In the beginning, p.104
In The Beginning, page 104
I sighed, tuning out most of what he said. About fifteen minutes had to have passed when I heard the rustling of papers, my breath catching in my throat when I saw David taking out a small stack of envelopes. The smile on my mother’s face made me nauseous.
He proceeded to hand each of us an envelope with our names written in the unmistakable cursive of Nana's. A sad smile formed on my lips as my fingers traced her handwriting. I wondered how long before her death she'd written this and closed my eyes, a single tear rolling down my cheek. Faintly, I heard the envelopes around me being opened but I couldn't bring myself to open mine.
Nathan opened his envelope and a genuine smile formed on his lips as read whatever was written in it. Carter was the same, though I could tell the nostalgia was still very much present in his features. When I glanced over to my mom, however, she was fuming. Hannah looked like she had just received the worst news ever and my dad was glaring at me.
“Is this it?” My mom asked David, throwing down her envelope on the desk. “Because that can't be it.”
“I'm afraid that's it, Elizabeth.” David looked over at me, giving me a small smile. “We can ask everyone to leave if you want to open the envelope on your own.”
“Do I have to do it here?” I asked quietly.
“Of course not, you can do it whenever you feel ready.”
“Are you kidding me?” Hannah hissed, shaking her head. “We need to know what her letter says.”
“If you needed to know what it says, your grandmother would have left it addressed to all of you, don't you think?” Carter's voice caught everyone off guard, the tone foreign for his usually calm demeanor.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” My dad asked, outraged that Carter dared say something.
“I'm the man who saw Anne tearing herself apart for selfish people such as you,” Carter spit. I'd never seen him so angry in my life. My dad looked like he was about to lunge but my mom held him back, trying to keep a calm appearance in front of David.
“Could you just open the damn envelope?” Hannah asked, desperate to know what it held.
“No,” I said shaking my head. “I want to do it at home, Hannah…It's the only thing Nana left and I want to read it in peace.” I hoped she'd give me the little bit of understanding I was asking for but instead, she grew more frustrated.
“You're unbelievable, Evelyn. You're making this damn difficult.”
“Jesus, just leave her alone,” Nathan hissed, fury lacing his words. “All you fucking do is drill her with the same damned thing. She'll open it when she's ready.”
It was then that the world started to spin around me. I started to feel nauseous and their voices just seemed to grow distant, even though by the look on their blurry face the argument had only intensified. Finding my voice was futile and as my heart beat became quicker, I knew I needed to get away from everyone.
I stood up in an attempt to get out of the constricting office but as I did the spinning only intensified and I ended up surrounded by darkness.
***
“Okay, she's just being dramatic.”
“Would you get the fuck out if you don't care?”
My head was pounding with the voices yelling around me. I felt a gentle hand at the back of my head and a cold compress pressed against the area. I whimpered when I felt piercing pain there, and then another hand on my cheek.
“Evie, can you hear me?”
The voices quieted down and my eyes opened only to find several of them staring back at me. Some in worry, some in annoyance.
“Oh, thank God,” Nathan said relieved, kissing my forehead. Carter was leaning down next to him, his eyes full of fatherly concerned.
I groaned when I felt the sharp pain in my head once again.
“You hit yourself on the edge of the wooden table, dear,” Carter explained, taking hold of my hand. “You fainted. Are you okay?”
“I'm fine,” I replied, trying to push myself up. Nathan shook his head, quickly stopping me from any further movement.
I leaned back, sighing at his silent command. He probably wasn't going to let me move until he was sure I was strong enough to walk. Jenna rushed into the office with a glass of water, handing it over to Nathan so that he could help me drink. The cool water felt nice on my dry lips and I sighed, content to have something to soothe my throat.
“Help me up,” I said quietly to Nathan.
Though hesitant, he wrapped an arm around my waist and helped me to my feet, careful about not doing it too fast. I held on to him, still feeling a little weak.
“That's it,” he said with a small smile. He led me to a sofa in the office and I leaned back in an attempt to relax my muscles. “We need to get you to a doctor.”
“I agree,” Jenna said with a frown. “Evie, you haven't been eating well and you're dehydrated—”
“That's nothing a little bit of water can't help,” I replied, rolling my eyes.
“Does that mean you can open that envelope now?”
I groaned. My sister was unbelievable.
“Get her out of here,” I said to Jenna. She smiled proudly.
“With pleasure.” David shot his daughter a look that was meant to be serious, but the gratefulness couldn't be hidden.
“Listen, Evelyn, you're not alone, okay?” He said in a gentle voice. “We've watched you grow up and your Nana knew what she was doing so if you need any advice, be sure to come to us. We have nothing but your best interest at heart.”
I nodded, closing my eyes. Going to the doctor seemed like a good idea, but what I wanted to do the most at that moment was sleep. Everyone was right; the whole situation was starting to take a toll on my body. I was hardly even functioning.
“We'll go to the doctor tomorrow,” I whispered. “I just want to rest now. Can we do that?”
