One Way Bridge

Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Despite skipping church, Sunday was an early morning. I rolled out of bed the same time I would have if I planned on going to mass. Grandma made me breakfast while I got dressed. I couldn’t be bothered with jeans, so I slipped into a pair of sweats that I had stolen from my brother’s closet.

“Morning sweetheart,” Grandma called to me as I walked across the living room.

“Mmng,” I mumbled a response. Grandma chuckled and set a plate of waffles on the table.

“Alright, I’m going to head out, I promised to be a greeter, so clean up when you’re done and lock up, alright?”

“Mmhm,” my mouth was full.

“Love you, kiddo,” she kissed the top of my head.

“Love you too!” Then I was alone. I took my time eating. I had to wait for Vince anyways. He wasn’t supposed to be there for another fifteen minutes, that’s why I was surprised when he came through the door.

“Good morning, sunshine!” Vince was of course joking. I wasn’t really a morning person. I just glared at him in response. “Hurry up!” He danced on the spot obviously anxious to hit the road.

“Well if you’re in such a rush, why don’t you clean my dishes while I grab my things?”

“Fine,” I didn’t really think he’d agree to clean my mess. He seemed to do that a lot now. I jumped up and got my bag from my room.

“Road trip!” I called as I ran back past him towards the door. Vince followed me right on my feet. I paused to lock the door before chasing Vince down the driveway. Just as I unlocked the car, the Peterson’s drove past. I waved and got two in return from Kate and Jeff, but just a questioning look from Justin.

I just shook it off and got in my car. “He doesn’t know where you’re going, does he?” Justin’s and mine awkward moment did not go unnoticed by Vince.

“No,” I shook my head. “I don’t think he even knows I’m going with you.”

“He does now.” Vince was right. I nodded and turned the car on.

“What do you think he was thinking?”

“That I know something he doesn’t.”

“And it bothers him?” Vince didn’t answer, but he didn’t need to. I backed out of the driveway and we began our journey in silence. Eventually, my thoughts had stopped running, and the quiet atmosphere got to me. “Hey Vince, can I ask you something?”

“Emma, I’m here for you. You can ask me anything.” His voice was comforting and inviting.

“Your dad doesn’t go to church?”

Vince looked out the window and I thought he wasn’t going to answer me. “No,” he spoke softly. I almost missed it over the hum of the engine.

"Why not?” my voice was just as quiet as his. It would've been easy for him to pretend he hadn't heard me.

“He hasn’t gone since the funeral.”

“Oh”

“He says he doesn’t believe in God anymore, that God wouldn’t have done this to us, but I know he does, I hear him talk to God most nights. When he is home, that is.” Vince wouldn’t let us fall into another silence. Instead he changed the subject. “When are you going to tell Justin?”

“I don’t know,” the topic change was not exactly in my favor.

“What are you afraid of Emma?”