Unraveling

by Micalea Smeltzer

“Oh, I’m sorry sweetie. Maybe we should schedule you an appointment with a chiropractor,” Patsy said, spooning some more gravy onto her plate.

  “It’s not that bad,” Karlie said. “Rodney massaged them for me the other day and they’ve felt better ever since. I’m used to the pain.”

  “He. Did. What?” Holden growled turning his heated blue gaze to Karlie.

  “You heard me, don’t play dumb,” Karlie snapped.

  Jared chuckled. “Jeez, Holden, you’re even more over protective of her than I am.”

  “Overprotective?” Holden’s brows furrowed. “Oh, yeah. Overprotective,” he muttered.

  “It’s not that big of a deal, Sharky,” Karlie flipped her hair over her shoulder and out of her way. “We dancers have aches and pains; sometimes we have to help each other out with relieving the pressure.”

  Holden grimaced and stood up quickly, his chair slamming into the wall. “Pie. I’m going to go get some pie. Anybody else want any?” he asked, already strolling from the room.

  Karlie looked at me, clearly wondering what she had said to cause his reaction.

  I shrugged. Holden was weird.

  Holden came back in, carrying two different pies.

  “Holden, dear,” Patsy said, “we’re not quite ready for the pie.”

  Holden set them down. “Well,” he grumbled, sitting back down, “they’re here when we’re ready.” He pushed his plate away and I could sense Jared eyeing his friend.

  Patsy cleared her throat and turned her attention to me. “Katy, what is it you’re majoring in?”

  “I –uh- want to want to be a counselor,” I looked down at the table. “I want to help people.”

  I looked up in time to see a smile grace Patsy’s face, her eyes and mouth crinkling at the corners. “That’s lovely, dear.”

  “Thanks,” I said.

  ~***~

  We finished our meal and had desert. Everything was delicious. I thought about asking Patsy to give me lessons. I’d always wanted to be able to cook food like this.

  The guys helped us clean the table off and then disappeared to watch TV.

  “You don’t need to help me,” Patsy said, nodding her head for me to leave. “You can go with Jared.”

  “I want to help you,” I said, dunking a plate into the soapy water and wiping it with a cloth.

  “Well, in that case, stay. I won’t turn down free help,” she winked, taking the rinsed dish from me and putting it in the dishwasher.

  Karlie picked up some cleaning spray and went to disinfect the dining room table.

  “You know,” Patsy, said, “Jared may not be my biological son, but he is my son. I care and love him like any mother would. I worry about him,” she shrugged. “I just want you to know that I really like you, Katy. I can see that you’re a perfect match for each other. You complete him. Hold on to him, Katy, and never let go. Love can guide you through even the worst of storms.”

  “Thank you,” I nodded, tears threatening to fall, “that means a lot to me, coming from you.”

  “I know you’re going to be a part of this family, Katy,” she smiled. “I want us to have a good relationship.”

  “I want that too,” I nodded. With a laugh, I said, “Maybe you can start by teaching me to cook.”

  Her light, musical, laughter filled the kitchen. “I think I can do that, sweetie.” She patted my cheek and quickly withdrew her hand. “Oh! I’m sorry!”

  “No, it’s okay,” I told her. “I’m okay.”

  And I was okay, with everything.

  ~***~

  “See,” Jared said, taking my hand and helping me into his car. “I told you, you had nothing to worry about.”

  “Patsy is awesome,” I said.

  He looked over at Dan and Patsy, standing on the front porch, waving.

  “They both are,” he said, waving back.

  I nodded in agreement and waved.

  Jared got in and looked in his rearview mirror. Groaning, he scolded, “Karlie, put your seatbelt on.”

  “Ugh, you’re so annoying, Jare,” she grumbled but I heard the seatbelt click into place.

  “No, I’m just concerned about your safety. This is why I don’t want you to have a car,” he waved once more at his parents as we pulled away.

  “You suck the fun out of everything,” Karlie said from the back, her voice muffled by her jacket, which she’d rolled up and currently had her head propped against.

