why Pop and I didn't tell you about selling the property. I understand."

"I know it's none of my business, but it was just a surprise."

"No, of course, it's your business. That land was supposed to be your mother's, just like the property on the other side belongs to Aunt Jessie," she said. "Pop and I talked it over, and we decided to sell it to Mr. McKeown. He paid more than twice what we asked for it, and we're putting the profit in an account for your mother's future."

I nodded and smiled. They had tried to give the land to me after my high school graduation. I hadn't wanted it then, and I didn't want it now. Their plan was definitely a good use for it. But the fact that Liam was the one to instigate it shot off major warning bells in my mind. But I couldn't tell her that...