Izzy’s Short Story Multiverse
I came up with the idea to create my own short story multiverse around the time I started writing again. It’s been sitting on my story ideas list for a while and I finally decided to give it a try. This project, coined by me as Izzy’s Short Story Multiverse, will be an ongoing project for the duration of this burgeoning writing career of mine, and each year I will add the next years batch of references to this ongoing story. I’m excited to see it grow and to share it with you as I go along! I will be releasing the stories referenced here periodically, so be sure to check out the Short Stories tab for more!
(Working Title)
Part 1 (2023)
Sarah settled in beside her son on his child sized bed, her back resting against the headboard and legs crossed. She set two books on her lap.
“What’ll it be tonight, bud?” Sarah asked.
“Both!” Grayson exclaimed.
“No, no, you can only pick one, remember?” Sarah said. “Now which will it be? If the Moon Were a Cookie (1) or The Tale of the Firefly? (2)”
“Hmph,” Grayson replied with a sigh as he flounced down onto his pillow. “I guess the cookie one.”
“That’s one of my favorites,” Sarah said, winking at Grayson as she set the other book on the nightstand and opened the worn board book with a cookie moon on the cover.
“I was looking at the sky late one night, when the big bright moon caught my eye. I thought to myself, starting to wonder, what if? What if? I sure do wonder. What if that moon, shining way up there, was a cookie that the whole wide world could share?”
Before Sarah reached the middle of the story, she heard the quiet sound of Grayson’s deep breathing. He was already fast asleep. She smiled down at her son, and with a light kiss on the forehead, she slowly rose from the bed and set the book on the nightstand. After pulling the covers up and tucking them in around Grayson, she sat for a long moment, watching as he slept.
Not so long ago, Sarah was afraid she was going to lose Grayson, and she cursed the world for being unfair. He spent his childhood in and out of children’s treatment centers around the country, and had been in remission for the past year. She remembered how happy Skylar, her adoptive daughter, was when she found out she was going to be a big sister. But after Grayson’s years of hospital visits and surgeries, Sarah spent most of her time worrying over him, and because of that, she could feel that there was more distance between her and Skylar by the day. Sarah and her husband Michael did what they could to make her first year with them smooth and pleasant. But it seemed that lately Sarah was receiving the brunt of her daughter’s resentment, despite her efforts to make her feel welcome, to feel at home.
With a sigh, Sarah quietly turned off the firefly lamp by the bedside and crept out of the room, closing the door silently behind her.
—
As she made her way down the stairs, Sarah could hear the faint sound of the TV coming from the living room. She poked her head in on her way down the hall.
“Grayson’s asleep,” she said to her husband, who was lounging on the sofa scrolling through channels absentmindedly. “I’ll go make some popcorn and then we can start date night.”
“Hmm?” Michael started at the sound of his wife’s voice. “Oh yeah, sounds great,” he added, “Make mine kettle corn please.”
“You and your sweet popcorn,” Sarah laughed as she made her way into the kitchen. She returned with two bowls, one filled with kettle corn and the other with movie theater butter popcorn and curled up on the sofa next to Michael. She handed him the white bowl with a flourish.
“Mmm, thanks,” he replied, breathing in the sweet aroma. “So what do you want to watch tonight? An action movie? A Comedy? A Rom Com?”
Sarah set her pink bowl in her lap and rubbed her hands together excitedly. “I’ve really been craving a Rom Com double feature,” she said. “What do you think?”
“Sounds good to me,” Michael replied between bites of kettle corn. “I’ve got my popcorn so I’m happy.” He grinned, revealing a mouthful of popcorn kernels that seemingly replaced his teeth. Sarah laughed.
“Okay, you goober,” Sarah replied. “Well there’s two new ones out that I’ve been dying to see.” She grabbed the remote and pulled up the first movie’s description on the screen. “So Nothing Stays the Same (3) is about three best friends who spend their last summer together before they go off to college.” Sarah scrolled a little further and pulled up the second movie. “And The Forever Date (4) is about a guy and his high school ex pretending to be together so they can go to his brother’s wedding to his ex model girlfriend and get her back. This one looks hilarious. The first one seems sweet and nostalgic. Wanna start with that one?”
“Sure,” he said.
“Perfect,” Sarah replied as she pressed play.
While the ads played, they snacked on their popcorn and caught up on the day’s events.
“Just another day at the office, really,” Michael replied to his wife’s inquiry about his day. “What about you?”
“Oh you know,” Sarah began, “The usual around here. I talked to Mom earlier and she said we’re all set for Thanksgiving next week at her place. And you mentioned that your folks are good with us coming for Christmas?”
“Mhmm, all set for that,” he replied as he chewed and stared at the TV screen. “Mom is already getting excited to see the kids and making elaborate plans for cookies and watching White Christmas. And apparently Grandpa Norman told Grayson that they could do a ‘Santa stake out’ this year.’” He held his hands up in the air as he said this, creating a set of quotes in the air as he laughed. “They’ve got it all planned, and Grayson’s determined to catch the guy and prove he’s real. Also Alyssa wants to visit us on New Year’s while she’s in town.”
With Michael’s father out of the picture, Sarah knew that his mother, Melissa, spent most of her time alone unless there was a holiday or important family gathering, which was usually few and far between. She always looked forward to their visits, and she was glad to bring the kids over to enjoy Christmas and to keep her company during the holidays.
Sarah nodded in reply, turning to look up at the TV when a familiar commercial came on.
“Oh, I love this one,” she sighed happily. “So sweet.” She mouthed the words as the ad continued.
“...You never know where coffee with a stranger (5) will lead. Find your adventure on the country’s longest interstate in America, the I-90 transcontinental freeway today…”
“And don’t get me started on that sad car commercial,” Sarah said with a shake of her head. To her surprise, that was the ad that came on next. “Oh, I don’t wanna cry,” she said with an exaggerated whine, pretending to wipe her eye as she sniffed.
