Six

The last time I remembered, Pittstown only had about two motels, so when I searched for housing, one immediately caught my eye. Years ago, it had been a rundown place. But after driving around for what felt like forever, I finally spotted the newly revamped building. At the entrance to the three-bedroom apartment, a woman stood waiting, twirling a set of keys. Her vibrant purple hair stood out, and her name tag read Isha.

I clutched my printed confirmation and stepped forward. “Hi, Isha,” I said, my voice slightly hoarse from the long drive. “I booked the three-bedroom apartment for a month.”

She nodded. “Yep, you’re all set.” She handed me the keys and pointed down the corridor. “It’s the floor unit. Fresh renovations, great view. You’ll love it.”

Just then, Natasha walked over, balancing a couple of bags and holding Henry’s tiny hand.

Isha smiled warmly. “Well, you all enjoyed your stay. And welcome to Pittstown.” She climbed into a small Subaru and drove away, leaving us standing in front of the apartment.

Natasha exhaled. “No turning back now.” I nodded, swallowing down the lump rising in my throat. “Guess not.”

I unlocked the door. The apartment was bright, clean, and bigger than I expected.

Natasha dragged in the suitcases. “Okay, this isn’t bad. I call the room with the biggest window.”

I arched an eyebrow. “We paid for this place together.”

“Yeah, but you dragged me here,” she countered, smirking. “So, I get the first pick.”

Henry tugged at my hand. “Mama, I’m hungry,” he said, his small voice grounding me. “Alright,” I said, ruffling his messy hair. “Let’s get lunch.”

We piled back into the car. I decided to take them to one of my favorite places from my youth, Betty’s Diner. When we pulled up, I was shocked. The diner still stood, but it looked completely different. The once-faded building had been repainted a bright blue. The old, flickering neon sign had been replaced with a polished wooden one that read Betty’s.

We stepped inside, and I felt the weight of every single pair of eyes turn toward us. I kept my head high, holding Henry’s hand while Natasha carried his backpack. I scanned the room quickly, noting that some of the faces weren’t strangers. A few of them I recognized instantly: old classmates.

And then I saw her.

Cassidy looked almost the same as I remembered. Her brown skin lit up when she smiled. She was still tall and slim, and her signature curly brown hair was pulled into a high ponytail. She sat in a corner booth with two people I didn’t recognize.

'Never knew you smoked.' The memory assaulted me. I blinked. 'We don’t tell anyone.' The words echoed in my head.

I whispered to Natasha, “Go find a seat.” I needed to get away from Cassidy. But if she were here, then he could be here too. I scanned the diner, my heart pounding. There was no sign of him.

Natasha nodded, looking back at me with a puzzled expression. She led Henry to a booth in the back. I followed, each step heavier than the last.

Occasionally, I caught her gesturing subtly in my direction, and on a few occasions, the others turned to glance at me too. I kept my head down, pretending to study the menu.

“What’s wrong?” Natasha asked. “Nothing,” I lied. “Just… memories.” A young waiter arrived, his voice polite but weary. “What can I get you guys?” he asked.

Natasha began ordering for Henry, her calm voice helping me regain focus. But Cassidy’s presence lingered. Every so often, I felt her eyes, and my stomach twisted. Would she come over? Would she say anything? What would I even say if she did?

But she didn’t. After all, secrets were never meant to be shared.

The waiter left with our order, and I wasn’t prepared for what came next. From the corner of my eye, I saw someone approaching our table. At first, I thought it might be Cassidy after all, but when I looked up, I froze.

It was Betty. She opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by a clatter from the kitchen. The sound of dropped silverware echoed through the diner, drawing everyone's attention away just long enough for her to glance apologetically at me before heading back to sort out the commotion.

Betty, the owner of the diner, looked older than I remembered, her face lined with wrinkles that hadn’t been there five years ago. Her once jet-black hair was now streaked with gray, pulled back into a loose bun. She wore her signature white apron, slightly stained from a busy day.

She halted when she saw me, her gaze shifting from me to Henry to Natasha. Recognition flickered across her face, her lips trembling as her eyes brimmed with tears. “Annabelle,” she whispered, her voice shaky.

“Hi, Betty,” I said softly, my throat tightening with emotion.

Betty and I had a history. Back when I was struggling, she’d been one of the few constants in my life. My friends and I had spent countless afternoons here after school. On the nights when I couldn’t afford dinner, she’d quietly slip me a plate of food.

Now, here she was, standing before me, tears brimming in her kind, familiar eyes.

She knelt slightly, her focus shifting to Henry. “And who is this handsome young man?” she asked, her voice breaking slightly.

“This is Henry,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “My son.”

Her hand flew to her chest. “Oh, Annabelle,” she said, looking at me again. “It’s so good to see you. I didn’t think…” She trailed off, shaking her head. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

I could feel my own tears threatening to spill over as I managed a small smile. “I didn’t think I’d be back.”

Betty reached out, her hand warm as she squeezed mine. “Welcome home, sweetheart.”