Parents kicked their pregnant daughter out of the house…Twenty years later, they visited her, but…

in her sophomore year of high school Freya started dating Owen he was a star on the soccer team with a quick smile and a charm that lit up any room to 16-year-old Freya he felt like the only person who really got her someone who saw past her quiet exterior to the dreams she kept tucked away after school hay talked for hours about their big plans moving out renting a cramped apartment somewhere exciting maybe even starting a business together Freya could already picture it a life built side by side something Unstoppable she was sure their love

was the forever kind but that all shifted after graduation caps hit the ground and summer blurred into fall Owen started pulling away like a tide retreating from the shore texts went unanswered for hours then days their walks in the park dwindled to almost nothing when they did meet up he'd steer every conversation toward his own goals how he needed to Ace his college entrance exams how he'd set his sights on a toptier university like Georgetown or Stanford one crisp October afternoon as the leaves turned gold and red he stopped mid stride on the gravel path

by the park old oak trees Freya we need to talk he said his voice clipped hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets her stomach tightened a cold knot forming is something wrong she asked brushing a strand of dark hair from her eyes trying to read his face he kicked at a pebble eyes fixed on the ground look it's just our relationship doesn't fit anymore I've got plans big ones I'm applying to schools chasing a career and this he waved a hand vaguely between them still not meeting her gaze it's holding me back Freya blinked the

words slicing through her like a jagged Edge holding you back she echoed her voice trembling despite her effort to keep it steady I thought we were in this together you said we'd figure it all out college life everything I know what I said Owen finally looked up but his hazel eyes were distant Resolute I'm sorry Freya I've made up my mind it's better this way for both of us his tone was Final like a door slamming shut she stood there rooted to the spot as he turned and walked off down the path his familiar Blue

Jacket grew smaller with every step and he didn't glance back not once the Autumn Wind picked up tugging at her scarf but she barely felt it her chest achd a hollow kind of hurt that spread until it swallowed her whole how could he toss aside everything theyd dreamed up together like it was just extra baggage he didn't need for a long time Freya stayed there there staring at the empty Trail the crunch of leaves underfoot Fading Into silence her heart was in pieces scattered like the debris around her but as the days turned into weeks

she realized this was only the start of her struggles a few weeks after Owen vanished from her life freya's world took another gut punch the signs had been creeping up missed periods a stomach that churned at the smell of coffee she'd slipped out to the corner drugstore snagged a test and locked herself in the upstairs bathroom heart thudding as she waited now she sat at the scratched up kitchen table in her family's tidy Suburban home her hands trembling as she clutched the pregnancy test two pink lines stared back mocking her a neon sign screaming a

truth she couldn't Dodge Freya dinner's ready come on it's getting cold her mom hollered from the kitchen her voice bright and oblivious over the clatter of dishes Freya shoved the test into her sweatshirt pocket the plastic digging into her Palm she dragged herself to the dining room each step heavier than the last the air smelled of meatloaf and gravy a Tuesday ritual her dad sat at the head of the table glasses slipping down his nose as he scanned the Riverside Gazette her mom swept in apron streak with flour balancing a casserole dish and a bowl

of mashed potatoes Mom Dad I need to talk to you Freya mumbled hovering by her chair her voice thin and shaky her dad folded the paper with a rustle peering at her over the rims of his glasses what's this about huh you look like you've seen a ghost her mom froze mids scoop the Serving Spoon dangling gravy dripping onto the tablecloth Freya honey what's wrong she asked her voice tightening eyes darting over her daughter's pale face freya's chest squeezed her breath hitching I'm pregnant she choked out the words splintering as they hit the air silence

crashed down like a guillotine the spoon clattered to the floor splattering gravy across the lolium her mom's hand flew to her throat a strangled gasp escaping her dad's face went from pink to a boiling red veins bulging at his temples the newspaper hit the table with a smack pregnant her mom shrieked fumbling for the napkin in her apron twisting it into knots Freya Marie you disgrace us how could you be so stupid so reckless what's everyone going to say hold on Ellen her dad cut in Voice Low and dangerous shoving his chair back so hard

it screeched he stood looming over them fists clenched you're telling me you've gone and ruined your life and ours who's the father huh that Owen kid who's been sniffing around Freya flinched tears stinging her eyes it's it's comp licated he's gone dad but I can handle this I swear I'll figure it out handle it her mom snapped voice rising to a near hysterical pitch you're 17 you think you can just figure out a baby what about school what about us the neighbors will talk the church will talk I didn't mean for this to happen Freya

shot back her own voice cracking as she gripped the table's Edge you think I wanted this I'm scared too but I'm not running away from it her dad's laugh was bitter a harsh bark scared you should be you've got no idea what you've done he jabbed a finger at her his eyes blazing this isn't some little mistake you can fix with an apology you're not raising a kid under my roof end of story Paul don't her mom started but he Whirled on her don't what Ellen coddle her she's thrown everything we gave her back in

our faces he turned back to Freya his voice like steel you want to play grown up fine handle it somewhere else get out freya's tears broke free streaming down her face you kicking me out just like that I'm still your daughter not right now you're not he growled stomping toward the living room his footsteps shaking the floor you've made your bed lie in it Freya stumbled back to her room the weight of her parents rejection sinking into her bones like a stone dragging her underwater her dad's words get out echoed in her skull sharp and

unrelenting while her mom's sobs faded into a dull hum downstairs she yanked her old duffel bag from under the bed hands shaking as she stuffed it with whatever she could grab a couple of sweaters her favorite jeans the little notebook where she'd scribbled dreams that now felt like taunts every Creek of the floorboards seemed to scream failure every glance at the glow in the dark stars on her ceiling a stab of grief for the girl she used to be fear clawed at her chest fear of the unknown of the tiny life inside her of being

