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“I’m sure Michael will give you nothing but his support. He loves you,” she says.
“And I love him, too,” I say.
“And I love you both,” Mabel says, causing me to giggle.
“Now, that’s more like it. Don’t worry, everything will be fine,” she says. Her words feel like a soothing balm to my aching heart. Maybe, just maybe, I can do this after all.
* * *
“What doyou mean you want to leave Sausalito?” Aunt Maryann asks as she looks at me with concern. After three days of thinking about what to do with my life, I feel leaving is the best option.
“Phebe, dear, you look troubled. Is something bothering you?” Aunt Mary Ann’s voice is gentle, the lines of worry etched on her face.
I take a deep breath, struggling to find the words to express my inner turmoil.
“Leaving? But, why, my dear?”
Aunt Mary Ann’s distress is evident in her eyes.
Tears well up in my own eyes as I try to gather my thoughts.
“Please, talk to me. I’ve noticed your recent struggles. Your Uncle mentioned how you’ve been isolating yourself since you returned from Miami, and now you’re telling me you’re leaving,” Aunt Mary Ann pleads, her concern deepening.
“Tell me what’s wrong, Phebe. You can confide in me,” she insists.
“Oh, Aunt Maryann, where do I even begin?” I whisper.
“Start from anywhere,” she encourages me earnestly. With a heavy heart, I pour my soul into Aunt Maryann. I recount the pain of my past, the agony of being forced into marriage with Jason by my own father. The wounds I thought had healed are laid bare as I share the darkest chapters of my life.
Through choked sobs, I share with her the story of Jeffrey, the man who once held my heart and never truly let it go. I speak of Michael, our son, and the rekindled love that Jeffrey and experienced during our time in Miami. I reveal the ache in my heart, knowing that his love for me remains distant.
Aunt Mary Ann’s eyes widen in shock as she listens, her hand reaching out to comfort me. The weight of my confession hangs heavy in the air, exposing the truth of my emotions.
“And, Aunt Mary Ann,” my voice quivers as I continue.
“I’m pregnant again.”
Tears stream down my face, burdened by an unbearable pain. Aunt Mary Ann’s expression shifts from shock to profound empathy. Tears shimmer in her eyes as she reaches for my hand, offering me the solace I so desperately need.
“Phebe, my dear, I had no idea you carried such burdens,” she says softly, her voice filled with compassion.
I sniffle, wiping away my tears with the back of my hand.
“I’m sorry I didn’t confide in you earlier. I just didn’t know how,” I admit.
Aunt Mary Ann’s gaze is steady, her voice filled with determination.
“You never need to apologize for needing time to share your pain. I’m here for you, and I always will be.”
“You are not alone in this, Phebe. We’ll find a way through this together,” she offers me a comforting smile as she says this.
“Please, don’t leave,” she pleads.
“But…” I start to say, but she shakes her head.
“If you leave, be prepared for me to accompany you. I won’t let you face this alone,” she says.
“Oh, Aunt Maryann,” I whisper, flinging my arms around her and hugging her.