  “I try,” Jared chuckled.

  In no time, a light snore filled the backseat, and Jared chuckled. He looked over at me. “Fill her up and she falls right to sleep, just like a baby.”

  Jared pulled up in front of my condo building.

  “I love you,” he brushed his nose against my cheek. “I’m so glad you were in the club that night, and I’m so glad you came to Fight For It.”

  I chuckled. “You’ll have to thank my therapist for that one. She saw the flyer and suggested I try it out.”

  “I want to give that woman a big hug,” he growled in my ear, “because she brought you straight to me.”

  “I think I can arrange that,” I kissed him again, quickly, and grabbed my bag. “I’ll see you.”

  “Bye,” he smiled, as I closed the door.

  I walked to sliding glass doors of the main floor and looked over my shoulder. Jared was still there, watching to make sure I made it inside safe. I smiled and waved over my shoulder at him before going inside.

  A smile lit my face as I rode up in the elevator.

  Every day, I was finding another reason to love Jared a little more. That’s how I knew what we had, was true, real, love; the kind that lasts.

  32

  I looked out my bedroom window, grinning from ear to ear.

  It was snowing, the first one of the season.

  I loved the snow, always had. When I was a child, I was the first one bundled up and outside with my sled.

  It looked like we really would have a white Christmas this year.

  Tonight, was Karlie’s Christmas recital, the holiday itself only a few days away. Classes had ended a few days ago and I was happy for the break. I needed some time without homework.

  I pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans and a red sweater. I had recently bought a nice black coat that came to just above my knee and belted at my waist and decided to wear it over my sweater for a dressier appearance.

  I pulled my hair back in a ponytail and swiped some gloss over my lips.

  Jared had to stay late at the gym today so I was driving myself to the recital. This one was smaller and would be held at the studio.

  I really felt like I was part of the Reed family now and not just Jared’s girlfriend.

  I slung my purse over my shoulder and locked the door behind me.

  It was dark outside, the stars twinkling above and I was thankful that the condo kept the parking lot lit.

  I had ordered purple tulips yesterday, for Karlie, and had picked them up this morning. I had decided to leave them in the car so I wouldn’t forget them, and was pleased to see that they still looked fine.

  Traffic was heavy, but that was normal with this being a college town. I was so used to it that I didn’t really pay much attention.

  The parking lot at the ballet studio wasn’t full yet and I easily found a spot.

  I followed a group of people inside, up a set of steps and into a spacious room.

  A small stage sat in the front of the room with chairs set up in rows.

  “Katy! Katy, honey! We’re over here!” Patsy waved me over to where her and Dan were sitting.

  “Hey,” I said, taking the seat beside her.

  “Thank you for coming, dear. I know this means a lot to Karlie,” Patsy patted my knee and quickly withdrew her hand.

  I put my purse on the floor, with the flowers on top. I removed my coat and rolled it up to hold it in my lap.

  “I’m just happy she wants me here,” I smiled.

  “You’re the sister she alway
s wanted but never had,” Patsy’s eyes shimmered. “When she was little she used to beg Dan and I to give her one,” she chuckled.

  “That’s sweet,” I said.

  “Do you have any siblings?” she asked, clearly making small talk.

  “No,” I snorted, shaking my head.

  She gave me a funny look, my tone of voice tipping her off to a deeper meaning.

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t even know my dad,” I shrugged, “and my mom didn’t want me. She was never around. She didn’t even raise me, there’s no way she would have had another kid.”

  Patsy gave me a sympathetic look, “No child should ever have to grow up in a home like that. It’s just not right.”

  “It was all I knew,” I sighed.

  “But you knew it wasn’t right,” she said, taking my hand in hers. I stiffened at the feel of her unfamiliar hand and she went to let go, but I quickly held on.

  “Yeah, I know,” I said.

  “I don’t want to over-step my boundaries,” Patsy looked at me with her kind green eyes, “but if you ever need a mother’s advice, I’m here for you.”