“You and your commercials,” Michael smiled as he watched her get enraptured by the fictional enactment of a car accident involving a young mom and her son.
“Shh, here it comes,” Sarah said quietly as her eyes remained glued to the screen. “Aww, it’s just so sweet, the mom kissing her son’s head at midnight on New Year’s Eve after he wakes up (6).”
“You know they’re just actors right?” he said with a laugh.
“Not to me,” she replied. “I mean come one, it’s his favorite time of year and he’s in a coma and the mom doesn’t think he’s going to wake up and then he does.” She clutched her chest as she said this. “I guess as a mom it just hits home for me.” With a sigh she shoved a handful of popcorn in her mouth and shook her head slightly. After a moment of silence, she perked up as she recalled something she wanted to tell him. She paused the movie as the title sequence started.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you. Today when I was gathering up laundry, I kind of saw Skylar’s diary laying open. It was halfway tucked underneath her pillow, and I was grabbing clothes and throwing them in the basket when I saw it. I didn’t mean to read it, but when I glanced at the open page I saw an entry that seemed pretty angry. Sounds like boy trouble if I’ve ever seen it. I read a line that said, “If I can’t have him, no one will…(7)” So I immediately assumed that she must be interested in someone at school. I don’t know. It made me wonder though. When she got home this afternoon I tried to ask how her day went and she just blew me off and stormed up to her room. And you saw how she didn’t want to talk at dinner.”
“Yeah, maybe that’s why she’s been so distant and crabby lately. But then again I think it’s just part of being a burgeoning teenager. Wait, I thought she had a boyfriend?” Michael said, raising his eyebrows as he looked at Sarah and tossed another piece of popcorn into his mouth.
“That’s what I thought, too. And yes, I’m pretty sure she’s dating that Jordan kid, you know, Brad and Lori’s son?” she said. “Just typical high school drama and hormones, if I had to guess. Oh well, I’m sure she’ll figure it out eventually. I do know one thing though. I do not miss that drama.”
He laughed as he said, “Yeah, you still couldn’t pay me to go back.”
“Same,” Sarah replied as she held up the remote. “Anyway, that’s all I’ve got. You ready to start the movie? It’s ironically about high school.” She smiled as she extended her arm and prepared to press play. “But it seemed cute, and it reminded me of us back then.”
“Go for it,” He smiled warmly as he leaned back and put an arm behind his head.
With that, Sarah and Michael sat in mutual silence as they vicariously relived their youth through fictional characters on screen.
After The Forever Date was over, Michael let out a yawn as he sat up and stretched.
“Those were some good picks,” he said as he nodded at Sarah in satisfaction. “Good job choosing the lineup tonight.”
“Thanks,” she smiled as she said, “Glad you liked them. You ready for bed?”
“Yeah I think so,” he replied as he stood. “You coming?”
“I think I’m going to put on a late night show and catch up on some reading. I’ve been meaning to start this new memoir I bought a while back.” She gestured at the book on the coffee table before she added, “But I’ll be up soon.”
“Sounds good,” Michael replied as he leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips. “Love you. ‘Night.”
“Love you too. Goodnight,” Sarah replied. As he started to walk away, she grabbed his hand and gently pulled him back. She circled her arms around his neck and pulled him in for another kiss. He cupped her face with his free hand and leaned in for a long moment before they both pulled away. With a smile, Michael squeezed her hand before letting go, and stealing another glance at her at the doorway, made his way out of the living room. Sarah waited for him to ascend the stairs to their room before she settled into her favorite spot on the couch with an old worn blanket. She picked up her book off the edge of the coffee table and spent a moment studying the cover:
Fleeting Like Fireworks: A Memoir by Joy Riveres (8)
The picture on the front was of a woman with a man and their dog. They looked blissfully happy, on a beach somewhere together. Sarah couldn’t help but smile at the couple. She saw the book at a discount store and was immediately intrigued by the world travels that the author had gone on, summarized on the back of the dust jacket. An avid traveler herself, Sarah loved any book about far off places and adventure, and thought it would be great inspiration for her and Michael’s future travels. After reading the back and the inside flaps of the dust jacket again, as was part of her new book ritual, she carefully stripped it off the book and cracked it open. Sarah despised reading a book with the dust jacket on; it always got in the way. With that, she let out a sigh of satisfaction and flipped to the dedication page:
To my two and only life loves and joys, Felix and Rosie Riveres
She lingered on the page for a moment and felt a wave of bittersweet happiness as she read the dedication to the author’s late husband and dog. Turning to the first chapter, she dove in. When she glanced up at the clock after what felt like mere minutes later, she didn’t realize that it was already past midnight. With a yawn, she placed her bookmark and gently clasped the book shut. She stood and set the book back on the table. As she was turning the TV off and preparing to leave the living room, she heard the front door lock softly click. A wave of knowing dread washed over Sarah as she sank back onto the couch and called out into the silence.
“Where have you been?” she asked her daughter as she crept by the living room towards the stairs, shoes in hand. Skylar stopped in her tracks, shoulders visibly tense as she jumped at her mother’s voice. With a defeated sigh, she turned on her heel and leaned her shoulder against the doorframe, avoiding her mother’s gaze.
“You know curfew is ten, right? Or did you think that the rules just don’t apply to you?” Sarah asked cooly.
“I was just with my friends,” Skylar shot back. “I didn’t think it was a big deal—”
“Well that’s where you’re wrong,” she snapped back, meeting her daughter’s narrowed eyes.
“I’m an adult, Mom. You can’t tell me what to do anymore.”
“As long as you live under my roof and go to school I most certainly can,” Sarah warned her. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately, but until you can remember to respect boundaries and ground rules then I think you need to spend more time at home.”
“Are you seriously grounding me?” Skylar started in, throwing a hand up in the air in exasperation as she placed her other hand on her hip. “I was just down the road—”
“Yes I most certainly am grounding you, and I don’t care where you were,” she interjected, rising to her feet and pointing a finger in the direction of the front door. “When you don’t come home on time I worry myself sick until you walk through that door. Whatever problem you have with me is going to end up getting you into some serious trouble. And until you learn to respect mine and your dad’s rules then you will be going nowhere but to school and back home for at least two weeks. Do you understand?”
