Read Online Heart of the Matter by KI Thompson - Free Book Online Page A

poor teammate who had struggled with weight all her life was the target of their cruel teasing. Ellen helped defend her against the boys, but the comments served as a reminder to keep her own weight down.
    God, one hundred and ten pounds . She couldn’t believe it had been twenty-five years since she’d weighed that much. Forty pounds.
    Forty pounds she had gained since that time. Just the thought of it made her cringe with self-loathing.
    “You know, I can always find you here when you’re upset.” Her mother walked in and sat next to her on the bed.
    Ellen remained silent, not knowing how to explain to her mother what she was going through, because she didn’t quite understand it herself. It was all too new and complex for her to sort out on her own.
    “What’s up, honey?” She ran her hand through Ellen’s hair and then slowly rubbed her back, the way she did when Ellen was a little girl. The familiar touch still soothed her.
    “Oh, I don’t know. A little jittery about going out with someone, I guess. I haven’t exactly been the social butterfly of late. And my next-door neighbor is absolutely infuriating me at the moment.”
    “What happened?”
    “I brought her groceries the other day and she yelled at me and slammed the door in my face. I can’t think of any reason for her to do that and it’s driving me crazy.”
    “Why, the ungrateful wretch.” Barbara stopped rubbing her back. “I’d tell her where she could get off in no uncertain terms.”
    “Well, it’s not that easy.” Ellen backpedaled, surprised by her mother’s vehement comment. “She was in a terrible car accident and refuses to go out. I think she’s just lashing out because of her situation, not because of me.”
    “Why on earth are you the one doing all this for her? Doesn’t she have family who can help her?”
    “I guess not. I haven’t seen anyone. Maybe she won’t let them. It seems like she’s closed herself off from people.”
    “Why are you so interested in this neighbor of yours? Why is she your responsibility?” Her mother’s scrutiny was intent and unwavering.
    Afraid of what her face might reveal, Ellen looked away. “I don’t know, Mom. She’s all alone, and she needs me. She has no one else. I know there’s a good person inside of her and she just needs help until she can get back on her feet.”
    “It seems you know more about her than the woman you have a date with tonight.” Her mother had a thoughtful expression on her face. “You know, this reminds me of the time when you were a little girl and you brought a baby bird into the house to care for when it fell out of its nest. Eventually you had to let it go, once it was strong enough to be back among its kind. You were heartbroken.” Ellen had completely forgotten the event, but it came rushing back. At the time, she thought the bird would remain her pet. Letting it go felt like a betrayal. For months she wondered if it survived.
    Picturing it weak or dead, she felt responsible and couldn’t forgive herself for abandoning the poor creature to the wild to take its chances.
    Her mother stood. “Be careful you don’t find yourself caring for another baby bird, Ellen.”
    For a long while after her mother left the room, Ellen remained on the bed. She felt more confused than ever and knew she’d have to sort things out with Kate soon. The tension between them couldn’t go on forever. The whole thing was ridiculous. They were both adults and should be able to talk about the unfortunate incident. Kate was her neighbor and perhaps becoming her friend as well. Ellen didn’t need to let unrealistic daydreams get in the way of helping Kate during a rough period in her life. Kate needed someone, and Ellen was possibly the only person who could give practical support. She’d have to put aside her fantasies and focus on Kate’s needs instead.
    ❖
    Kate had just finished lunch when the phone rang. She debated answering, seeing on the caller ID that it