I Can't Keep Pretending

Chatper 4

Chapter 4

Tessa

As we pull into the driveway I get anxious. I want to be there for mom but I don't know how. There isn't exactly a Hallmark Card that says 'Hay your husband just committed suicide I hope you are doing okay, all my love.' I guess I will just have to man up and handle it. I should be used to helping pick up the pieces after my dad pulls a stupid stunt, but the stunt has never been this big. I just hope that I can be for her what Christian has been for me.

I turned to Christian and said, "Well we're here it's time to face the music." When we got to the door I didn't even have to knock. The door flew open and my mom pulled me in for a hug.

"Oh Tessa I am so glad your home."

"I am so glad to be home, but not under these circumstances. I am so sorry he did this to you mom."

"Oh Tessa I just don't understand It."

"I know mom and you shouldn't have too." After my mom had stopped hugging she notices we have company. "Hello Christian sorry I didn't see you there."

"Oh it's okay Mrs. Ashton, and can I just say how sorry I am for your loss."

"Oh Christian dear I am alright. And by golly call me Linda not 'Mrs. Ashton' sounds to formal."

"Alright Mrs. Err I mean Linda."

"Mom I thought Christian could stay here in maybe Aurora's, or Bryce's old room. I didn't want him to have to go to a hotel as long as we have extra room. Is that alright?"

"You two are still friends right? I certainly won't be having any funny business in this house young lady! You understand me!" I started to blush.

"Mom we are just friends I can't believe you would say that!"

"Yes I can assure you Ms. Linda there will be absolutely no funny business. Well at least on my end, you know how this one can be she is a little forward. I understand though I mean look at me."

"Christian!" I said as I lightly hit him on the arm. Leave it to Christian to make me smile when I am at my lowest point. Man, do I love this boy or what!

"Whoa geez woman where have you been hiding those guns that really hurt."

"As if Christian, you crack me up." I said with a smile. I love how Christian can make me laugh no matter the situation. My mom quickly rejoined the conversation,

"Well I know it's early, but I have dinner ready."

"Oh good I am starved. I haven't had a thing to eat all day."

"Niether have I Ms. Linda."

"Alright well come into the kitchen I made pot roast." The rest of the night was painless enough. I thought my mom would want to talk about my dad the whole time, but she didn't. I think she wanted to forget about it for a while.

Finally when we were sitting there all stuffed from my mom's great dinner she says, "Tessa I want to tell you that the visitations are tomorrow and Friday, and the funeral will Saturday. I figured that would be okay for you, and then you can leave Saturday night or Sunday morning."

"Yes mom that works. Hey it's pretty early." I said looking at my watch noticing that it is 6:15. "Do you care if Christian and I go rent a movie and come back?"

"No dear that's fine I will clean this up you to go ahead."

"Okay mom see you in probably a half an hour. Goodbye."

"Bye, Tessa sweetheart."

Christian

As I was pulling the car out of her driveway I looked over and asked, "What movie should we rent?"