  “Thank you,” I said, sincerely, “that means a lot to me.”

  “Anytime, dear,” she said.

  “Sorry, I’m late,” Jared took the chair next to me. “Hey kitten,” he kissed my cheek.

  “Hey,” I smiled, taking his hand. He sighed in relief at my touch and that made me smile even more.

  “I missed you,” he kissed my cheek again.

  “You saw me earlier today, at the gym. I think I have a bruise to prove it,” I said, rolling up my sweater to show him. “See,” I pointed to the small bruise I had gotten.

  He chuckled and pressed his lips to the spot. “All better now?” He raised his eyes seductively up to mine.

  “Uh- yeah,” I stuttered.

  He chuckled and sat back just as the lights dimmed.

  The teacher came out, introducing the first group of dancers.

  There weren’t as many performers at this recital, but once again, Karlie and Rodney went last. They each did a solo performance before ending the night, dancing together.

  I was amazed by how fluidly they moved and worked together. It was a sight to behold. The amount of skill they both possessed was astounding and at such a young age. I had never been as dedicated to anything as Karlie was with ballet. I loved that she was so determined.

  I watched them glide across the stage, mouth agape. It was like their feet never touched the ground.

  It was spectacular. Breathtaking.

  When the dance ended, they were both breathing heavily, but smiling widely.

  They turned to the crowd, clasping hands and bowing.

  I clapped along with the crowd, just as amazed as I had been the first time I saw Karlie perform.

  Jared whistled as Karlie and Rodney left the stage, the curtains closing.

  The lights came back on and everyone waited for their kids to come out from backstage.

  Karlie emerged, a huge smile on her face. She hugged Jared, Patsy, and Dan, before looking at me speculatively.

  I opened my arms up and she took the invitation. I held her tight, like she was a little girl and not a sixteen year old.

  “I got you some flowers,” I said, letting her go and bending to retrieve the flowers.

  “Thank you! They’re my favorite! How’d you know?” she asked, inhaling their sweet scent.

  “Jared,” I said.

  “Of course,” Karlie laughed, hugging her brother again.

  We gathered our stuff to leave and I wrapped my coat around me.

  Jared slung his arm across my shoulders, pulling me against his side so that I was protected from the icy wind swirling around outside. Snowflakes clung to my hair and lashes.

  Karlie held her arms out to her sides, twirling around in the middle of the parking lot, her tongue stuck out in the hopes of catching a stray flake.

  Jared chuckled at his sister’s antics but quickly scolded her, “You’re going to get hit by a car, Karls.”

  “At least, I’ll die happy,” she remarked, pulling her hat low over her ears. “Don’t you just love the snow?” she asked no one in particular. “It’s so magical!”

  Jared unlocked his car and Karlie hopped inside. Dan and Patsy had already disappeared.

  Jared tugged me towards his body so that he was cradling me against his chest. Our breaths fogged the air, mingling together before drifting away.

  He entwined our hands, cupping them between us for warmth.

  “Are you staying here for Christmas?” he asked.

  I nodded. “Of course. I don’t want to go to my mom’s, although, if she pestered me enough times, I would probably give in. But she called me the other day, she’s in the Bahamas.”

  “That’s harsh,” the air hissed between his teeth.

  “That’s my mom,” I shrugged.

  “Come to my house,” he pleaded. “Stay the night, on Christmas Eve, and be there all day, with us. Dan and Patsy won’t come over until lunch or dinner time.”

  “No, no,” I shook my head. “I already butted in to your Thanksgiving; I won’t do that with Christmas too.”

  “Katy,” Jared said, pressing his forehead to mine and letting go of my hands to cup my cheeks. “It’s not butting in if I invite you. I want you there, always.”

  I bit my lip, indecisive.

  “I don’t know,” I looked down at the snow-covered ground.

  “Please,” he gave me the puppy dog eyes that always made me cave in.

  I pushed his shoulder. “Jared, you’re twenty-four years old, don’t give me that face.”