utterly alone but she swallowed it down zipping the bag shut with a final defiant tug she paused at her desk snatching the framed photo of her and Owen from last summer his arm slung around her both of them grinning at the county fair for a second she almost hurled it against the wall but instead she shut it into the bag's side pocket let it be a reminder she thought bitterly of what trust could cost downstairs the dining room was a graveyard of untouched food the meatloaf congealing in its dish her mom sat hunched at the

table sniffling into her napkin while her dad's absence roared louder than his yelling ever had he' barricaded himself in the garage no doubt Freya hovered in the doorway her throat tight I'm leaving she said voice raspy but steady the duffel strap biting into her shoulder her mom's head snapped up eyes red and puffy Freya wait just just think about this where are you even going does it matter Freya shot back the hurt spilling out you heard Dad I'm not welcome here you're twisting this her mom cried standing so fast the chair wobbled we're upset yes

but running off isn't the answer what about school what about upset Freya cut in her voice Rising despite the tears burning her eyes you called me a disgrace dad told me to get out what am I supposed to do pretend that didn't happen her mom opened her mouth then closed it clutching the edge of the table like it was the only thing holding her up we just need time she whispered almost to herself time's up Freya said turning away before her resolve cracked she grabbed her coat from The Hook by the door the familiar weight

of it a small comfort and stepped onto the front porch the January air hit her like a slap sharp and frigid stinging her cheeks and seeping through her sneakers snow dusted the lawn the street lights casting a pale glow over their quiet cuer saac she stood there breath fogging in the dark the duffel pulling at her arm as reality crashed in she had nowhere to go no Owen No home no plan except one Grandma Elena her dad's mom lived 2 hours away in Springfield in a little brick house with a sagging porch and a garden

that bloomed even in Winter Freya hadn't seen her since Christmas but she could still hear ellena's grally voice over the phone you're always welcome here kid always she'd never turn Freya away not like this Freya fished her phone from her pocket fingers numb as she scrolled to her grandmother's number the line rang once twice then clicked Freya that you ellena's Voice crackled through warm but edged with surprise it's late what's going on Grandma Freya started her voice breaking as the dam finally burst I need to come stay with you can I can I come now

there was a pause a rustle on the other end maybe Ellena shifting in her old recliner what's happened honey you sound shook up I'll explain when I get there Freya said wiping her nose on her sleeve please just can I come of course you can Ellena replied firm and No Nonsense get yourself here safe I'll put the kettle on Freya hung up the promise of shelter steadying her just enough to move she glanced back at the house one last time the warm light spilling from the windows the silhouette of her mom still at the table

and then turned toward the bus stop at the End of the Street the Winter Wind howling at her back Freya stepped off the Greyhound bus in Springfield just past midnight her sneakers crunching on the frost dusted pavement of the station lot the 2-hour ride had been a blur of headlights and half formed regrets her bag a heavy anchor on her lap she trudged the three blocks to Elena's Street the cold biting deeper with every step until the little Brick House came into view its sagging porch lit by a single yellow bulb the garden a tangle

of winter roses peeking through the snow the front door swung open before she could even knock and there stood Grandma Ellena bundled in a faded quilted robe her silver hair pulled into a loose bun ellena's sharp gray eyes flicked over freya's tear stre face the dark circles under her eyes the way her shoulders slumped like she was carrying the world she didn't say a word about it just stepped forward and pulled Freya into a hug her arms sturdy and warm despite the frail look of her come on in dear she said said her voice rough

but soft like gravel smoothed by a river there's always a place for you here you know that Freya nodded against her grandmother's shoulder the lump in her throat too big to speak around Elena didn't press didn't pry just ushered her inside the door creaking shut behind them the house smelled of old wood and chamomile tea a faint trace of cinnamon from the oven lingering in the air it was small cluttered with Decades of life a sagging plaid couch a shelf of chipped teacups a radio humming low with some late night jazz station Ellena nudged her

toward the living room sit warm up I'll fix us something hot Freya sank into the couch the Springs groaning under her and clutched her duffel like a Lifeline Ellena shuffled back minutes later with two mugs of tea and a plate of leftover meatloaf sandwiches crusty bread a smear of ketchup the kind of comfort food Freya hadn't realized she'd missed they ate in silence at first the clink of forks against plates the only sound but the weight of it all the fight the Fear the Future pressed too hard and freya's resolve cracked grandma she started setting

her mug down with a shaky clatter I messed up everything the words tumbled out Roar and Jagged Mom and Dad they kicked me out mom said I've disgraced them that I'm not their daughter anymore and I'm she swallowed hard tears spilling over I'm pregnant I don't know what to do I'm so scared Ellena set her own mug down slow and deliberate her weathered hand resting on the armrest she let out a long heavy sigh the kind that carried years of her own battles and leaned forward fixing Freya with a steady gaze oh child she said

reaching out to Pat freya's shoulder her touch firm but gentle people say all kinds of things when they're hurt or mad Lord knows I've heard worse but listen to me a child's no disgrace it's a blessing every time even when it's hard Freya sniffled wiping her nose on her sleeve they don't see it that way dad told me to get out like I'm some stranger and Owen he's gone doesn't even know how am I supposed to do this alone you're not alone Ellena said sharply her tone cutting through freya's spiral you've got me don't you