Skylar set her jaw and glared at her mother for a long moment.
“Whatever you say, Mommy Dearest,” Skylar hissed, giving her mother a final look of pure disgust before she stomped up the stairs. Sarah called after her as she reached the landing and stormed to her room.
“Don’t you dare slam that—”
Slam.
“Door,” she sighed. She closed her eyes and winced, sighing when she heard the creaking of another door upstairs, and the pitter patter of tiny feet climbing down the stairs and to the living room. Grayson appeared in the entryway, rubbing his eyes and yawning.
“Mommy?” he asked groggily.
“It’s alright sweetie,” Sarah said, holding her arms out wide. “It’s just your sister.”
Grayson closed the distance and wrapped his arms around her, laying his head on her chest and closing his eyes.
“Oh,” was all he said.
Sarah stroked his hair and kissed his head. She gave him a tight squeeze and sighed.
“Don’t you dare grow up, you hear me?” she said.
“Mmm…okay,” he replied. He was barely awake.
“Get back to bed. It’s late,” she said as she broke away from their embrace and nudged him towards the hall.
“Night Mommy,” Grayson said as he dragged his little tired feet back up the stairs and shut the door behind him.
Sarah sat there, eyes focused on the ceiling as she listened for Grayson settling back into bed. After a moment she slowly stood and made her way up the stairs to bed.
—
One Week Later
Sarah and Michael woke to the sound of Michael’s phone ringing. Groaning, he rolled over and fumbled to answer it. His voice was hoarse and groggy when he spoke.
“Hello?” he said.
“Hey stranger, (9)” the voice on the line replied.
Sarah recognized Michael’s father Nathan on the other end. As he tried his best to make pleasant small talk, she could hear him wishing the family a happy Thanksgiving. She sat up on the edge of the bed, stretching and letting out a yawn. Before she could even get her house shoes on and rise, she could hear him saying he had to go.
“Well, I guess I’ll let you go…”
“Okay, Dad. Bye.”
With a sigh, Michael dropped his phone back on the nightstand.
“It was Dad. He said Happy Thanksgiving and to say hi to the kids.”
“Mm,” Sarah replied. “Will do.”
“He also said he’d like to see us for Christmas if we can swing it.”
“Uh huh. Yeah sure, okay.”
“I know you don’t really get along, but I’d like the kids to be able to have a grandpa figure if he’s willing.”
“Key words: if he’s willing. I’m just looking out for you babe. But whatever you want to do, we’ll do.”
She didn’t feel like getting into it that morning about how absent and estranged Michael’s father was. She wished he wouldn’t put himself through the hurt she knew he felt about things that weren’t even his fault. With a sigh, she made her way to the bathroom and shut the door. She turned the shower on and let the steam fill the room before she stepped in. A moment later she heard the door open and close quietly.
“Can I join you?” Michael asked.
With a smile, Sarah opened the curtain.
As they got ready for the day's events, they talked about Sarah and Skylar’s fight from the night before.
“Oh it went as expected,” Sarah began. “She was upset she got caught, then blew up when I grounded her. Slammed her bedroom door and woke Grayson up. The usual adolescent tantrum. Whatever she says, she’s grounded for another week.”
“Got it,” Michael replied.
“You sure?” Sarah smirked at him in the mirror. “She is Daddy’s girl after all. If you cave then I’m screwed.”
“I promise I won’t cave,” Micheal laughed.
“I don’t know what it is, but lately it’s been a nightmare trying to figure out her raging hormones. And speaking of nightmares, I had a pretty interesting dream last night.”
“Yeah?” Michael mumbled as he flossed his back teeth.
“I dreamed I was at the airport, except it didn’t really feel like it was me. But my ex boyfriend was there, and there was a new policy where we had to get our “emotional baggage” checked, just like luggage. And it was a fiasco,” Sarah paused as she ran a brush through her hair, “the impromptu counseling session about my past relationships and my parents and all kinds of crazy stuff. Anyway, I never ended up going on whatever trip I was supposed to go on. It was really weird (10).”
“Huh,” Michael replied, thoughtful with a mouthful of frothy toothpaste. “That is weird. I had a crazy dream too.” He rinsed his mouth and put his toothbrush in the holder on the counter before he continued. “I was on a date with that loud mouthed woman with the obnoxious laugh from one of your sitcoms, and she was berating the waiter and in the same breath telling me that she felt like it was fate that we found each other. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, the waiter brings out a free dessert to make up for her messed up order, and there was an engagement ring inside the cake that I had never seen before. Before I could say it wasn’t mine, the woman started babbling about how it was meant to be and next thing I know I was getting married and never getting a word in edgewise for the rest of my life. It was truly frightening (11).”
“Wow, that does sound like a nightmare,” Sarah laughed. “Worse than mine.”
“Tell me about it,” Michael replied. “I woke up in a cold sweat and had to check and make sure she wasn’t in the bed next to me.”
“Well good thing it was just a dream,” she winked as she pinched her husband’s cheek. “I need to finish getting ready and then I can meet you guys downstairs. Make sure the kids are ready. You know how Grandma is when we’re late.”
He smiled as he said, “Sounds good.” He gave Sarah a quick kiss before he left the room and headed downstairs.
Sarah finished applying her makeup and went to the bedside table to retrieve her phone. She went to her messages and found who she was looking for.
Sarah: Hey girly, just checking in. We’re about to head over to my folks’ for Thanksgiving dinner. You know you’re always welcome to join us. Love you and hope you’re doing okay.
Anna: Hey girl, thanks for checking on me. And thanks for the invite, but I don’t think I’m feeling up to it. I’m sorry. I’ll probably just make a frozen pizza and have a bottle of wine and watch some football at home. I’ll be okay, really. Love you too. Let’s catch up soon.
