Obsession Chapter 2 Part 2
CHAPTER 2 · PART TWO
Obsession
The room was suffocatingly silent, but the tension was louder than anything. I glanced at Mom—her hands twitching in her lap, shoulders stiff. She always did this when it came to my dad.
“So,” Betty broke the silence, straightening her hair and clearing her throat, always cheerful. “I’m Sara’s sweetest sister, Betty.”
She flashed a bright smile, and when Grandma extended her hand for a handshake, Betty bypassed it, wrapping her in a hug instead.
That was Betty—always breaking tension with affection, always trying to make things easier, especially for Mom.
“Oh, Betty, I know you, dear,” Grandma said softly, hugging her back. “I’m so grateful you’re here for my granddaughter.”
They finally pulled apart, and Betty beamed, proud of herself for defusing the moment. But the air was still heavy with things left unsaid.
Grandma turned to Mom and me, her face serious. “Stella, I know this is a shock—for you, for Betty, and most of all for Sara. I’m here with nothing but good intentions. I just want to know her… to be a part of her life before I leave this earth.”
For a moment, I thought Mom wouldn’t respond.
Then she spoke, her voice steady but tight. “It’s only fair for you to have the chance to get to know her. It’s your right—and hers.”
I blinked, stunned. Mom never let go easily—especially not when it involved my father.
“Thank you, Stella,” Grandma said, pressing a hand to her chest, eyes misty. “This means more than you know.”
She turned to me, her voice gentle. “What do you say we go out tomorrow? Just me, you, and Betty. A little date.”
I smiled. “I say yes.”
“Perfect. Tomorrow it is.”
Grandma stood slowly, the worn couch creaking beneath her. She didn’t seem to notice. Her face glowed like this was the best thing that had happened to her in years.
“This old grandma should take her leave now,” she laughed softly. “But tomorrow, I’ll be back for the apple of my eye.”
“Tomorrow,” I echoed.
“I’ll send my driver to pick up both of you.”
She paused at the door, her expression softening. “Sara, may I kiss your temples? I always do it with my grandniece before bed—and I’ve dreamed of doing it with my granddaughter.”
My throat tightened. I stood immediately. “Yes. Of course.”
She leaned in, pressing the softest kiss to my temples. Light. Warm. Full of meaning.
She pulled back smiling, like a lifelong wish had finally been fulfilled.
It was the first time Grandma had kissed me.
And it burned itself into my memory.