I raised your daddy through worse than this and I'll help you through it too we'll manage together but what if I can't Freya whispered her voice trembling what if I'm not strong enough Ellena chuckled a low raspy sound and squeezed her shoulder strong enough girl you walked out of that house and made it here didn't you that's more guts than most have it twice your age you'll figure it out one step at a time now finish that sandwich before it gets cold Freya managed a watery smile the first crack of light in the dark she'd

been drowning in she picked up the sandwich the warmth of the bread seeping into her fingers and took a bite Ellena leaned back in her chair sipping her tea the Jazz cring softly between them for the first time in weeks Freya felt a flicker of warmth seep into her soul within the walls of ellena's little Brick House the the chill of rejection The Sting of Owen's absence the bite of that January night it all started to thw under her grandmother's steady presence Ellena didn't just give her a roof she gave her a Lifeline a foothold

to claw her way towards something new Freya spent the next month settling in helping Ellena tend the winter roses curling up on the Plaid couch with cups of chamomile tea and letting the quiet hum of the old radio Stitch her frayed edges back together it wasn't easy her belly grew her fears gwed but ellena's Gruff assurances kept her grounded we'll manage kid we always do when the time came it was mid August the air thick with heat and the promise of change freya's water broke on a muggy Tuesday morning right as she was rinsing dishes

in ellena's cramped kitchen grandma she gasped clutching the sink SS dripping onto the lolium Elena was there in a heartbeat tossing a dish towel aside and grabbing the car keys let's go girl time to meet this little one they made it to Springfield Mercy a small maternity hospital just off the highway its beige walls and buzzing fluoresence are blur as Freya gripped ellena's arm through the first waves of pain Ellena never left her side through the paperwork the sterile gown the hours of contractions that left Freya breathless and swearing under her breath you're doing fine

honey Ellena murmured her voice a steady anchor wiping freya's forehead with a cool cloth just keep breathing he's almost here and then after a final push that tore a cry from her throat he was a tiny boy slick and squalling with a shock of dark fluffy hair that glistened under the hospital lights the nurse laid him on freya's chest and time seemed to stop she stared down at him his scrunched up face his impossibly small fists and her heart cracked open flooding with a joy so Fierce it stole her breath she cradled him close her

arms trembling as if Letting Go might unravel the miracle of him his skin was warm against hers his little chest rising and falling like a promise you're my joy she whispered her voice thick with tears brushing a finger over the tiny hand that latched onto hers with surprise ing strength my secret Ellena leaned over the bed her lined face softening into a rare wide grin look at that she said her voice husky with pride a fighter just like his mamama what a head of hair on him Freya laughed a shaky watery sound and glanced up

at her grandmother sigd he's perfect isn't he perfect as they come elanar agreed resting a hand on freya's shoulder you did good kid real good the room settled into a quiet hum the beeping monitors secr soft whimpers the distant chatter of nurses down the hall Freya traced the curve of his cheek memorizing every detail the flutter of his lashes the way his lips pursed like he was already dreaming she'd been terrified of this moment terrified of failing him of the life ahead but now holding him she felt something stronger take root not just fear but

fight for him for them think he's hungry Ellena asked nodding at the way Secret's mouth rooted against freya's chest maybe Freya said shifting him gently still marveling at how fragile he felt guess we'll figure it out together huh little man Ellena chuckled pulling a chair closer that's the spirit you two will be just fine I've got a hunch about it Freya smiled exhaustion tugging at her edges but CD's weight in her arms kept her tethered for the first time since that night on the porch she believed it might be true years slipped by in ellena's

little Brick House each one stitching Freya and SD tighter into its cozy fabric seagd Grew From A squalling bundle into a wiry bright-eyed boy his dark fluffy hair now a tousled mop that caught the sunlight by five he was a whirlwind of questions why do birds sing how do clouds float his curiosity as endless as the Springfield Sky Freya and Ellena took turns answering marveling at how his mind raced ahead of his small frame but one sticky summer evening as the Crickets chirped and the air hung heavy with honeysuckle his questions veered into sharper territory

they were out on The Veranda the old wooden boards creaking under their weight Ellena sat in her wicker rocker knitting a lumpy blue scarf her latest project while seagd sprawled on the steps a half melted popsicle dripping orange onto his fingers the sun dipped low painting The Garden in shades of gold and pink the winter roses long replaced by sprawling marigolds he'd been quiet for a while unusual for him until he turned those big serious hazel eyes on her eyes that reminded her too much of Freya at that age Grandma he said his voice cutting

through the hum of dusk why do all the kids at kindergarten have Grandpa and Grandma's and I've never seen mine mom says you're my great grandma what's that mean ellena's knitting needles stilled the yarn tangling in her lap she'd known this day would come kids always sniffed out the gaps in their stories but the weight of it still caught her off guard she set the scarf aside folding her hands to buy a moment her weathered fingers tracing the lines of a life that hadn't been easy sigd watched her popsicle forgotten his brow furrowing like he

could sense the shift sigd she started her voice soft but steady that's not a simple question sweetheart it's well it's a grown-up mess and you're still little but I'll try sometimes adults make mistakes big ones your grandpa and grandma my son and his wife they got scared a long time ago he tilted his head confusion wrinkling his nose scared of what me he sat up straighter the popsicle stick clattering onto the step I was just a baby when I got born how could they be scared of a baby Ellena chuckled faintly though her chest tightened

not of you exactly little man it's hard to explain till you're older but I'll give it a go when your mom found out you were coming it shook them up they couldn't see how special it was how special you'd be they got stuck worrying about what folks around town might whisper instead of how much your mom wanted you SD's frown deepened his small hands boiling into fists so they didn't want me his voice wobbled barely above a whisper and the hurt in it sliced straight through her no no darling Ellena said quickly leaning forward to

cup his sticky cheek in her Palm that's not true not for a second they just they didn't know what to do with their feelings people can be slow to figure things out and sometimes they miss the good stuff till it's gone but your mom she chose Love From the Start chose you that's what matters most he stared at her processing then turned his gaze out to the Garden the last rays of sun glinted off the maragold and a breeze rustled the leaves carrying the faint Buzz of a lawn mower down the street but you're here

he said finally glancing back at her a spark of hope flickering in his eyes you're always with me right Grandma always my dear Elena replied her smile crinkling the corners of her eyes she reached out ruffling his hair because family is not just who you're born to it's who sticks by you who loves you through the thick of it and I ain't going anywhere secd grinned a gap toothed flash that chased the Shadows off his face good he said picking up his popsicle stick to fiddle with it cuz I like it better with you anyway