Nathan pressed a kiss to my temple. “Of course. I need to get you out of here though, Evie. They're literally making you sick.”
“Spend the night at my place,” Carter chimed in. I smiled; the idea had even brightened the sound of his voice. “I have an extra room and it would be nice to have some company. I can also help Nathan keep an eye on you then.”
“What do you think?” Nathan asked.
I hummed, leaning my head on his shoulder. “You're just going to have to carry me all the way there,” I smiled.
“Not a problem.”
CHAPTER 30
Evelyn
“There,” I said, setting my phone down on the dinner table. After a series of long, and by long I mean long conversations, I finally gave up my phone. My parents wouldn't stop calling to voice their disappointment, and Hannah kept leaving messages threatening to tell them about my relationship with Nathan.
Nathan and Carter had insisted that in order for me to relax and actually rest I needed to tune out the rest of the world. Listening to my mom's voicemail proved them right.
“It smells delicious,” I said with a smile.
“Thank the small Chinese place around the corner.” He winked.
That was the happiest I'd seen him since Nana passed. I studied the old man while Nathan and he served the food on disposable plates. He'd spent most of his life working with my family, most of the time raising my sister and me since my parents had never been around. He was the closest thing to a father I knew.
And I was glad.
Somewhere along the lines the values Carter and Nana had instilled stuck, and for that I was thankful. I was different from my family but that difference was good.
Nate set a plate in front of me, the one with the most food, and I glared.
“I'm not going to finish all this,” I said with a shriek.
“Yes, you are,” he countered with a smile. “Go on, start.”
It took the first bite for me to realize how hungry I truly was. Nathan and Carter made conversation while we ate, but I was so focused on the food that I could hardly listen to what they said. That was until the word divorce came up.
“What?” I asked, eyes widening when I heard the word.
Nathan took my hand, squeezing it gently. “Hannah is being served divorce papers now.”
“What?” I asked once again. “Now?”
Nathan nodded with a smile. I laughed happily, it seemed like it was all coming to an end.
“It's almost over,” Nathan comforted, leaning in and pressing a kiss on my cheek. I giggled, leaning into his touch. He turned his attention to Carter, smiling at the man who'd been a lot like a father to him for the past years. “We're leaving Pennsylvania,” he stated.
Carter's eyes widened in alarm and though he tried to mask it, the sadness was still visible. “Oh. When will that be?”
“As soon as the divorce papers are signed,” Nathan said. He glanced my way, seeking my approval and I gave him a single nod, eager to see Carter's reaction. “We want you to come with us,” Nathan stated.
I thought it impossible, but his eyes widened even more, this time with pure joy.
“What about this house? And your grandma's?”
“Keep it,” I said. “Everything will stay as is in case we come to visit. Or you can sell your house. Whatever you want, Carter. But I don't want you to be alone.”
I stood up and sat next to him, taking his hand in mine; hands that had worked hard to make an honest living, hands that had held me when I was just a child, comforted me when I'd scraped a knee.
“Evelyn, you don't have to do that,” he said with a warm smile. “I'm an old man and your life with Nathan is just now starting. I've lived, it's only fair I let you two live in peace.”
Shaking my head, I looked back at the man staring at me with tear-filled eyes. “You've done a lot for me, Carter,” I replied. “It's only fair that now I do something for you.”
“I won't be a bother?” Carter asked, this time asking Nathan.
“Not at all, Carter. We'd be honored to have you with us.”
Carter sniffled, eyes shining with tears of happiness.
“So, where are we going?”
“New York is going to be our new home.”
***
It was already dark out and Carter had gone to bed while Nathan showered. I, on the other hand, couldn't sleep. I sat underneath a tree with the envelope in my hands, unable to open it yet also unable to let it go.
Whatever was in there I truly didn't want. I'd give it all up to have Nana back and take her with us to New York…It was nothing but a wish, though. A wish that would never come true. I wrapped the blanket tighter around my body and sighed, wishing to the many stars in the night sky that maybe, just maybe, there was a way to get her back.
“What are you doing?” Nathan shouted from the door. I turned around and rolled my eyes; he was shirtless, hair wet from the shower and sweatpants hanging low. Not cool.
“Come, sit with me,” I said, patting next to me.
He smiled, closing the door behind him and jogging towards me. “Shit, it's chilly,” he complained.
I snorted, shaking my head. “It's Pennsylvania, Nate. What did you expect? Plus, you're the one trying to show off all that,” I said, waving my hand over his toned chest. “If you need to suffer while you do it, so be it.”
Nathan scoffed and took the blanket, throwing it over the both of us. He noticed the envelope in my hands and frowned.
“You don't have to do open it yet, baby,” he said, pressing a kiss on my head.
“I want to,” I replied. “I just don't want to do it alone. Can you stay with me?”
He nodded, squeezing my shoulder as I began to open the envelope with trembling hands. I smiled when I realized there was a photo of Nana and I together; a rare one of when I was just a baby and she was much younger, holding me with the bright smile that characterized her. No one else in the family had that picture, and knowing that it now belonged to me made my heart swell with happiness.
