Every Part of Us

Chapter Two

The tension is suffocating. Deep down wished they would say what they actually want to even if there's a little arguing, but knowing my mother, not happening.

A knock at the door breaks the silence. Grandma is up from her seat within a second. 
grateful for the distraction. 

"There's no way that's you, Sarah!" A loud, high-pitched voice cuts through the house before a tiny woman bursts into the kitchen. 

"Sorry for barging in, Catherine and Phil," she says, waving around a bag of bread. "Gregory across the street said he saw Sarah and her kids, and I had to see for myself!" 

She practically runs to wrap Mom in a hug so tight I'm worried she'll cut off circulation. 

"Oh, Linda..." Mom says, her smile awkward and forced. 

Linda either doesn't notice or doesn't care. She's practically bouncing with joy.  "It's amazing to see you again! And these must be your kids. They look just like you!" She squeezes Erika and me into a hug, feels just like they seem, tight.

"I'm Linda Hart, but you can call me Auntie Linda," she beams. "Your mom and I were childhood besties!" 

"I'll get you some tea," Grandma says, retreating to the kitchen. 

Linda plops down next to Mom, chatting away, while my Mom just sits there, smiling stiffly. 

---

Later, Erika and I wander down a hallway lined with old photos. 

"Look at this one!" Erika holds up a picture of Mom in a Halloween costume. She's about six and dressed as a pumpkin. 

"She looks miserable," I say, squinting at the photo. 

"That's what makes it cute!" Erika grins. 

I laugh as I roll my eyes, the door creaks open behind us. A guy about my age walks in. He's all messy hair, glasses, and a T-shirt that says something stupid I can't figure out.

"Uh, hey," he says, waving awkwardly. "Good to see you guys again...?" 

"We've never met," Erika crossing her arms. 

"Oh. Shit, my bad I definitely don't know you guys..." he says, his face reddening. 

Still, he laughs, and I can't help but smile. 

"I'm Stevie,"

He laughs, relaxing a bit. "I'm Harry. I was told my mom might be here, Linda. She owns the bakery down Bluebell Road. I work there on weekends if you ever need free bread." 

"Nice" Erika says with a smirk before wandering off, unimpressed in the conversation. His faces reddens watching Erika walk away.

"So, uh, what's this town like?" I ask, trying to fill the silence. 

"Small. Boring. We have a cool beach, a movie theater, and a bar that lets teens in for a twenty"

"Sounds great," I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. 

Harry grins. "Hey, don't knock it till you try it. Besides, you

"What's the school like?"

"Pretty small. Everyone knows everyone most of us grew up together. New students are rare. There are some clubs. I'm in the broadcast club, so you'll probably see my face on the screens," he says with a mocky cocky grin. 

"Cool, so humble" I say, laughing at his attempt to fake impress me. 

"Please don't think I'm a dork already. You're my only shot at someone not thinking I'm a joke," he laughs.

Before I can respond, Linda calls out. "Oh Harry? Why are you here- Oh whatever, let's go! I left the shop for way too long." 

Harry grabs the bags and follows her but turns back to wave. 

"Don't be a stranger!" Linda calls before they disappear out the door. 

---

That night

Grandpa helps us bring our things inside. Turns out, while Erika and I were exploring the house, Mom and my grandparents worked out the living arrangements. 

Erika gets the attic room. I get Mom's old room. Mom gets the guest room. 

Erika asked why Mom didn't want her own childhood room, but she ignored the question. 

Walking into her room feels strange everything is exactly as she left it. They said they never touched it.

As I unpack my things my guitar, vinyl records, and CDs I make a point not to change the room too much. Except for the posters of random guys on the walls. Those definitely have to go. 

- Characters —

Harry Hart

Linda Hart

I tried to look some for the grandparents but I failed...