Ellena laughed a low warm sound and picked up her knitting again me too kiddo me too The Rocker creaked as she settled back the evening wrapping around them like a quilt imperfect patched but holding fast Freya stood at the kitchen sink her hands wrist deep in soapy water water scrubbing a pot that didn't need scrubbing through the open window the murmur of SD's voice and ellena's grally replies drifted in from The Veranda carried on the warm August Breeze she'd caught the tail end of it they didn't want me and her breath hitched the sponge slipping

from her fingers to plop into the suds tears welled up hot and sudden spilling down her cheeks before she could blink them back she pressed a damp hand to her mouth stifling a sob that old wound her parents rejection The Sting of being cast out ripped open a new hearing secret wrestle with it but ellena's voice steady and kind wo through the pain like a balm softening the edges as always her grandmother knew just what to say shielding Secret's tender heart without dodging the truth mom Secret's voice piped up from the doorway snapping her out

of it he padded in Barefoot and stick he fingered his popsicle stick still clutched like a prize you okay your eyes are all wet Freya swiped at her face with a dish towel forcing a smile yeah buddy I'm fine just got some soap in my eyes stings like crazy she turned back to the sink rinsing the pot for the third time how's Grandma's scarf coming along it's lumpy he said with a giggle hopping onto a stool at the counter she says it's character I think it's funny looking sounds like Grandma Freya said her laugh shaky

but real she glanced out the window again Ellena rocking in her chair knitting needles clicking and felt a rush of gratitude seagd didn't press further already distracted chattering about a beetle he'd seen in the garden she let his words wash over her anchoring her back to the present the years rolled on each one piling new challenges onto their little family seagd shot up like a lanky legs a mop of hair that refused taming and a mind that buzzed louder every day by second grade school became his playground he was the kid who lingered after class

peppering Mrs Larsson with questions about why leaves turned red or how magnets stuck science hooked him hardest biology physics anything with a puzzle to crack he'd come home with library books dogeared and smudged sprawling on the living room rug to sketch Di grams of circuits or bug Wings he's got a gift Mrs Larson told Freya at a parent teacher night her glasses glinting under the fluorescent lights of Springfield Elementary loves solving problems finds these elegant little answers that make you wonder why you didn't see it that way and the way he explains it half the

class gets it because of him Freya beamed clutching a styrofoam cup of lukewarm coffee he's always been like that figuring stuff out drives me nuts sometimes all those wise well hang on to that Mrs Larsson said with a chuckle kids going places back home sigd proved it daily one rainy afternoon he sat cross-legged at the kitchen table a dismantled flashlight spread out before him batteries bulb bits of wire look mom he called holding up a glowing Contraption Timmy didn't get how it worked so I showed him with this it's just electrons moving simple right Freya

leaned over ruffling his hair simple for you maybe I'd have shocked myself silly you're going to teach me something one day huh only if you stop burning toast he teased grinning that Gap toothed grin and she swatted him playfully with a dish towel watching him grow his quick mind his quiet confidence Freya felt the ache of those early years ease the pain of her parents absence lingered a bruise that never quite faded but se's light out sha it he was her proof that love could build something stronger than fear ever tore down Freya had carved

out a steady rhythm in Springfield a life that didn't glitter but held firm for years she'd waited tables at Rosy's Diner a squat little joint on the edge of town with cracked vinyl booths and a jukebox that hadn't worked since the '90s she'd started there right after moving in with elanar a gig to keep the lights on while sigd napped in the back office cradled in a second secondhand car seat dreams of a degree maybe nursing or teaching danced in her head some nights but she'd shelved them time with sigd trumped everything every shift every

tip every double she pulled she socked away into a coffee can under her bed labeled Secret's future in Sharpie pennies crumpled fives whatever she could spare it was for him for college for a shot she'd never had but fate as it often did had other plans it was a muggy Thursday in late spring Freya hadn't slept right the night before she dragged through her shift the diner florescent Buzz drilling into her skull her apron sagged with coffee pot weight her sneakers squeaking on the lenium as she refilled cups she was midp topping off a trucker's

mug when a wave of dizziness hit fatigue maybe or the heat her foot caught the edge of a chair leg and she stumbled the pot tipping hot coffee splashed across a table in a dark steaming Ark soaking papers a phone and the lap of a man in a suit that screamed money crisp Navy tailored not the kind you grab off a rack at Walmart oh my God Freya gasped the pot clattering to the table as she snatched napkins from her apron I'm so sorry sir I didn't mean she dabbed at the mess her face burning

words tumbling out I'll clean it up I swear I'll pay for it the the man brushed coffee off his sleeve frowning his jaw tight he was older 40ish maybe with sharp cheekbones and a slick of dark hair graying at the temples Freya braced for a tyde but he just stared at her silent as she babbled on I can ask my boss for the rest of the day off there's a dry cleaner two blocks down I'll run it over myself he held up a hand cutting her off then locked eyes with her cool blue piercing dry

