Terry started to walk away, tears dripping down her face uncontrollably. She felt lost and disoriented, unable to recollect how she lost control of her world, her life.

“Terry, you know I love you, and I mean it,” Chris interjected. Terry continued to sob with her hands covering her face. This was the face time she had ever cried in front of Chris. She only remembers their good times together; they've never had any altercations with each other.

“Please don’t cry Terry. You..you caught me unaware – that is all!” Chris stroked Terry’s hair and carefully wiped her face with the sleeve of his plaid shirt. He had forgotten to re-button his shirt after they slept together about an hour ago. He looked around to make sure no passerby could see them. He tightened his hands around Terry’s wrist and pulled her back to the shade of the cluttered trees. The last thing he wanted was someone he knew to identify them.

“Christopher, I've heard that before. But just like you told me last month, prove it! I’m pregnant with your baby; so what are we going to do?” Terry was uncertain of tomorrow. She needed a guarantee from Chris that everything was going to work out. He is the only part of her life that had kept her breathing and living again.

“Ok. Let me think,” Chris replied. He looked at the sky without saying a word. It felt like hours before he finally responded. “I got it! You can come to Maple city with me. You’ll work on your GED while I finish college. After you have the baby, we’ll have a court wedding.”

“I guess I can do that,” Terry said, trying to conceal her excitement as a ray of hope warmed her heart. She felt revived again. It can work, it will work, she told herself. She had been waiting for the day when she could leave her neighborhood and the familiar town to live in a different city, state, or even country.

Terry was excited at the chance of a new life. She could barely contain herself. As she unlocked the door, her father was waiting in the kitchen. He noticed the glow on Terry’s face; she looked different.

“Terry, where have you been? Your dinner is cold. You’ll need to warm it up,” He said.

“I’m not hungry dad. I picked up something on my way home. Thanks!” Terry replied without looking at her dad. She dashed upstairs with her backpack and notepads. She had stashed the blanket that she and Chris slept on while they’d cuddled under the tree into her backpack. She was so happy. Things are finally starting to work out – maybe not the way she planned. They’re better than before.

She looked through her closet and packed some few clothes into her dad’s gym bag. She took her toiletries and clean underwear. She stuffed them all into the bag with some of the pictures of her mom. Terry suddenly heard a knock.

“Who is it?” She called out.

“It’s me Terry. Open the door.” It was Terry’s stepmother. Mr. Benson had remarried four years ago, only three years after Terry’s mom passed away in a car accident. Terry had always thought her dad could have waited a little longer. “What’s the rush,” she’d told him then, “I don’t want anyone to replace mom.”

“No one will ever take the place of your mom in my heart – not your new stepmom Susan, your sister Jenna, or even you, Terry. You are all special to me in your own ways, and I love you,” her dad had told her.

Nevertheless, Terry wasn't convinced, and it did not change her nonchalant attitude towards her stepmother. Jenna was the one who really cared for Susan. Visitors who do not live in the town actually thought they were family. Their smooth, tan skin tones were impeccable and similar; also, their full natural long curls with brown highlights that drop around their round faces while complementing their hazel eyes shows off their semblance. Susan and Jenna could finish each other’s sentences whenever they’re in the same room. This was one of the reasons why Terry usually felt like the odd ball during Sunday dinner – their family time.

Terry quickly pushed the bag under her bed. She unlocked the door, and Susan poked her head in with the door ajar. “What are you up to cupid?” Terry hated that nickname.

None of your business, she wanted to say. “I’m just about to get started on a school project,” she chirped, hoping she’ll close the door and leave her alone.

“But school hasn't started Terry,” Susan said.

Terry had to craft another lie on her feet. This was more work than she thought. “I know. Jason told me that the syllabus for one of my teachers is available online so I can check ‘em out before school start,” Terry replied with a smile.

“Kids these days; you all are so spoiled with technology! So young lady, your dad told me you didn't want your dinner. I had made your favorite – Meat-lover Lasagna. I just wanted to make sure everything is okay,” Susan smiled back.

“Well, as you can see Susan, I’m fine. I don’t like it when you and dad treat me like a child. It’s so over-rated.”

“First, watch your manners Terry. The least you can do is to call me Ms. Benson; the most you can do is to address me with respect. I may not be your mom, but as long as you’re still living in this house, I’m your caretaker. I say this because I care, not to be cumbersome,” Susan shot back.

“Whatever,” Terry mumbled.

“See your dad before leaving for school tomorrow morning. He wants to talk to you. Good night,” Susan said as she shut the door. Terry could sense the awkwardness in the room. She did not hate Terry; she just disliked seeing her around instead of her mom. Ten years later and she can still feel the absence of her mom in the house.

If only mom was here; she’d know what to do, Terry thought to herself.

To be continued...

Click the links below to read the previous series

Silent Moments - The Story (Part I)
Silent Moments - The Story (Part II)
Silent Moments - The Story (Part III)