Sarah: Okay, if you’re sure. Happy Thanksgiving. Yes I’d love to meet up soon! Just let me know when you’re feeling up to it <3
Anna: I will. Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving. Tell the family I said hi <3
Sarah: Will do <3 (12)
She stood there for a moment, reading over the text conversation again. Anna was recently widowed, and she hadn’t gotten quite back to her old self yet. Sarah often worried about her, and made it a point to check in with her regularly. Her heart went out to her friend, and with a heavy heart she thought about what she would do if she lost Michael or one of her children. She just couldn’t fathom it. With a sigh, Sarah put her phone in her back jeans pocket and made her way downstairs. She called out on her way down.
“Everybody ready? We gotta go!”
“Ready!” Grayson yelled out.
“Michael? Skylar?”
“Yes,” Skylar mumbled.
“All set,” Michael replied as Sarah came into view. He opened the door and gestured for the kids to head to the car.
Once everyone was in, the family settled in for the hour-long car ride to Sarah’s family’s house.
“Does anybody wanna play a game?” Grayson asked, bouncing up and down in his seat.
“No thank you,” Skylar muttered as she put her earbuds in and pulled out a worn copy of an old thriller novel Sarah read when she was in high school. She could see the tattered cover in the rearview mirror.
“How are you liking The Ghosts of Our Past (13)?” Sarah asked her daughter, who was making an active effort to ignore everyone. She lifted the book high enough to cover her face and didn’t reply.
“Okay, nevermind,” she said casually as she gave Michael a side glance. He returned her gaze and gave her a shrug.
The rest of the drive was silent, save for Grayson quietly mumbling to himself as he played the license plate game alone.
—
As soon as Michael put the car in park, Grayson bounded out and to the front door. Skylar was about to get out with her earbuds still in, but Sarah stopped her.
“Come on, Skylar,” she said. “Lose the earbuds and leave the book in the car. We’re here to spend time with family.”
“Whatever,” Skylar said, giving her best eye roll as she yanked out her earbuds and clapped her paperback shut. With a huff she got out of the car and trudged up the sidewalk.
Sarah looked at Michael with pursed lips. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her lately.”
“I’m sure it’ll pass,” he replied.
“I know you’re right,” she sighed. “It’s just…you know I’ve heard stories about what raising a daughter is like from birth, and sometimes I just wish I had that same experience, you know? I mean don’t get me wrong, I love Skylar so much, but it just seems like we’re constantly at war. I guess she’s just coming of age. And I know it couldn’t have been easy for her to be in and out of foster care and to have to share the spotlight with Grayson. I always wanted a little girl, a little mini me who was my best friend who wanted to spend time with me and talk to me about what she was going through. Maybe one day she’ll come around.”
“I know she will,” he said. “It’s just going to take some time. And besides, you’ve always got me.”
“I do,” Sarah smiled. “Well, I guess it’s time to get in there.”
Sarah and Michael were welcomed with the familiar aromas of turkey in the oven and casseroles cooling in the kitchen. The sound of laughter was coming from the living room down the hall.
“I’m going to see what’s cooking,” Michael whispered, rubbing his hands together mischievously as he rounded the corner into the kitchen.
Sarah poked her head into the living room, and found her Mom, stepdad and grandma lounging on the sofa, watching a movie.
“Hey, family,” she said.
Everyone turned simultaneously and the regular greetings and pleasantries ensued. Grayson and Skylar sat in the adjacent loveseat, Grayson bouncing excitedly as Skylar sat slumped with her arms crossed, looking annoyed.
“Come sit dear,” Sarah’s grandmother Beverly said, gesturing to the recliner next to her.
As Sarah sat down, she looked at the TV and let out a small snort.
“Cleopatra (14), huh? Haven’t you seen this at least a hundred times, Grandma?”
“No, I definitely haven’t seen this one before. I’d remember,” she said, waving a hand to dismiss her, eyes still glued on the screen.
Sarah met her mother’s gaze and gave her a knowing look. Her grandmother’s memory had been deteriorating for the last couple years, and she was starting to forget a lot of short term events. But it was best to let her believe she was right. She got pretty upset when anyone pointed it out. One thing she never forgot, however, was how to navigate the kitchen.
“Well, the game starts soon,” Paul, Sarah’s stepdad, chimed in. “Are you going to relinquish the TV so we can watch Dallas and Washington play?”
“Oh, I suppose I will,” Beverly said. “Men and their football. Your Grandpa Glenn was the worst one of all. He was a Pittsburgh fan all his life. Never missed a game.”
The only other thing Beverly never forgot was her late husband, Sarah’s grandfather. Though she couldn’t recall that Glenn was actually a die hard Kansas City fan, she was definitely right about him being obsessed with the game all his life.
“Oh I remember,” Alison, Sarah’s mother, replied. “Sometimes I think he wished I was a boy so that I could have played in school.”
“I don’t doubt that,” Beverly laughed good naturedly. “But you know he loved you so much.” She gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek and grabbed her cane. Standing slowly, she let out a groan.
“These old bones don’t work like they used to,” Beverly said. “But there’s work to do. Paul, go ahead and put your game on. Alison and I have some potatoes to peel.”
Sarah led the way to the kitchen, where Michael was perusing and sampling the food that had been prepared.
“Ahem,” Sarah cleared her throat to warn him before her grandma saw him digging in early. If there was one thing that was sacred to Beverly, it was waiting until it was time to eat, and eating together as a family.
“Oh,” he started at the sound of his wife’s voice. He tried his best to pretend he didn’t have a mouthful of food as he stepped away from a nearby casserole dish.
“Hey Grandma Beverly,” he mumbled. “Just seeing what you had going on over here.”
“Oh don’t play dumb, I see a small dent in my sweet potatoes and your mouth is clearly full of something.” Beverly gave him a playful sneer, but her words were still sharp. “Now go on and get before I bake you into a pie.”