cleaning's fine he said Voice Low and clipped but I've got a meeting in an hour you want to fix this bring me something to wear till it's done Freya blinked Panic spiking something to wear I uh okay give me 20 minutes she bolted to the kitchen dodging a bus boy and begged Rosie for a break it's an emergency I'll be back promise Rosie a wiry woman with a smoker rasp just waved her off with a grunt she sprinted the four blocks Home sweat sticking her shirt to her back and burst into to ellena's house seagd

was at school Ellena napping perfect she raided the whole closet shoving past mothballed coats until she found it Grandpa Earl's old corduroy jacket A Relic from the 70s Brown and patched at the elbows smelling faintly of pipe tobacco it had have to do back at the diner panting she thrusted at the man here it's not fancy but it's clean he took one look The Faded fabric the The Frayed cuffs and burst out laughing a deep unexpected sound that rolled through the quiet Diner Freya froze then cracked a nervous grin it's uh vintage vintage he echoed

still chuckling as he Shrugged it on it hung loose on his frame clashing wildly with his polished slacks but he rolled with it nam's Lance you've got guts I'll give you that Freya she said wiping her hands on her apron and I'm really really sorry about the suit Lance waved it off adjusting the jacket meeting's about to start we'll settle up after he grabbed his soggy briefcase and headed to a booth in the back where Rosie of all people slid in across from him freya's jaw dropped she hovered by the counter pretending to wipe it

down as Snippets floated over prime location development deal offers firm later after Lance left corduroy swapped for his freshly cleaned suit Rosie filled her in lighting a cigarette out back guy's a land shark been sniffing around this plot for months wants to bulldoze us for some strip mall or condo crap freya's stomach sank the diner wasn't just her job it was her Lifeline her savings backbone if Lance bought it out all those years of coffee can pennies might dissolve into nothing the next afternoon Freya stood at the corner of Maine and Elm clutching Lance's dry

cleaned suit in a plastic bag the Sun Beat Down glinting off Springfield's sleepy storefronts but her nerves buzzed like a live wire she was mad fuming really at Lance's slick land grab scheme at the threat to the diner that had been her Rock for over a decade when he strolled up still sharp in a different suit gray this time no corduroy in sight she thrust the bag at him her jaw tight thanks for this Lance said taking it with a nod how much do I owe you for the cleaning Freya scowled Crossing her arms keep

your money I don't want it he paused eyebrows lifting as he clocked her tone hey everything okay you look like you're ready to deck me why would you care she snapped her voice sharp enough to cut glass you're just some land shark right swooping in not giving a damn about people like me regular folks actually need places like the diner to survive Lance went still his easy charm faltering for a beat he just looked at her those blue eyes unreadable then he tipped his head hatless today just a slight nod and turned on his heel

fair enough he muttered walking off without another word the suit bag swinging at his side Freya watched him go her anger simmering down to a dull ache she figured that was that another man proving her instincts right but the next morning at Rosy's something was off she pushed through the diner swinging door apron half tied and froze everyone Cooks waitresses even the old guy who nursed coffee at the counter all day stared at her grinning like they'd won the lottery what she demanded hands on her hips what's with the faces Rosie barreled out of the

kitchen her Smoker's rasp softened by a huge toothy grin you're a damn Miracle Worker that's what that Lance guy called last night said he's dropping the land deal won't touch the diner unless you say yes to dinner with him freya's jaw Hit the Floor dinner with me her mind spun 15 years no dates no flings nothing after Owen she'd locked that door and melted the key men were trouble she'd learned that the hard way her life was secret Ellen the diner end of story and now this suit-wearing stranger Walt in dangling her livelihood like a

carrot it stank of a setup this is nuts she muttered rubbing her temples what's his angle don't know Rosie said shrugging but the din is safe for now you're cool kid Freya stewed on it all day the clatter of plates and chatter of customers a fuzzy backdrop by evening curiosity and a nagging what is if one out she called Lance voice clipped fine dinner but it's at the diner my turf tomorrow six sharp done he said a smile in his voice see you then the next night Rosies was quiet just the hum of the fridge

and the sizzle of the grill Freya picked a corner Booth still in her work jeans and a faded green tea no fuss no frills Lance showed up on time toned down in slacks and a button up no tie he slid in across from her and she didn't waste a second before you get any ideas she said leaning forward elbows on the table I've got a son I'm raising him alone and I take care of my grandma too if you're looking for some Carefree fling or a woman without ties I'm not it and if this is

just a quick thing for you tell me now I don't play games Lance leaned back a slow smile tugging at his lips he was 40-some she guessed lines etched around his eyes that said he'd seen a few rounds well damn he said chuckling softly I've never been brushed off so elegantly before usually women trip over themselves to snag me money charm whatever but you he shook his head almost impressed you're a different breed Freya she narrowed her eyes not sure if he was mocking her yeah well I've got my priorities straight so what's this about

why me he sipped the coffee she'd poured black no sugar and set the mug down with a clink honest you threw me off that jacket stunt the way you lit into me yesterday nobody's talked to me like that in years made me think twice about the diner about you I'm not here to mess with your life just wanted to know you Freya studied him searching for the catch the diner's fluorescent glow caught the gray in his hair the faint scar on his knuckle he didn't Flinch under her stare okay she said finally sitting back but

