When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 114

“If you’re not sure about this, don’t force yourself. I can look after Carrie myself, and there are plenty of others who can take Nelly’s place.”

“You should really focus on your own life now.” Brody’s voice was colder than ever.

Sheila felt her heart drop. Was Brody really trying to keep her away from Carrie? If that happened, even if she married him, she would always be less than Nelly. She had put so much time and energy into Carrie, and now, just like that, it all meant nothing. It was hard not to feel resentful, but since Brody clearly doubted her already, Sheila had no choice but to back off for now. She hadn’t expected Nelly to drive a wedge between her and Brody, or to get between her and Carrie so easily. She had underestimated her.

…

That night, Carrie finally worked up the courage to call her mom. She missed Nelly so much it hurt. She just wanted her mom to come home, to be there and hold her. The first call didn’t go through. Just as she was about to try again, her phone buzzed with a call from Sheila.

“Ms. Olson…” Carrie hesitated, guilt bubbling up in her chest. Sheila had always been nice to her, but now she just wanted her mom. It almost felt like she was betraying Sheila. Sheila had even promised to be her new mom. But right now, Carrie wasn’t so sure about that anymore. All she wanted was Nelly.

“Carrie, what are you up to? Home alone and bored? Want me to come over and hang out with you?” Sheila’s voice was gentle.

“Dad said he’ll be back soon. He told me to have a nap.” Carrie’s reply was barely above a whisper.

Since Brody had already set the rules, Sheila didn’t really have an excuse to come over, not that she’d meant it seriously. Still, she could tell Carrie wasn’t leaning on her like she used to.

“Carrie, about those lollipops earlier… I didn’t know your teeth were sensitive. You’re not mad at me, are you?” Sheila’s voice was soft and apologetic, almost immediately making Carrie feel better.

“It’s not your fault. I just wanted the candy.” Carrie’s craving for sweets had gotten her in trouble with her mom. As she thought about it, she realized it was Nelly’s anger that had pushed her to run out in the first place.

Sheila noticed how quiet Carrie had gotten. “Are you feeling bad about today? Do you think you made your mom and dad worry too much?”

Carrie let out a tiny “yeah.”

“Ms. Olson, am I really that terrible? My mom’s actually really good to me… I just didn’t appreciate her.” Carrie thought about it, and it was true. Nelly had never let her down. April was right—her mom really was amazing. But after spending so much time around her dad and grandma, she started to feel like her mom wasn’t good enough, wasn’t perfect, and even started to resent her. The truth was, it wasn’t that her mom didn’t love her. She just wasn’t good enough to her mother.

“Okay, good.” Nelly was about to hang up when Brody spoke up again.

“I’ll take good care of her.”

“I hope you mean that.” Nelly didn’t dwell on it. She figured Brody just didn’t want anyone saying he was a bad father.

Before bed, Nelly tried calling Carrie one more time. This time the line was free, but Carrie didn’t answer. It was late, so Nelly assumed her daughter was asleep and just left a message.

On the other side of the phone, Carrie stared at her mom’s message, her eyes filling with hurt. Ms. Olson had just told her that it was her mom who wanted the divorce, and that Nelly had willingly let her go. If her mom didn’t want her, then why was she still pretending to be the perfect mother?

…

Early the next morning, Nelly was called back to the Watson family’s old house. Michael sat at the head of the formal sitting room, surrounded by family members. Britney was sobbing, her face streaked with tears. Rudy sat nearby, a bandage on his forehead, a cane at his side, looking completely unimpressed.