Finding My Way Home

Chapter 42

Diane

The next morning, I call my parents. My father picks up the phone. He doesn't know I've regained my memory. How will he react? I'm not sure, but I'll find out soon enough.

"Hello," he answers gruffly. This is not a good sign.

"Hi, Dad, it's Diane. How are you?" I hear silence on the other end of the phone. Did he hang up on me? Then I hear his voice.

"You called me Dad. Does this mean you remember me?"

I hear something in his voice. It sounds like he's about to cry. God, I hate this. I hate it, and I want it to end for all of us. "Yes, Dad," and I start to tell him what happened on our wedding day.

"Why didn't you invite us to the wedding?"

"I think you know why Dad. Have you forgotten what happened on my birthday?"

"No honey, I haven't forgotten what happened that day, and I am so terribly sorry for all of it, especially how your mother treated you that day."

"Where is Mom? Can I talk to her?" Again, there is silence between us.

"Diane, I don't want to tell you this over the phone. Can I come over to see you later today?"

"Yes Dad, Ethan will be home after five. I'll cook dinner for us."

"Okay honey, I'll see you later."

I call Ethan to let him know he needs to be home early today because my father is coming for a visit. I then call Catherine to ask if they could take the kids to dinner tonight. I don't want them in the house. I hear the concern in Catherine's voice.

"Are you sure this is wise honey? You're pregnant, and I don't want anything upsetting you."

"I'll be okay because Ethan will be here with me. I need to know why my parents treat me the way they do. I deserve an explanation, and I should have done this a long time ago."

"Okay, it's your decision, honey. Let me know if you need me."

"I'll always need you, Mom. Love you."

"Love you too sweetie. Call me later."

"I will. Thanks again."

*****

Ethan is making me nervous with his constant pacing back and forth. "Honey, please sit down. You're making me nervous."

He walks over to the sofa and sits down. "Sorry honey. I know you need to do this, but I keep remembering the fist in my face the last time we saw each other."

"I know it was unpleasant, but like so many other things this past year, I have to confront this to put it behind me, and if I never have contact with my parents again, at least I'll know I offered the olive branch."

"That's very magnanimous of you darling," Ethan said sarcastically.

"This is the new and improved me. I won't let anything get in the way of our happiness."

The doorbell rings and my anxiety level ramps up considerably. Ethan answers the door.

"Hello William, please come in."

My father offers his hand. "Thank you, Ethan. How are you?"

"I'm fine; it's good to see you again."

My father shakes his head. "You're a good liar Ethan, and I'm sorry I hit you. I'm sorry about a lot of things."

My dad has a huge bouquet of roses in his hand. He bends down to kiss me. "Hi, honey. How are you?"