  “What face?” he grinned, pulling me back to him. “Just say yes. I want my wonderful girlfriend to spend Christmas with me, plus, I can’t wait to give you your present.”

  I smiled at that. “You got me a present?”

  “Of course, kittycat,” he nuzzled my neck.

  “Okay,” I finally, said.

  “Okay?” he questioned, his lips lifting in a grin.

  “Okay,” I nodded. “We’ll celebrate Christmas together.”

  Jared whooped, picking me up and swinging me around.

  My feet had barely touched the ground before he was kissing me passionately. I melted against his touch.

  A car horn honked, making both of us jump.

  “Karlie!” Jared growled.

  I could see her laughing and mouth, “Hurry up.”

  “She can be such a pest,” Jared shook his head. With a sigh, he said, “I better go. I’ll see you on Christmas Eve?”

  “Yep,” I said, “I won’t be running away. You have nothing to worry about.”

  He chuckled. “I love you,” he said, kissing me quickly.

  I pulled away from his embrace. “You better go before she honks the horn again.”

  “I’ll wait for you to leave, before I go,” he pointed to my car a few rows down.

  “So protective,” I laughed at him, slinging my purse back up to my shoulder from where it had fallen to my bent elbow.

  “I just like to protect what’s mine,” he chuckled as I walked away.

  33

  I packed my overnight bag for Jared’s house and dropped it by the door, next to Jared, Karlie, Dan, and Patsy’s Christmas presents.

  I quickly scanned the room to make sure I wasn’t leaving anything behind that I might need.

  My phone started ringing and I was half tempted to ignore it. With a sigh, I dug it out from the bottom of my purse. I swear, how did the stupid thing always manage to get to the bottom.

  “Hello?” I answered.

  “Hey, it’s me,” Jared said.

  I laughed. “Yeah, I know. My phone told me. You know, there’s this thing, called caller ID that most people know about and it happens to tell you who’s calling.”

  “You’re mean,” he said. “Have you left yet?”

  “I was just about to. Why? Did you change your mind? It won’t hu
rt my feelings if-”

  “Shush,” he interrupted me. “Have you looked out the window lately?”

  “Uh, no,” I said, going to do that. I pushed the curtain aside and twisted the blinds open. “Wow,” I breathed, looking at the amount of snow coming down.

  The snow we’d gotten days before had all but disappeared, but the new snow already looked about an inch deep. Greenville wasn’t equipped to handle that much snow. We were close to the beach and it was rare to get a lot. Three inches was about the most snow we ever got and it looked like that was going to happen tonight.

  “Just wait at your place. I’ll come pick you up. I don’t want you driving that sports car in this weather,” his voice was stern.

  “Jared, I’ve done it before. I can drive myself,” I paced the short length of the living room.

  “No, you stay right there. My car is more durable in this weather than yours is. Besides, after what happened with the deer, I’m terrified of something else happening to you.”

  I groaned. “Jared.”

  “I’m already on my way,” he said, a steely edge to his voice that I rarely heard. “Wait there. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

  “Fine,” I plopped on the couch.

  “And wait in your condo, I’ll come up to get your stuff.”

  I sighed. There was no arguing with Jared when he got like this. “I’ll call down and tell them to let you in.”

  “Thanks,” he said and hung up.

  I tossed my phone to the other side of the couch and let out a groan. Jared was always so worried about me. He needed to chill. I wasn’t as breakable as he believed.

  I called down and let the front desk know that Jared would be coming and to let him up.

  That was one of the perks of living in a condo, they didn’t let random strangers just walk in.

  I wasn’t one to just sit around and wait, so I grabbed a dust rag and began cleaning.

  I wasn’t aware of how much time had passed, so when Jared knocked on the door, I jumped.

  I tossed the dirty rag into the washing machine and opened the door.

  “It’s cold out there, you better bundle up,” Jared said, coming inside and closing the door behind him.

  I laughed. “I kind of figured that, what with the snow.”

  “Is this everything?” he asked, motioning to the pile beside the door.