Overjoyed

Chapter 18 - Words so sweet

Uncle Damon arrived at three to pick mom up. I ran to him, and threw my arms around his neck, kissing both his cheeks. He spun me around, just like when I was younger, even though I was now 24 years old. “Are you okay Liza?” he asked when my mother was out of earshot, “we really had no idea Kate planned to come out here. Heck, we don’t even know how she got here.” I nodded, “I’m fine Uncle Damon, and in all honesty I’m glad she did, I needed the closure” I said. Mom came back and he stepped outside to give us time to say goodbye, kissing my forehead before heading out. “I really am sorry Eliza” she said apprehensively. “I know,” I said, reaching for her frail hand, “and I love you too, Mom” I admitted, tears stinging my eyes.

At five thirty, Dan called. “I’m here Eliza!” he’d said, the excitement clear in his voice. “Where is ‘here’ exactly? In town?” I asked, a little confused. “No, I’m coming up the stairs actually” he said, sounding amused. “Here?” I asked, my voice sounding shrill and girly as I rushed through the door and into the hallway, just as he came comically racing up the stairs. I flung my arms around his neck and kissed his lips hotly. He held me close to him and whispered, “Ah, I’ve missed you.” I responded, “As have I” before kissing him again. The formidable old Mrs Collins walked by our little spectacle, looking at us with contempt. Dan made a face and I burst out laughing, so much that she turned around and gave me a look that could shatter mirrors. “Miserable old bat” Dan said with a little laugh as he released me.

“How was Ohio?” I asked as I led him into the apartment. “It was alright, do you have company?” Dan asked as he spotted my blanket folded up on the sofa. I just hadn’t been up to sleeping in my bedroom again after Kate had slept there. “No,” I began, “my mom was here. She took the bedroom and I the couch.” Dan’s expression became more serious, “Your mum was here? What did she want?” he asked, concerned. “To make amends. She has cancer, Dan” I said softly. “Have you forgiven her?” Dan asked, reaching for my hand. “I don’t know,” I whispered, “but I realised that I do love her. She is my mother even after all she’s done.” Squeezing my hand Dan said, “You don’t want to stay here tonight, do you?” I shook my head. “Come to the hotel with me. I’ll book us an extra room, unless you fancy sharing with the rest of the guys” he said soothingly. I giggled and agreed, relieved to not have to spend the night in the apartment. “Pack for the entire weekend” he said and gave me one of his earth shattering, warm Dan hugs.