Good Girls Have Secrets

Chapter 30

Scattered. That describes me more than I care to admit these past few weeks. Isabella's house cuts down the commute time to the hospital, making it possible for me to spend time there until midnight on the days I have class and work. Caris still has weeks before she can leave the hospital.

Pulling up to Aunt Beth's house, I hope Uncle David is there with her. Since it's Sunday afternoon, he could be off with his friends playing frisbee golf. Staring at the old farmhouse, something stirs in me, I want the simple life this house represents. Well-kept and charming, standing on a solid foundation, without all the flash and fussiness that comes with trying to impress people.

Aunt Beth greets me at the door with a hug. "Thanks for coming." Her eyes are wet with tears.

"I've never had anyone tell me they miss me and want me to come home." Wiping the tears from my eyes, I whisper. "Thank you."

Pulling me into the kitchen, we sit at the table. Handing me a little plate, she asks, "Do you want some cookies or chocolate pie?"

Uncle David slides into the kitchen. "Did I hear you say chocolate pie?"

Aunt Beth laughs, "Did you hear that all the way back in your office?"

"Yep. There are certain things a man doesn't miss." Resting his hand of my shoulder he gives it a little squeeze. "How are you doing kiddo?"

Pursing my lips to hold by my tears, I say, "I've been better. But I'm okay."

Sitting down across from me, Uncle David folds his hands in front of him on the table. "I'm hoping we can help make things better. We've been doing a lot of talking. We want to help you get an apartment set up."

Aunt Beth sets pie in front of me and Uncle David. Sitting next to me, she strokes my hair, "I've already talked to the ladies at church. Between all of us, I think we'll be able to furnish and get you started with all the basics you need. That is if you want our help."

Before I can answer, Uncle David continues, "I know I handed you that folder with all the services. If you'll let me, I'll help you get the forms filled out." Looking at Aunt Beth, he continues when she gives him a nod. "We'll help you cover daycare and other costs that you can't afford, so you can stay in school."

Aunt Beth smiles, "I talked to my job, and they agreed to let me take an occasional day off, if she gets sick. If you want my help. Babies like Caris can get sick a lot." Grabbing my hand, she smiles, "We're in this with you because we love both of you girls so much."

Tears stream down my cheeks. I all I can whisper is "Thank you." For a few moments we sit in silence, as a try to regain control.

Steadying myself, I draw courage deep from within. "I've been doing a lot of thinking. The space helped me see how much you've done for me. I'm so sorry. I know I hurt you. I feel terrible."

They both say, "We forgive you."

"I don't know what I would've done without out you. Uncle David, thank you for giving me that folder of papers and telling me about the binder. I spent a lot of time looking through all of it. You're right the list of things to bring Caris home is long. I had no idea." Laughing a little, "I didn't know any of those government programs even existed. Thank you showing me it's there."

Pushing back from the table, he stands and heads out of the kitchen. A moment later her returns with more papers. "I found these grants and scholarships for single moms. There are so many programs out there to help you afford college."

Handing them to me, the stack is thick. "That's amazing. Thank you for looking into it. I've been trying to figure out how to pay for stuff. I even downloaded an app on my phone to start a budget. You wouldn't believe how expensive bottles are."