Sunrise Read Online Free PDF Page A

was no downplaying the fact. Not anymore. “We always thought he was, but after this we know.”
    Bailey leaned her head against Jenny’s shoulder. “My health teacher said that once a person’s an alcoholic, they’re an alcoholic forever.”
    “That’s true.” Jenny rubbed her daughter’s arm, doing her best to ward off her chill. “Cody needs a lot of help.”
    “That’s why you didn’t want me liking him?”
    “It’s a big commitment, honey, falling in love with someone who has a drinking problem, someone who’s an alcoholic.” Jenny tried to be careful with her opinions. “People can get help, and they can change, but with an alcoholic it takes time to know how serious they are.”
    “About not drinking?”
    “Exactly.” Jenny released her gentle hold on Bailey and took her coffee from the table. “Want yours?”
    “Thanks.”
    She handed Bailey her hot chocolate.
    A few minutes passed while they sipped their drinks in silence. Jenny cherished quiet, comfortable moments like these with Bailey. Even here, in the midst of praying for Cody and struggling with his alcohol overdose.
    Bailey lowered her cup to her knees. “Was he trying to kill himself?”
    “No. I don’t think so.” Jenny felt the sadness of the situation deeper than she’d felt it all morning. “Remember when we went around the table during Thanksgiving dinner? Everyone talked about what they were thankful for.”
    “Hmmm.” Again Bailey’s eyes grew dim. Her voice filled with fondness at the memory. “Cody was thankful for our family and his future. And most of all for second chances.”
    “He wasn’t suicidal. Cody Coleman’s an open book. In the years we’ve known him, he’s always worn his emotions for Dad and me to see. When he’s down, he tells us. And when he’s desperate, he cries.” She sighed. “Thanksgiving? He was happier than I’ve seen him in a long time.”
    Bailey released a long breath. “Stupid parties.”
    “Yes.”
    After Thanksgiving dinner, the Flanigans had gone to the Baxters’ for dessert. Cody was invited, but he declined. “I don’t care about meeting some movie star.” He’d chuckled, his voice full of teasing. “Especially when Katy Hart’s making such a big mistake.” He puffed out his chest. “I’m the guy she should be marrying.”
    “Is that right?” Jim had given him a friendly punch on the shoulder. “I’ll tell Dayne you said so.”
    For a moment, alarm showed on Cody’s face. “Uh, yeah . . . don’t do that.” He allowed a nervous laugh. “I’m just kidding.”
    So instead of going to the Baxters’, Cody had gone out with his friends to celebrate Clear Creek High’s third-place finish in regionals the week before. “We’ll probably make a bonfire and talk about how much turkey we ate.”
    As he left the house that night, Bailey had muttered under her breath, “He’ll probably find some girl to make out with, he means.”
    “Bailey . . .” Jenny was constantly warning her daughter about being judgmental. “Give him the benefit of the doubt.”
    “I am.” She had frowned as they climbed into their van and headed off to the Baxters’. “I definitely doubt him. No question.”
    Now Jenny wondered if they might’ve avoided all this if they had doubted Cody a little more. Parties were almost never a good idea for Cody. Not as long as they’d known him.
    Jenny took another sip of her coffee. “Has anyone texted you about what happened?”
    “Heather.” Bailey took her cell phone from the back pocket of her jeans and flipped it open. “She said Cody was making out with Grace most of the night.” Bailey rolled her eyes. “Which I predicted, by the way.”
    “And drinking?”
    “Heather didn’t know.” Bailey leaned on the arm of the chair. “But it’s always the same at those parties. People show up and start drinking; then they hook up with someone, and half the people finish out the night throwing up in the bathroom or in the bushes.