“Okay, okay, I’m going,” he laughed. “I’ll go watch the game with Paul.” As he walked past her on his way to the living room, Beverly gave him a light slap on the back.
“Good boy,” Beverly said. “Good to see ya,” she called over her shoulder as she hurried to the oven.
She peered in and gave her “harrumph” of approval.
“Looking good,” Beverly said to herself. She straightened up and looked over her shoulder. “Got about an hour left on the bird. You ready for the potatoes and cranberry sauce?”
—
Grayson retreated to the game room down the hall and Skylar went out to the back patio to talk on the phone, leaving Michael and Paul alone to watch the football game.
“Ah, come on boys!” he yelled as he threw his hands in the air and slapped his knee. “That was a perfect pass.”
“The O line is looking pretty rough,” Paul grumbled.
At that moment, the game cut to a familiar commercial. Michael laughed out loud as the camera zoomed in on a red button and a finger hovering above it, contemplating whether or not they should push it (15).
“I love this one,” he said with a chuckle. “I’ll tell you one thing, it really does feel like life or death when your wife realizes you didn’t bring her back anything from Sonic.”
Paul laughed in response.
“I’m glad you and Sarah could make it. I know it’s quite a drive. Especially with the kids.”
“It’s no trouble at all. We’re glad to be here,” Michael reassured him. “I lost my grandmother two years ago, and it’s been really hard to celebrate the holidays without her. My sister would always help her in the kitchen and I would just sneak in and steal food while they cooked.” He paused, laughing at the memory. “But they were good memories. Sarah’s Grandma reminds me a lot of my Grandma Nora. Coming here feels like home (16).”
“Yeah, it’s hard when you lose someone close to you,” Paul replied, nodding his head knowingly. “There’s just something that’s always missing after that.” He stared off silently, eyes focused on some distant point in space through the television screen.
“Yeah,” Michael nodded, staring sightlessly at the TV. “I miss the love she put into her cooking most of all.”
He was interrupted from his somber reverie by the sound of Sarah calling across the house.
“Dinner’s ready! Wash up and get yourselves in here.”
Paul smiled at Michael and set his empty bottle on the table. They silently rose and made their way into the kitchen.
—
After Thanksgiving dinner, the family retired back to the living room together.
“Sarah,” Beverly said, “Be a dear and get the scrapbooks off the shelf would you?”
“Sure,” Sarah replied, grabbing the three dusty leather bound books filled with pictures off the bottom shelf. She squeezed in between her grandma and mother on the couch and put the scrapbooks on the coffee table. Skylar sat on the arm of the couch, and Grayson climbed in her lap. Michael and Paul stood to the side, drinks in hand.
“Let’s start with Grandma’s,” Sarah said as she cracked open the yellowing picture book in her lap, Grayson holding the right side open as the family looked at old snapshots and reminisced.
“Oh how I loved that house,” Beverly said, pointing to a black and white photo of an old and weathered two story home (17). “Glenn and I bought it while he was on leave from the war. I got my folks to help me fix it up. It was going to be a surprise.”
Beverly’s voice wavered as she briskly wiped her nose with the tissue that was crumpled in her hand and swiped at a tear that escaped her brimming eyes. Her gaze settled on the photo below the house, laying her hand on it as she sighed, a bittersweet sound.
“I loved that man. Glenn was the only one for me. I’m glad for the time I did have, and for what he gave me.” She turned to her daughter and gave her cheek a pinch. Alison smiled warmly in response.
“I wish I could have met him,” she said.
The family looked at Beverly’s remaining photos in silence, until a particular photo made her cackle hysterically.
“That was from BINGO night at work, probably 20 years ago now, (18),” she said. “I almost forgot. Linda and Karen had it out for each other. Real competitive, those two biddies. I wish I had a picture of Karen’s face when Linda won, though I wouldn’t say she won fair and square. She was so surprised when she found out later that Linda marked a space on her BINGO card when she wasn’t looking.” Beverly paused, smiling as she said, “I suppose it wasn’t all bad, this old life of mine. Though I do miss meeting up with the girls. If Alison would let me drive I could still see them from time to time.”
“Mom, you know why you can’t,” Alison reminded her.
Alison spared the family the usual spiel that a year ago, Beverly was driving home after a night out with Karen and Linda and couldn’t find her way back. Her daughter decided it was safer for everyone if she didn’t drive herself around town anymore. And Beverly hated being at the mercy of anyone else when all she wanted was to go come and go as she pleased, just like she believed she was still able to do.
“Hmph, whatever you say,” Beverly huffed. Her eyes brightened when Alison turned the page to reveal her baby pictures.
“To think that sweet little angel right there in my arms would be telling me what to do,” Beverly grumbled, but she gave her daughter a gentle nudge as she said it. “Couldn’t have asked for a better one though. And you always had your father’s eyes. Such a sweet little thing.”
Reaching the end, Sarah closed the old scrapbook and picked up the second one in the stack.
“Now it’s your turn Mom,” she said as she plopped the scrapbook into Alison’s lap.
“Oh boy,” Alison replied. “Hope you’re ready for neon and lots of hairspray.” She laughed.
The family laughed and talked about the eighties, stopping on the page with prom pictures (19).
“Oh I loved that dress,” Alison sighed, “Big bow and all. What do you think, Skylar? Wanna borrow this dress for your prom? I know I still have it somewhere.”
For the first time all day, Skylar smiled. With a snort she held her hands up in defense.
“No thanks, I’m good,” she said. “The eighties are definitely out.”
“Oh, well,” Alison surrendered, “It was worth a shot. Who knows, maybe it’ll make a comeback.”
Beverly chimed in then with a contented sigh.
“You and Paul have always made a cute couple,” she said, turning to smile at Alison and Paul in turn.
“Mom, that isn’t…” Alison began, meeting her husband’s pained gaze apologetically.
“It’s alright,” Paul assured her, lips pressed into a tight thin line. He stared down at his shoes, rocking back and forth on his feet.