“She looks so happy there,” Nathan smiled.
I nodded, turning the picture around. Her perfect handwriting was there, a small note written on the back.
Taken by Carter at a family gathering.
Evelyn and I together, 10 months old.
She shines as bright as a star
.
I let out a shaky breath, handing the photo to Nathan while I went on to take out the letter folded within the envelope.
“Here goes nothing,” I said to Nathan.
“I'm here,” he reminded me. “Take your time.”
My dearest and beautiful granddaughter,
If you are reading this letter it means that I am no longer with you on earth, but please know I always watch over you, no matter where I am. I've always hated the idea of having to write a goodbye letter but seeing the events that have arisen since you returned, I found myself with the need of writing a new one.
Though to me you will always be my little girl, when you returned I was met with a strong and courageous young woman, one that has surpassed any possible expectations. You are everything I thought you'd be. Strong, beautiful, and noble.
I will begin this letter by apologizing to you. I cannot help but think that I have failed as a mother by the way my daughter behaves with you. You deserve better, your sister deserved better. My biggest mistake was giving her everything and now, it breaks my heart to see you paying the consequences.
Though I love both your sister and you equally, I am sad to say that I believe she is too far gone to get through to her. There's a good heart in there somewhere though and hopefully one day it'll shine through, but for now, I need to ask a few things of you.
Don't ever, ever try to change to make Elizabeth or Hannah happy. Be true to yourself. This is who you're meant to be, no one should ever try to change that: not a man, not friends, and definitely not your family. Whoever is with you needs to accept you for who you are. No exceptions.
You have a family that isn't blood-related, Evelyn. That includes Nathan, your friends and I am assuming in the future Nathan's family. And the people at Tessa's, I know all about them. They are wonderful and loyal, just what you need by your side.
Lastly, my dear, don't forget that I am incredibly proud of you. Perhaps I failed with your mother, but I made up with you; raising you into the generous young woman that you are, although I know that it more than likely has nothing to do with me. It's your nature. Your heart is made of gold and Nathan should treasure it forever. I'm sure he will.
Papa would have been so very proud of you.
That being said, Evie, I have named you sole beneficiary to everything I own. The house is under your name now, as is a small lake house your grandfather and I owned near Lake Harmony.
As far as my shares in the company, I understand you want nothing to do with that, but they are under your name as well. I have discussed with David Thompson the need for a possible buyer and all that is needed is your approval.
Nathan and I have both gathered evidence in regards to the way the company has been handled, but it's your call as far as what to do. You can turn them in or try to make a difference with your shares. I trust you will make the right choice.
My life insurance goes to you as well. I am confident that you will manage and use it wisely.
I know your mother will lose it, but please, darling, stay strong. Pay no mind to her.
Know that I am incredibly proud of you, Evelyn. Remember that no one has the power to dull your shine unless you let them. And remember, you have the power to change the world in your hands. I believe in you.
I love you with all my heart, Evie. I always have. You are my most precious treasure, my sunshine. I will watch over you forever, and I can't wait to see you grow up and watch over my great grandchildren because I will always be there. Don't ever forget that.
With much love,
Your Nana
I smiled sadly, looking over at Nathan who was simply gauging my reaction.
“Are you okay?” he asked, taking my hand.
“She left me everything,” I breathed. Nathan's eyes widened in shock, then compassion when he saw how confused I looked. “And I don't know what I'm going to do. It's a lot to handle.”
Nathan sighed, shaking his head. “Rest on it, think about his tomorrow, Evie. You don't have to decide anything today.”
I thanked him and placed a kiss on his cheek.
“I hope you know I'd be with you regardless.”
“I know,” I replied.
He smiled, leaning down and giving me a quick peck on the lips. He was right, whatever I decided to do, I could think about it tomorrow.
CHAPTER 31
Nathan
Evelyn stirred, sighing sleepily and shifting yet again. If she didn't wake up within the next few minutes, I would have to do it as much as I hated waking her up.
We had spent a large part of the previous night sitting out in the cold while we talked about the endless possibilities. She talked. I was there to give my opinion only, though I was still cautious. With my previous confession, I didn't want her to think that I was interested in what her grandmother had left her.
She trusted me and I cherished that trust more than she'd ever understood.
“I want to live in the city,” she confessed sleepily. I smiled at the sound of her voice, leaning my cheek on hers. Waking up with her was one of the things I most valued now.
“Mmm. Any particular reason for that?”
Her eyes fluttered open and she met mine with a sleepy smile. “I had a dream it was Christmas in New York, and we walked hand in hand through the city on a snowy night to our apartment. That's what I want.”
My chest tightened. The way her eyes sparkled in retelling such a simple dream; something relatively insignificant to other people meant so much to her. She meant everything to me.
“What?” she asked shyly when I stared at her. Her cheeks took on a rosy color and I smiled at her innocence. Her strength was admirable; I was a lucky man to have someone like her lying in my arms, looking at me with so much care.
