Twisted Roots (DeBeers 3)
Page 91
remembrances of things past, no mementoes from
parties and dances, even my own Sweet Sixteen party.
It all belonged here, left in my past. Heyden and I
were really starting a new life, and so was Uncle
Linden.
With that sort of censorship in mind, it
suddenly became easier to pack the pillowcase. I
wouldn't even take my toothbrush. We would do as
Heyden had said: buy what we needed as we went
along.
When I was finished. I realized no one could
look at this room and know I had left it No one would
suspect I was really gone, not for a while, but despite
my anger and my new hope. I couldn't just walk out
and close the door. That was too cruel.
I sat at my desk and debated with myself.
Heyden had made it very clear that I tell no one I was
leaving, not even give a hint. Yet I couldn't just walk
out and let Mommy wait up for me, even though I had
real doubts that she would. She would leave it up to
Miguel. perhaps.
Maybe not. Maybe I was being too hard on her.
No. I had to leave her something. I pulled my
stationery out and stared at a blank page.
Dear Mommy and Miguel, I wrote. That was
the easy part.
I know that in the beginning you will be very
angry at me, maybe even angrier than you are at me
now. In time I hope you will understand why I am
doing this.