Alison quickly turned the page, trying to hide her glistening eyes as she stared down at the scrapbook. When she saw a picture of her and Sarah’s biological father posing for a prom photo together, her eyes welled up again and she quickly set the scrapbook down on the coffee table in front of her.
“Excuse me,” Alison muttered as she rose and rushed out of the living room to the bathroom down the hall.
Paul made a move to touch her arm as she hurried past, but she didn’t stop. He stared after her for a long moment before he quietly exited the room and headed for the front door. It closed with a light click, leaving Sarah, Michael, the kids and Beverly alone.
Sarah met Michael’s gaze and gave him a sad half smile. She knew her mother would need space before she was ready to talk, and from the looks of it so did her stepfather. She decided to give them some time and finished flipping through her mother’s scrapbook. Beverly continued to call her biological father by Paul’s name until the very end. Sarah decided to let it lie.
Sarah closed the scrapbook, the spine cracking as she did so. She picked up the last one on the table.
“Last but not least,” she said cheerily as she opened the book.
“Michael, get ready for awkward high school and college photos.”
“Can’t wait,” he winced as he smiled. “Lucky for you you’ve always been beautiful.”
“Need I remind you I got glasses and braces in college,” Sarah shuddered as she began to flip through the pages. She stopped on an old photo from art class.
“Oh my gosh, that was the day we were painting that mural and you got bright orange paint in your hair. You can see it if you look close (21).”
“Man that was embarrassing,” Michael laughed.
“It was adorable,” Sarah gave him a wink as she turned another page. This one was filled with pictures ripped in half, her ex-boyfriend haphazardly ripped out of all of her prom photos.
“And we’ll just skip all those,” she said casually as she turned another page.
“Could’ve been me,” Michael teased.
“I know, I know,” Sarah said. “What can I say? I was going through my bad boy phase.”
“Well thankfully your nerd in shining armor arrived right on time,” Michael said as he puffed his chest and smiled a goofy smile.
“Exactly,” Sarah replied, puckering her lips and making a kissing noise in her husband’s direction. He pretended to catch it and put it in his pocket. Skylar rolled her eyes as she let out a disgusted sigh. Grayson let out a moan as he covered his eyes.
“Ugh, Mom, Dad. Gross,” Grayson said through his hands. All the adults laughed.
“You say that,” she said to him, turning another page as she placed her chin on Grayson’s shoulder and tickled him with her free hand, “But you wouldn’t be here without your lame parents.” Grayson let out a loud laugh, kicking his feet wildly. Sarah pointed to a newborn picture of him in her arms. “Look at those little cheeks, and that sweet little face. I miss you being so little, and that sweet little laugh.”
Grayson smiled, dropping his hands from his face as he said, “Yeah, I was pretty cute.”
Sarah smiled as she pointed to a picture of her oldest.
“And so was this little bundle of sunshine,” she said, gesturing to a newborn picture that her adopted daughter had of her biological mother holding her as a baby.
“You didn’t even know me then,” Skylar scoffed, reminding her adoptive mother that she had only been a part of the family for a little less than a year.
“Oh but I know you better than you think,” Sarah reassured her with a warm and knowing smile. “Your mother would be proud of the young woman you’re growing into.”
At this, Skylar averted her eyes, studying the carpet intently. She never opened up about losing her mother as a young girl, and having no other family to take her in. Sarah did her best to make her new life as comfortable as possible, but she felt that as soon as she got the chance she would leave and never look back, and the thought always hurt Sarah deep down. Lost in thought, she turned the page to a picture of their little family.
Michael chimed in then, bringing Sarah back to the present.
“Call me biased, but our story is my favorite. My three joys in life, all together.” He winked at her, and she smiled up at him warmly.
The remainder of the scrapbook contained recent photos of the entire family, half filled with new memories and the promise of new ones to come. As everyone sat in blissful silence, letting the warmth of the memories fill the empty space, Grayson abruptly broke the silence.
“I love our family,” he said with a wide grin.
“Me too, little one. Me too,” Sarah replied, giving him a squeeze.
“Well, I guess that’s it,” she declared, tossing the scrapbook on top of the stack on the coffee table. “I guess it’s time for us to head home.”
“Without dessert?” Beverly and Grayson exclaimed at once.
“Oh, right! I almost forgot,” Sarah said, winking at Beverly as she did so.
“Come on squirt, you can help me set the table.”
Grayson leaped up and bounded to the kitchen. Beverly slowly stood, laughing as she followed, Skylar close behind. Only Michael and Sarah remained, and Sarah gave her husband a sweet embrace, burying her head in his chest.
“I love our lives,” she whispered.
He kissed her on the head before grabbing her hand and leading her to the kitchen, where the sounds of clinking plates and laughter filled the air.
“I love our lives, too,” he replied.
—
As Sarah was crossing the hall into the kitchen, she caught sight of someone standing on the front porch.
“Hey,” she said quietly, touching Michael’s arm, “I’ll be right there. I’m going to check on him.” She nodded her head to the front door.
With a nod, Michael watched her go before he entered the kitchen.
Paul turned as she slipped out the front door, the ghost of a smile on his lips.
“Everything alright?” she asked, eyebrows raised.
“Oh, hey,” he said. “Yeah, yeah. I just needed some air.” He turned his face up to the sky and took a deep breath. With a sigh he exhaled and they stood together in the silence for a long time.
“I know that I wasn’t her first choice,” he finally said.
“What do you mean?” Sarah asked, not meeting his gaze. She knew all too well what he meant, and she felt guilty for not checking on him sooner.
“Your mom,” he said. “Every time she looks at those old pictures, I know she gets sad. She really loved your dad. And I’m reminded of that all the time. I know that sounds awful, selfish. And I don’t begrudge her at all. I just know that I won’t ever quite fit into that void that she feels without Jeremy.” Paul hung his head. “She also never wanted to have kids with me. But I hope you know that despite everything that I am grateful for your mother, and for you. I did my best by the both of you, and I love you both so much.”
