15.06 (#2)

Chapter 20

A few days had passed and Rori called me everyday to tell me about her day, how the rest of the family was coping and how she was dealing with her grief. I would distract her by talking about anything but death. We would talk long into the night, sometimes even hearing the birds wake up the next morning.

"I got a letter in the mail today." She said.

"Oh who was it from?"

"Greg Mahone."

"Who is he?"

"He's the drunk driver." She replied, her breath quickened slightly.

"What did he want to say?" I suppressed my anger to hear what he had to say.

"He wants to meet. To apologise."

"What do you want to do?"

"I don't know Christian. I'm scared."

"Against my better judgement, I do believe you should hear him out. He's been in jail for close to 11 years now, so he's had a lot of time to think about what he has done. Of course in the end it's up to you." I told her, knowing that meeting this man could potentially upset her, but getting closure was also what she needed.

"I don't know if I can do it." She whispered.

"Then don't. Do it in your own time, whenever you're ready."

"Okay." She ended quietly before I heard the dial tone.

A week had passed and I hadn't heard from her, but we communicated through texts instead because she felt she needed some space. I respected that. Eventually my phone rang late at night.

"I want to meet him." I heard her say.

"That's great. I think you deserve some closure." I replied.

"But I want you to come with me. I don't think I'm strong enough to do this alone."

"Anything you want Rori. I'll be there with you."

"Thank you." I heard her sigh.

"What's up?" I asked, switching the bedside lamp on.

"He wants to meet next week."

"If you're ready to meet then, tell him no."

"I think I'm ready. I need closure and he's the only one who can give it to me."

The week flew by and before we knew it Rori and I were standing outside the cafe ready to meet the man who had changed her life.

"We can still turn back now." I told her as I noticed her pale face.

"I'm scared." She said.

"Listen. I'll be there with you all the time. So when it gets overwhelming we can leave." She nodded, taking my hand. I gave it a tight squeeze just to let her know I wasn't going to leave. Taking a deep breath she walked into the cafe.

Immediately we noticed him, sitting alone a furrowed expression on his face. 10 years in jail had really done a number on this guy.

"Aurora?" He asked, when he noticed us approaching him. He stood to greet us.

"Yes." She answered quietly.

"Would you like something to drink?" He asked hesitantly.

"No I'll be fine." She replied curtly.

"I'll have an Americano." I spoke up. Greg nodded and ordered my beverage before taking a seat across from us.

"I don't even know where to begin. For the last 10 years I've been thinking of what I would say to you if I ever met you and now that I am finally meeting you everything I prepared has escaped my mind.