this she waved a hand between them stays simple burger fries done no funny business Fair Deal Lance said raising his mug like a toast simple it is Rosie dropped off their plates greasy Burgers crinkle fries and they ate the tension easing into something quier Freya didn't trust him not yet but the diner's familiar hum and Lance's easy laugh chipped at her walls just a little over the next few months that first diner dinner turned out to be just the beginning Lance kept showing up once a week then twice each time with something small but deliberate

a bouquet of daisies from the farmers market tickets to a MAA at the old theater downtown even a suggestion to catch the county Fair's fireworks freya's walls built high and thick after years of scars started to crack she' catch herself smiling at his dry jokes or lingering over coffee longer than she meant to but trust that was still a tangle why her why now Lance was a puzzle too polished too persistent and she couldn't shake the itch that there was more to his game then one crisp October evening leaves crunching underfoot he threw her a

curve ball they were finishing burgers at Rosy the Jukebox miraculously weezing out a patsy Klein tune when he set his Fork down and looked at her Square Freya he said voice steady I'd like to meet your son and your grandma too if that's okay she froze ketchup smudging her fingers meet them her mind raced sigd Ellena her messy sacred little world that's I mean why Lance Shrugged a faint smile tugging his lips because they're your people I been hanging around you for months feels right to know who matters most it blindsided her 15 years of

keeping men at arms length and here was Lance waiting into her life like it was no big deal she mumbled a wary okay half expecting to regret it the meeting happened that Saturday at ellena's Freya fussed all morning vacuuming the sagging couch wiping down the kitchen counter twice her stomach in knots Lance arrived arrived at 3 no suit this time just jeans and a flannel shirt a paper bag of fresh apples from a roadside stand in his hand thought these might go with dinner he said handing them to Freya with a grin Ellena took to

him like a moth to a flame she sat him down in the living room her quilted robe swishing as she launched into a ramble freya's always been a good girl you know strong as they come raised that boy of hers all on her own never complained once worked her tail off at that Diner Grandma Freya cut in from the doorway cheeks flaming he doesn't need my life story Lance chuckled nodding at Ellena oh I figured that much out already mom she's tough I've seen it Ellena beamed patting his arm good you hold on to that

then the front door banged open and sigd burst in backpack swinging his sneakers caked with playground dirt mom I'm home we dissected a worm today it was so gross he stopped short eyeing Lance who's this Freya braced herself but Lance leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees hey sigd I'm Lance tell me something how do worms move without legs been a while since I cracked a science book SD's face lit up shyness evaporating easy they've got these tiny bristles sat they're called and muscles that squeeze him along like a squishy conveyor belt he dropped

his bag and darted to a a shelf yanking down a shoe box of treasures circuit scraps a magnifying glass a dogeared bug guide for the next 40 minutes he chattered non-stop showing Lance a battery powered fan he' rigged and a chart of constellations he'd drawn Lance listened nodding asking questions what's that wire do how' you figure that out his smile growing with every answer Freya watched from the kitchen doorway arms crossed stunned she expected awkward silences or serd retreating to his room not this this easy buzzing connection Ellena sidled up beside her peeling apples for

a pie her silence louder than words what Freya whispered catching her grandmother's gleam why are you grinning like that Ellena sliced an apple with a deaft flick her voice low just thinking you deserve this is all after everything ow and your folks scraping by a man like that don't come along every day Freya frowned glancing back at Lance laughing as serd waved a bent paperclip I don't know Grandma he's nice sure but I still don't get why he's here what's he want sometimes Ellena said dropping apple slices into a bowl it ain't about what he

wants maybe it's about what you've earned she nudged freya's shoulder give it a chance huh Freya didn't answer her eyes on Lance and CD two heads bent over a tangle of wires the room War warm with their voices for the first time in years she wondered if her walls might be keeping out more than just hurt 6 months later spring bloomed wild across Springfield Lance dropped another bombshell they were on The Veranda at ellena's the air sweet with lilacs seagd inside tinkering with a robotics kit Lance had been quieter than usual fidgeting with his coffee

mug until he set it down and took freya's hand her heart thed she knew that look by now the one that meant he was about to upend her world again Freya he said voice low but sure I want to marry you spend the rest of my life with you secd all of it what do you say she stared at him the words ricocheting in her skull marriage her the diner girl with a kid and a coffee can dream Lance was a whirlwind she'd never dared imagine steady kind a man who laughed at her sharp edges

and stuck around anyway sometimes lying awake beside him she'd pinch herself half convinced he was a mirage but there he was real as the calluses on his hands blue eyes searching hers you're serious she whispered more to herself than him dead serious he said squeezing her fingers you in her throat tightened a yes trembling on her lips but years of caution held it back let me think on it she managed and he nodded unfazed like he'd wait as long as she needed if that wasn't enough to Rattle her what came next sealed the deal they'd

talked about her Diner job before Lance nudging her to quit join his real estate firm help with admin stuff you'd be great at it he'd said one night over takeout but she' dug in her heels I like Rosies it's mine been my lifeline plus I've got SD's college fund to build Lance hadn't pushed Just Let It Drop with a shrug she thought that was that then a week after the proposal he showed up at the house with a thick envelope and a grin that wouldn't quit Ellena was there peeling carrots for Stew seagd was sprawled

on the rug sketching gears Lance plopped the envelope on the kitchen table go on open it Freya frowned sliding out a stack of papers her eyes skimmed the letterhead John's Hopkins University School of Medicine and snagged on serd Jensen full tuition scholarship Premed program her breath caught what what is this his spots locked in Lance said leaning back in his chair still grinning paid up four years med school kids set freya's head snapped up you what secred perked up from the floor eyes wide and Ellena dropped her peeler with a clatter been working on it