“I know,” Sarah whispered as she put an arm around him and gave him a gentle squeeze. “I guess you’re alright,” she said, smiling up at him. Paul laughed in response.
“You’re not so bad yourself, kid,” he replied.
Sarah’s eyes grew serious as she said, “You know we love you too.”
With a shaky breath, Paul put an arm around her. He gave her a fatherly kiss on top of her head, something he hadn’t done since she was a little girl.
“I know,” he said as he rested his chin gently on Sarah’s head.
After a quiet moment, Sarah broke away and nodded towards the front door.
“You up for some dessert?” she asked.
“Always,” Paul replied with a smile, less somber than before. Sarah opened the door and gestured for him to go first.
“After you,” she said.
“Thanks,” Paul replied as he walked inside. Sarah followed, shutting the door gently behind her.
—
While the rest of the family finished their dessert in the kitchen, Alison appeared in the doorway. She met her daughter’s gaze, tilting her chin in a nodding gesture. Sarah quietly rose and followed her mother across the hall to the living room. Alison perched on the edge of the couch and reached out for her scrapbook on the coffee table, tracing the cracks on the cover lightly. As Sarah settled into the seat next to her, her mother delicately lifted the photo album into her lap, fiddling with the worn edges as she avoided her daughter’s gaze.
“I figured it’s about time you and I had a talk,” Alison said. “About your real father.”
Sarah swallowed nervously as she met her mother’s gaze.
“Mom, it’s okay. You don’t have to—”
“I want to,” Alison reassured her with a weak smile. “He was an important part of my life, and you should know about him, too.”
“Okay,” Sarah nodded, waiting for her to continue.
“Your father, Jeremy, was the sweet type, terribly shy. We were childhood friends (20), until I moved schools. When I came back to Hillview High to graduate, I didn’t even recognize him. If he hadn’t worked up the nerve to ask me to dance at our senior prom, things might be a lot different.” She smiled at her daughter, eyes shining with tears. “But you have to understand, I am happy with how things turned out. I love Paul so much. And he was such a wonderful father to you, and I’m so grateful for that. I just wish you could have known Jeremy, too.”
Sarah’s mother flipped through the scrapbook pages and stopped on the old prom Polaroid of her and Sarah’s father. She smiled knowingly, touching the old photo with her fingertips.
“The memory has always been too painful for me to talk about, and I know that Paul must feel some type of way that I never truly let your father go. But I just wanted you to know a little bit about him, and I hope this doesn’t make you think differently of me or Paul. He truly loves you like his own. I know I should have done better by him, but I know he cares about me deeply. I’ll always remember Jeremy, but my heart has been Paul’s from the day I met him. Just don’t ever doubt our love for you,” Alison finished, wiping a tear from her cheek and sniffling quietly.
Sarah leaned her head on her mother’s shoulder and sighed.
“Thank you Mom,” she said. “I know how hard that must have been. It’s nice to have a piece of my father, even though I never got the chance to know him.” Sarah paused, studying the old picture for a moment before she continued.
“But I can see how much you love Paul, and to me, that’s my dad. And your story will always be my favorite.”
Alison smiled through fresh tears and gave her daughter a long hug.
“I love you, dear,” she whispered.
“Love you more,” Sarah replied.
“I want you to have this,” Alison said as she pulled the prom photo out of the four corner stickers. She held it out to Sarah with a wistful smile.
Sarah took the photo and stared at it for a long time. Now it was her turn to cry. She held the picture up to her chest and let out a shaky breath as the tears spilled down her face.
“Thank you,” she said. “This means the world.”
Alison smiled and nodded in response. With a sniffle, she asked “I guess you’ve got to get going soon, huh?”
Sarah swiped at the tears in her eyes as she looked up at the grandfather clock.
“Yeah, I guess so,” she said.
As they stood and gave each other a final hug, there was a light knocking on the entryway of the living room.
“My girls alright in here?” Paul asked.
Alison smiled and closed the distance between them, giving him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Never better,” she replied.
Sarah approached and gave Paul one last hug.
“Alright family,” Sarah called into the kitchen. “It’s time to load up.”
Alison and Paul stood on the porch, arms around each other’s waist as they watched them leave. Beverly stood off to the side, waving until they were out of sight.
The family was almost home when Skylar took an earbud out of her ear and leaned so that her reflection showed through the rearview mirror. She had that look, like she wanted something and was afraid to ask for it. There was a faint glow on her face as she held her phone in one hand, open to her messages.
“Hey Mom?” Skylar asked.
“Hmm?” Sarah replied, waiting for her daughter to get on with it.
“I was wondering…I mean my friends were asking what I’m doing tonight, and I thought since we’re done with family stuff maybe I could meet them at the movies? I’d be back by curfew and—”
Michael interjected with a firm shake of his head.
“No can do Skylar,” he said. “You know you’re still grounded.”
“Oh come on, still? But I’ve done what I was asked all week long, no complaints,” Skylar protested as she ironically complained.
“Your dad’s right,” Sarah said. “I told you that you were grounded for at least two weeks.”
Without another word, Skylar flounced back into her seat with a sigh, crossing her arms defiantly and staring out the dark car window. Sarah thought she heard her mutter “unbelievable” under her breath but decided not to push it. Michael thought better of letting it go.
“Keep it up and you’re going to get an extra week,” he snapped, breaking the silence. Skylar didn’t say another word until they parked the car in the driveway.
“I hate my life,” Skylar grumbled as she slammed the car door and made a beeline for the front door. The sound stirred Grayson from his peaceful slumber in the backseat.
“Hmm? Where are we?” he yawned and wiped his eyes groggily.
“We’re home, little one,” Sarah said. “Come on let’s get you to bed.”
Michael picked Grayson up out of his seat and Sarah followed as he went into the house.
After they got him settled into bed, Sarah and Michael stood outside the door, whispering to one another.
“You need me?” he asked, gesturing to Skylar’s closed bedroom door.
