Chapter 2 - Noah Finally Looks at David
David did not move from the foyer.
“We don’t leave my daughter behind.”
Rachel’s grip tightened around the burgundy suitcase.
“It’s not what you think.”
“Then tell me what it is.”
No answer.
Behind David, Lily sniffled.
“Daddy, did I do something bad?”
He turned immediately.
“No.”
“But Mommy said this trip would be easier without me.”
David looked back at Rachel.
Her face changed.
Then Noah spoke.
“She told me not to say anything.”
The foyer went silent.
Noah was ten, three years older than Lily. He was Rachel’s son from her
first marriage, and David had treated him as his own since marrying
Rachel four years earlier.
David lowered his voice.
“What did she tell you?”
Noah stared at the floor.
“That Lily wasn’t supposed to know until we were gone.”
Rachel snapped, “Noah.”
He flinched.
David stepped between them.
“No. Let him talk.”
Noah finally looked up.
“She said Lily was going to stay with Grandma Elaine.”
David frowned.
His mother lived nearly four hours away.
“She doesn’t even know we’re traveling.”
Noah’s eyes filled.
“Not your mom.”
David slowly turned toward Rachel.
Lily had only one other grandmother.
May you like
Rachel’s mother, Susan.
And Susan had been dead for two years.