for months Lance said Laughing Now connections from the firm called in a favor he's in Freya starts in oh 9 years or so when he's ready stop laughing she snapped but her voice cracked tears pricking her eyes Lance this is how did you she bolted to her room grabbed the coffee can from under the bed CD's future half full of crumpled bills and dumped it on the table take it then you paid for this not me Lance pushed the smile back his laugh softening that's yours I did this because I wanted to not for a

refund Freya stared at the money then at him her chest heaving serd piped up does this mean I'm going to be a doctor and Ellena cackled clapping her hands the rooms spun with their voices but freya's mind was already racing elsewhere days later she had a plan she pulled those savings every penny from 15 years of tips and ordered a custom jacket from a tailor in town it was gorgeous deep Navy wool tailored sharp like Lan's suits but with a corduroy collar a nod to that first chaotic day she wrapped it in a sleek black

box tied with a silver ribbon and waited for the right moment it came one quiet evening just the two of them at Rosy's after closing the Dina was dark save for a single light over their Booth Freya slid the box across the table her hand hands shaky open it Lance raised an eyebrow peeling back the ribbon when he lifted the jacket his grin faled into something softer Freya this is for you she cut in her voice thick for showing up for serd for everything I was so scared to let anyone in but you you're real

thank you he ran a hand over the collar then looked at her eyes bright so that's a yes she laughed a tear slipping free yeah Lance it's a yes he pulled her across the booth into a hug the jacket squashed between them and for once Freya didn't fight the warmth flooding her chest it wasn't a dream it was hers seagd sailed through his years at John's Hopkins like he was born for it science wasn't just schoolwork it was his spark the thread he' tugged since he was a kid dismantling flashlights he aced exams with a

quiet ease his curiosity lighting up lecture halls and Labs alike when he graduated med school top of his class scrub swapped for a cap and gown a private clinic in Baltimore snapped him up before the ink dried on his diploma at 22 he was a surgeon steady hands wielding scalpel in operating rooms that buzzed with life and death Stakes it was late November that year Thanksgiving week when Freya called him home to Springfield she'd cook cooked up a storm turkey with sage stuffing mashed potatoes drowning in gravy cranberry sauce tart and bright all laid out

on ellena's rickety dining table seagd pulled into the driveway the Old Brick House glowing warm against the gray Dusk and stepped into a scene that felt like a hug Freya now 42 bustled in a Plaid Apron her hair streaked with silver but her grin as Fierce as ever Lance pring fully now carved the bird with a practiced hand his real estate firm thriving he just landed a deal for a downtown office block Freya had hung up her waitress apron years back she and Lance bought Rosies when the old owner Rosie herself retired at 75 too

weary to sling hash Freya ran it now manager in title but Queen in spirit the diner Theirs to keep alive elanar 90 and Counting sat at the table's head her quilted robe swapped for a sweater her hands gared but her eyes sharp she regaled them with stories half true half embellished about freya's teenage stubbornness while sigd laughed picking at a roll the room hummed with their voices plates clinking a fire crackling in the Hearth business is good Lance said passing the gravy but this right here this is better damn right Freya agreed greed nudging sigd

Dr Jensen slumming it with us small Towners how's the clinic busy sigd said grinning cut open a gallbladder yesterday guy fine now thanked me with a fruit cake fruit cake Ellena cackled hope it's better than mine then his phone buzzed mid-bite screen flashing Clinic ER he sighed answering quick yeah okay I'm on my way he stood apologetic emergency surgery sorry got to run save me some pie always Freya said squeezing his arm as he grabbed his coat be safe the operation was a beast 6 hours a woman in her late 60s with a ruptured appendix

serd pulled it off steady as ever and she came through groggy but alive he was scrubbing out still in his Green scrubs when her husband approached a wiry man balding with a Tweed coat and a handshake that lingered too long WR Dr Jensen thank you he said voice thick you saved her I can't thank you just doing my job sigd said peeling off his gloves ready to crash in the break room but the man didn't leave he hovered eyes darting over Secret's face like he was mapping it you're young for a surgeon he said almost

too casual where'd you grow up Springfield was it parents still there serd frowned tossing the the gloves in the bin uh yeah Mom's there why the man smiled odd and tight just curious good stock I bet raising a kid like you what's your mom's name Freya secred said wary now look I'm glad your wife's okay but I've got a one more thing the man cut in stepping closer he hugged SD quick award then pulled back gripping his shoulder I'd like to meet her your mother the woman who rais a surgeon this bright I need to

thank her too SD blinked thrown patients got mushy sometimes sure but this felt different that's nice of you he said edging back but it's not really a thing we do she's busy I mean it the man pressed his voice dropping eyes locked on Secrets I have to meet her please the insistence prickled Secret's neck he forced a smile shrugging it off maybe someday take care all right he turned heading for the lounge but the man's stare bored into his back it wasn't until he was slumped on a cot replaying it that the weirdness sank in

the guy wasn't just grateful he was searching for something or someone weeks after the surgery Sig's phone buzzed with an unknown number he was in the clinic break room scarfing down a stale sandwich between shifts when he answered that voice grally too eager prickle se's nerves the guy had called twice since leaving voicemails about gratitude and meeting the family seet had brushed it off as overzealous patient stuff but this was getting old look the man pressed I know it's a lot but I'd really like to meet your mom please just once SD rubbed his Temple

patience fraying all right fine he said more to end it than anything I'll bring you but it's quick okay Paul's relief flooded theine line and SD hung up uneasy something about the guy gwed at him but he couldn't pin it down the day came in December a warm snap melting the frost of Springfield's Lawns seagd drove up to his parents' house the same brick Place he'd grown up in now with a Fresh coat of paint and a new porch swing Lance had built he'd called Lance dad since the wedding a quiet shift that felt right

