Page 139 of Untying the Knot
Once she coldly delivered the news, Ryot rushed me to my mom’s house, where she explained that he had a heart attack and never recovered. Three daysbeforeshe called me.
Three!
I asked her why she didn’t call me sooner, and she said because she didn’t think I needed to know.
I didn’t get to sit by his side in the hospital and tell him how much I loved him. I didn’t get to say goodbye. I didn’t get anything. I think she only told me he passed away because she needed help with the funeral arrangements.
I press my hand to my sore eye where Mom slapped me earlier for not answering the phone when she was expecting a call from the minister. When the machine picked up, it was a telemarketer. She didn’t apologize.
I know there’s a red mark, a bruise already forming. I don’t need to look in the mirror to confirm because she packs a powerful slap. Even now, when she’s looking fragile from her loss, her viciousness makes me feel like the little girl who was regularly abused by her mother—with no way out.
And that’s how it feels. Like I’m drowning with no way out.
My phone dings with a text message, pulling me from my thoughts.
Ryot.
He’s at an away game right now in Washington. He had to leave the day after I found out. And since they’re currently only a handful of games away from the playoffs and fighting for a spot, he can’t take any days off. But he checks in with me every chance he gets.
Ryot:How’s it going? How is everything? Can I do anything for you?
I sigh and consider not texting back because I really don’t have the energy, but I know that will just worry him.
Myla:As best as it can be.
My phone rings in my hand, and I see that he’s trying to FaceTime me. I know if he sees my face, he’ll be pissed, so I ignore the call and send him a text.
Myla:Can’t talk on the phone right now.
Ryot:Okay, sorry. Just haven’t seen you in a bit. I want to make sure everything is okay. Seems like you’re avoiding me, and I know I should be there with you, baby, but I’m strapped. I can’t.
Myla:I know, Ryot. And I’m not avoiding you. Just trying to deal with all of this.
Ryot:Okay, because I love you and you know if I could, I’d be there for you.
Myla:I know.
“Verna, I swear to God, if you touch me, I am going to fucking scream. Now let me in.” I hear Nichole yell from the entryway.
“How dare you,” my mom yells back as I hear some bumbling around.
I shoot off my bed and out of my bedroom, where I run right into Nichole. “What’s going on?” I ask.
“Your mom is trying to prevent me from seeing you.” She lifts her hand to my eye and says, “And now I see why.” She turns on her heel and heads straight for my mom.
Oh shit.
I quickly run up to Nichole and grab her by the waist before she can get any closer.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Nichole asks my mom. “Hitting her? Really? Don’t you think you’re a little old for that now? Didn’t you beat her up enough when she was younger? Or did you not get enough hits in when she was living under your roof?”
“Nichole, stop,” I say, pulling her back to my bedroom.
“You will not talk to me like that under my roof,” my mom snaps.
“Really? I dare you to fight me. Go ahead, give me your best blow.”
Mom doesn’t move, doesn’t say anything, just stares blankly.
