22.9 New Chapter

“Daddy, I can’t wait until it gets warm so we can swim in our pool,” Lily shouted excitedly.

Their sweet girl was the most excited of the three about the move. She appeared to be over the trouble at school, finally, and Eliza was most excited about that.

The new house boasted great amenities, but they came at a cost. The pool, larger kitchen, and office were things Eliza et al had always wanted, but the bedrooms were like closets. So were the dining and living rooms, but the smaller size made them feel cozier which was appropriate for those type of rooms. Tiny bedrooms, however, were initially a deal-breaker. But, after looking around the area, she learned it came with the territory. Unless they wanted to blow their budget for a grander house, the small rooms would have to do.

“Good morning, dear,” she said to Breanne as she sauntered into the kitchen. “How was your night?”

“An utter waste of time. I made friends with one of the girls though.”

That wasn’t exactly the news Eliza expected, but it was not surprising. At least she made a friend. Her life lacked those. Both their lives did. Speaking of which, after breakfast, there was one last person with whom she needed to make amends. The one thing that tormented her the most during the last few weeks was knowing she hurt a friend. Eliza fired shots upon Mary, but Asia got wounded in the crossfire. What an ugly mess.

“Would you like to come in?”

“No. Thank you. I’ll be brief.”

Eliza followed Asia to sit on the porch and prepared to issue a brief statement.

“I’m disappointed it took you so long to come over here,” Asia said.

Eliza shifted in her seat. “I know.”

Faithful are the wounds of a friend. It hurt to hear the disappointment, but the pain gave way to relief upon learning she still considered her a friend. “I’m not an evil person, Asia.”

“Ok.”

She didn’t believe her. How could Eliza convince her without telling the entire Eliza Simovitch story? Asia could be trusted, but it wasn’t a good time. Maybe one day in the distant future over tea. Or never.

“I shouldn’t excuse what I did, but … I’m not excusing it. But, I…”

Eliza had so much more to work through. She cared too much about people’s opinion of her. Especially Asia’s. Why couldn’t she just say her truth without fear of judgment?

“Good heavens, Eliza. I’m not the press. Just say it!”

She hadn’t realized how much she missed her smiling face and positive outlook. Pulling in a slow breath, she tried again. “There are things you don’t know about me. Painful things. They’ve been haunting me for a very long time, and I’ve become someone I’m not proud of because of these things.”

Asia’s head bobbed along with her. “We’ve all got skeletons stashed away somewhere. At least you know what they are now.”

“Indeed. I realized haven’t been good to you. Even long before the incident. But, you’ve never abandoned me. I can’t say I deserve that level of friendship, but I do appreciate it.”

“Of course.”

“I apologize for my behavior, and I’m glad you’ve found a better friend in Mary.”

“Have you spoken with her?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Spring had arrived finally, but the air was still too frigid for a friendly chat on the porch. Besides, she still needed to tell her about the move and cleared her throat. “Well, I should be going. We’re leaving soon.”

“Oh! Family outing? Where to?”

Eliza’s stomach churned again. She halfway hoped Mary had already spread the gossip about their departure. “Brindleton Bay. We’re moving.”

Asia’s jaw dropped and hands flew to her hips. “Eliza Pancakes! Why am I just now hearing about this?”

Her mouth opened a few times, but no words came out. “I couldn’t face you.”

That look of pity settled on Asia’s face. “Oh, Eliza. What’s going on with you?”

“I do not wish to explain at the moment, but just know I have a long list of issues to address. I need a fresh start. I don’t want to be haunted by my sins anymore.”

“Sounds like running away to me.”

“It’s not that at all. I swear to you.” She sighed. “I wish I could explain it to you, but I simply can’t. Not right now.”

“Ok. Ok. I believe you.”

“I’m very sor–“

“It’s ok!” She placed her hand on Eliza’s knee. “I can see that whatever this is about is very hard for you. It’s fine. I hope you find what you need in Brindleton Bay. And, when you’re ready, I hope you’ll invite me over sometime.”

The pressure of tears were so strong. She had to end this. “Thank you. I will. I do hate to be abrupt, but Robert and Breanne will be leaving for work soon. We all wanted to leave the house together, so …”

“Don’t let me keep you. Good luck on everything. And, congrats, Chief!”

At last, Eliza left the Pruett residence, as hard as it was. She wanted to say so much to her only friend, but her mouth wouldn’t let it out.

The Pancakes family left Courtyard Lane together with mixed feelings. Lexi cried and missed her room already. Lily just wanted to see the new pool. Robert didn’t say much about it, and Breanne couldn’t seem to get out fast enough. What a motley crew they were.

The cold, spring rains met them there. It was an annoying reminder of the new climate they’d have to get used to. Rainy springs and frozen winters were not Eliza’s idea of a good time, but they had to take the good with the bad.

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Within an hour of the Pancakes’ arrival, the neighbors began pouring in. Eliza felt so warm and welcomed and a bit nostalgic for the days of baking fresh fruit cake for the new neighbors. It was good to see this practice had not been lost in modern times.

The neighbors were so sophisticated and well dressed. She understood Brindleton Bay was a high class area and swore that was not the reason for choosing that house. If anything, being among the upper echelon would surely intimidate her now that she understood what her issues were. The pull to be more than what she was would be the strongest it’s ever been. Leaning on Robert would be the best manner in which to overcome, but would she do it? She certainly hoped so. Her new life depended on it.