Sarah stared at the door with the crooked “Keep Out” sign and sighed.
“No, it’s probably better if I do it,” she said.
“Well, good luck,” he whispered, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before he went downstairs, leaving Sarah alone, standing at her daughter’s door.
She knocked gently before she let herself in.
“Skylar? I want to talk to you —”
The lights were off in Skylar’s room. The only light was the dim glow of the moon through the window. She stepped into the room and noticed that the window was open just a crack, enough to cause the open curtains to billow in the breeze. Upon further investigation, she realized that the seemingly sleeping figure in the bed wasn’t moving. She pulled the covers back to reveal a pile of pillows, nothing more.
“Skylar,” Sarah said to herself, more sad than angry. “What am I going to do with you?”
—
About 11PM, Sarah heard a light bumping coming from upstairs. She rose from the couch and quietly made her way up the steps to Skylar’s room. This time she didn’t knock. When she opened her bedroom door, Skylar was just closing her window. At the sound of her door opening, she jumped and spun around.
“Mom, you scared me,” she said, letting out a sharp exhale. “I was just letting some air in—”
“Spare me the speech, Skylar. Please,” Sarah interjected, lifting a hand in the air to signal for her daughter to stop talking. “I know you snuck out. I found a pillow person in your bed. Pretty convincing, I’ll give you that.”
Sarah crossed the room and threw the covers back. Sure enough, the pillows were still there.
“Ugh. Busted,” Skylar mumbled, putting a hand over her face as she said it.
“Busted, indeed,” Sarah said, crossing her arms and setting her jaw. “You wanna tell me just what you thought you were doing?”
“Well, you remember how I asked if I could go out with my friends? Well I was with them.”
“Oh really?” Sarah asked. “So you weren’t with Jordan?”
“I mean, he was there too,” Skylar said, eyes on the floor.
“Unbelievable,” Sarah scoffed as she shook her head. “You just keep breaking the rules and expecting no consequences. I’m going to put an alarm on that window first thing tomorrow. And you're grounded for a month, starting now.”
“Ugh, you can’t be serious!” Skylar yelled. “You never let me do anything! How many times do I have to tell you that I’m not a little kid that you can boss around?!”
“Don’t you dare raise your voice at me like that,” Sarah warned her. “How can I trust that you’ll do the right thing when you deliberately ignore our rules? You think that once you’re out doing whatever you want that you don’t have to listen to us. Seriously, I don’t understand why you and I are constantly butting heads, when all I’ve done is welcome you into this family with open arms and give you everything you ever asked for—”
“Oh please,” Skylar laughed. “It’s not like you’ve ever truly cared about me. It’s always been Grayson this and Grayson that from the moment I got here. Your ‘perfect little miracle child,’” she held up air quotes as she said the words. “Be honest, it’s not like you have the time to worry if I’m coming or going.”
“That is not true, Skylar,” Sarah said. “And it’s unfair. You know your brother has required special attention for his illness, and I never meant to make you feel like you didn’t matter. I just want to work this out, figure out what it is that makes you not want to be here. I just want to help—”
“You’re not my Mom! Okay?” Skylar exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air. “You never were, and you never will be. I was just some pity adoption to make you guys feel better. Like you could just pick some random kid off the street and call them your daughter and that would fix everything!” She stared at her mother, eyes wide as she caught her breath. It only took a moment for the regret to appear on her face.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that—”
“Oh, I think you’ve made yourself perfectly clear,” Sarah snapped, eyes narrowed. “I won’t try to be your mother anymore. But as long as you live under this roof, you’re going to play by me and Michael’s rules. If you don’t like it, then you can go back to the girl’s home until you’re free to make your own decisions in the next two years. Just say the word and we’ll make that happen.”
“Sarah, wait—”
Sarah was to the door and out before Skylar could say anything else. She silently cursed herself as she fell into her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as a tear ran down her face.
—
References
***Disclaimer: Some stories referenced in this story were inspired by prompts provided by Reedsy.com. Titles and prompts for all stories referenced are provided below, including original ideas and titles of my own. Visit the Reedsy site https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/ to learn more.****
—
If the Moon Were a Cookie
The Tale of the Firefly
Nothing Stays the Same
(Reedsy Prompt: Write a story where someone says, “Everything is changing.”)
The Forever Date
Coffee with a Stranger
(Reedsy Prompt: Write a story about two characters whose paths briefly cross, but are actually going in opposite directions - whether literally or figuratively.)
My Boy
(Reedsy Prompt: End your story with a kiss at midnight.)
One Day
Fleeting Like Fireworks
(Reedsy Prompt: Write about a character who would have complete happiness, if it weren’t for that one thing.)
Hey Stranger
Unchecked Baggage
(Reedsy Prompt: Emotional baggage must now be checked in at the airport.)
I Do?
(Reedsy Prompt: Your date finds an engagement ring inside a slice of cake they ordered for dessert. You weren’t planning to propose.)
Frozen Pizza
The Ghosts of Our Past
(Reedsy Prompt: You go to visit your neighbor. When you ring the doorbell, a stranger appears and tells you that your neighbor has been dead for ten years.)
Cleopatra
(Reedsy Prompt: You’re moments late to everything. You watch buses pull away as you run behind them, you miss the first 5 minutes of every movie, and you have never caught a green light. One day, you arrive on time.)
Life or Death
(Reedsy Prompt: Write a story where a character has to decide whether to press the button or not.)
The Missing Ingredient
What Could Have Been
S.O.B.
(Reedsy Prompt: Two super competitive colleagues meet at the office’s monthly BINGO night.)
I Always Knew
(Reedsy Prompt: You’re sitting at your desk eating candy hearts. You start to realize the notes on the hearts are trying to give you a message.)
Dance with Me: An I Always Knew Story
(Reedsy Prompt: You’re sitting at your desk eating candy hearts. You start to realize the notes on the hearts are trying to give you a message (A reimagining of the same prompt from a different perspective.))
Forever