Unraveled Read Online Free PDF Page A

an expectant smile brightening her features.
    “It’s amazing.” Lauren rubbed the silky tassel on one of the pillows between her fingers. “I think I could sit here for hours.”
    “I know the feeling. I hope it makes up for not being able to sleep in your old room. I’m sorry about that. After your grandfather died, it was easier to move Granny here than have to worry about her living alone. Your room was most convenient. With her memory issues it doesn’t seem wise to move her again.”
    “I don’t expect you to move Granny just for me. What’s going on with her memory? Why is she talking about Aunt Mallory?”
    Mom’s smile disappeared. Her green eyes filled with sadness. “Dr. Wheeler says it’s a classic case of dementia. Her short-term memory is poor, but her long- term memory is still quite sharp. Today’s hectic. I’m sure that adds to her confusion. And Mallory, well, that’s a story all in itself.”
    “Do tell.”
    Mom sank down on the bed. “I know we’ve never talked much about my sisters before.” She shook her head. “Our whole world changed in an instant.”
    “Mallory died in an accident, right?”
    “Snuck out with her boyfriend. They were racing snow machines, going way too fast. There was a terrible collision. Neither survived.” Mom shivered and looked away.
    Lauren cringed. “That must have been awful.”
    “Mallory was always a bit of a problem child.”
    “What do you mean?” And why haven’t we talked about this before?
    “Mallory was a young mother, pregnant by the time she was sixteen.” Mom whispered.
    The hair on the back of her neck stood up. Goosebumps pebbled the flesh on her arms. Lauren leaned forward, eyes wide with disbelief. “Where was the baby?”
    “My parents took care of her. This house wasn’t always a bed and breakfast, you know. Women delivered at home all the time. I think that’s what Granny was alluding to when she tried to rush you out of the kitchen. Mallory delivered here.”
    Lauren swallowed hard. “What happened to her? The baby?”
    Mom’s eyes filled with tears. “She was adopted.”
    Her heart lurched in her chest. Yearbook photos of teammates and childhood friends flitted through her mind. Did she grow up with her cousin and not even know it?
    “Who adopted her?”
    “A young couple who thought they couldn’t have children.” Mom’s voice broke on the last word. “I’m sorry I’m so emotional. My parents were heartbroken. My Dad never talked about Mallory again. Today was the first time I’ve heard Granny say her name in years.”
    “Wait. What about your other sister? Jane? Does she still live in San Diego?”
    Mom nodded. “Her boyfriend was transferred there and she left with him. She was so angry that our parents wouldn’t let her keep the baby.”
    “They just left? Nobody tried to stop her? I can’t believe Pop didn’t track them down.”
    Mom wiped the tears from her cheeks. “My parents and Jane argued for days. When they weren’t yelling, Mother was crying in her bedroom. I think when Jane left they simply felt relief. I know that sounds harsh now but they desperately needed to grieve.”
    “So that’s it? Aunt Jane runs off to San Diego and never comes back?” Lauren twisted a ringlet of hair around her finger.
    Mom sighed. “She pops up from time to time.”
    “Pops up? Like visits?”
    “She sends letters or e-mails, bragging about her latest trip to Venice. Then last week it was all about how she’d be here soon to start helping out.”
    “What makes her think you need her help?” Lauren felt a muscle in her jaw twitch. The nerve of this woman.
    “Arrogance, I suppose. Or maybe guilt because she never had a chance to say goodbye to Pop. I can’t figure her out. But I would welcome her help with Granny, especially now.”
    “Are you sure? She doesn’t sound like she’d be much help.” Lauren shook her head in disgust. Her parents had poured themselves into the bed and breakfast for more