Freya answered his heads up call with a squeal they want to meet us oh secred this is big proof you've made it she was over the moon her dream of secred success blooming into something tangible strangers driving hours to thank the surgeon's parents seet sedan rolled up the driveway Paul and Ellen trailing in a battered pickup Freya burst out the front door apron dusted with flow she had been baking cookies a welcome treat her face split with a grin serd climbed out kissed her cheek and said they're right behind me Mom excited to meet you

I can't wait Freya chirped practically bouncing as she started down the path to greet them halfway Lance stepped onto the porch waving while Eleanor shuffled out in her slippers leaning on a cane but when they climbed out of the truck him in that Tweed coat her in a faded cardigan Freya stopped dead her smile vanished replaced by a slack jawed stare seet clocked it instantly jogging to her side Paul's eyes were red rimmed Ellen's wet and puffy they'd been crying hard mom secret asked touching her arm you okay Freya nodded too fast fine honey everything's

fine but her voice wobbled and her eyes glistened he frowned glancing between her and the couple do you know them she swallowed tears spilling over as she turned to him secret she said barely audible meet your grandparents the air sucked out of the yard Ellen burst into sobs hands flying to her mouth while Paul stood rooted shaking tears streaking down his weathered face SD's brain stalled grandparents but before he could speak Paul stepped forward voice breaking Freya he rasped looking straight at her I'm so sorry I've missed you every damn day we were fools Scared

Stupid and I just I want to fix it please Freya stood silent tears tracking down her cheeks her hands clenched at her sides Lance edged closer protective but she waved him off eyes locked on her father Ellen hiccuped through her sobs stepping up we're sorry Freya so sorry we were wrong and you've got every right to shut us out but your boy she glanced at sigd Pride cutting through her grief he's incredible a surgeon saving lives my grandson I'm so proud and I hate that we missed it all Freya hadn't spoken to her parents since

that frigid night when she'd walked out of their house with a duffel bag and a broken heart she'd cut them off clean blocked calls returned unopened letters built a wall they couldn't breach Paul and Ellen only got scraps of her life through Ellena who'd relay updates in clipped reluctant tones over the years freya's working at the diner see 's born healthy boy she's managing fine now standing in the driveway Paul turned to sigd his voice thick with tears grandson we're family you've got to know that SD's arm tightened around Freya his jaw set hazel eyes

hard he hugged her closer then faced Paul my family's right here Mom Dad Grandma that's who raised me but Mom's always been good to guests if she's says you can come in for tea you're welcome Freya wiped her eyes steadying herself her lips pressed thin her tears drying into resolve she glanced at sigd then nodded once Kurt come in we'll have tea her voice was ice but it cracked the door open just enough Paul nodded wiping his face with a shaky hand and Ellen murmured a choked thank you sigd hung back watching them Shuffle toward

the house his grandparents strangers with his mom's eyes his mind reeling Freya squeezed his hand as she passed a silent will figure it out the door creaked shut behind them the Warm Glow spilling onto the lawn and SD followed braced for whatever came next inside the living room was a cocoon of warmth the fire spitting Embers in the Hearth Lance Sat by ellena's armchair reading aloud from a dogeared copy of To Kill a Mocking bird a ritual he' started when her eyesight faded and her joints stiffened she leaned back eyes closed her breathing shallow but

steady the group shuffled in and freya's tone stayed frigid as she gestured to Paul and Ellen Lance these are my parents Paul and Ellen Lance looked up closing the book with a soft thud he stood offering a handshake firm neutral his gray eyes sizing them up Paul Ellen he said nodding like he was piecing together a puzzle he'd only heard about in fragments no warmth no judgment just a quiet wait and see they settled into an uneasy Circle Freya and sigd on the couch Lance back by Ellena Paul and Ellen perched on the edge of

a love seat like they might Bolt the silence stretched heavy as the steam rising from the teapot Freya sat on the coffee table cups clinked spoons stirred but no one spoke until ellena's voice cut through frail yet Fierce Paul She said eyes snapping open pinning her son where he sat I hoped you'd come to your daughter with an apology long before now decades I waited Paul flinched setting his cup down too hard mom we didn't mean to hurt her we were just scared Elena interrupted her tone a blade Freya was a child 17 pregnant alone

and you turned your backs because you couldn't handle the responsibility don't tell me what you meant tell me what you did Ellen's hands Twisted in her lap her voice small we were always worried about her ma always worried Ellena scoffed leaning forward her cane tapping the floor you'd have worried if you'd helped if you'd called visited sent a damn dime for that boy but you didn't you left her to me and she built a life anyway anyway a good one raised a son who saves lives married a man who'd walk through fire for her this

family she swept a trembling hand across the room it's hers and there's no place for you in it till you own what you threw away paulk's face crumpled tears pooling again we were wrong Mom I know it we both do we just we didn't know how to fix it Ellen nodded sobbing quietly we're so sorry Freya we don't deserve anything but we're here now Freya sat rigid staring at the steam curling from her untouched tea se's hand rested on her shoulder steady while Lance watched her waiting for her lead the room held its breath ellena's

words hanging like a verdict Freya finally looked up eyes wet but unyielding Sorry's a start she said voice low but it's not enough not yet Paul nodded swallowing hard and Ellen clutched his arm both of them diminished against the family they'd lost Ellena eased back in her chair exhaling and Lance picked up the book again his voice resuming softly you never really understand a person the fire crackled on and the tea grew cold the first fragile thread of something forgiveness maybe or just time dangling in the silence