Free Unbearable: Russet Falls Series by W.H. Vega

father wasn’t here to ask, and she knew
that asking her mother was a crapshoot.
    Angrily, she slammed the photo album down and jumped off the
couch, choking back a sob. How could she not know this important part of her
family history, and how could she not have anyone to talk to? Not that it made
a difference, but it would be nice to understand her heritage. If only her
father were still around.
    As much as it pained her to do so, she decided that tomorrow
she would ask her mother. She might not get any answers, but it was better than
nothing.
    Resolving to put these questions out of her mind for the night,
she went to bed, exhausted and spent, praying for a better day.

Chapter Nine

     
     
    Gabby woke up to her alarm blaring and she groaned, rolling
over.  Being at work by six in the morning really sucked some days. She dragged
herself out of bed, washing her face and brushing her teeth in a daze. She
dressed in black pants, an emerald blouse, and a black sweater. Since she had
hit the snooze button so many times, she didn’t have the chance to style her
hair, and she simply braided it down her back. Perhaps her relatives were on
her mind—her braid mimicked those she had seen in the old photographs.
    Grabbing a granola bar, she headed out the door. Her commute
was only a few minutes, and she was relieved to get to work and fall into the
easy rhythm of her job. Usually the first few hours of the morning were slow,
especially if guests slept in.
    Before Gabby knew it, Paul had arrived, and she could get
ready to take her lunch break. Her break, along with the remainder of the day,
flew by, and yet she felt like a zombie walking through the day.
    Without realizing it, she found herself standing in the
middle of the grocery store, holding a can of peas in her hands. How did she
even get here? Shaking her head, she mentally told herself to get a grip. She
needed to buy groceries for her mom and sister, and she needed some for
herself. Set with determination, she wove her way through the grocery store,
shopping as quickly and efficiently as she could.
    She loaded her car up with the groceries and drove straight
to her mother’s house. It was after three, which meant that Lucy should be home
from school. Sure enough, Lucy came out to greet her and helped carry in the
groceries.
    “Hope you had a better day at school today,” Gabby said,
handing Lucy a few bags.
    Lucy made a face. “Yes, it was better, if you mean that I
didn’t get in trouble. But it sure as hell wasn’t as exciting.”
    Gabby rolled her eyes. “Just keep your head down, and get
through it. That’s all you have to do.” She didn’t want to press her luck, but
she continued. “Did you happen to look into any classes for next year?”
    Lucy smiled, setting down her bags. “As a matter of fact, I
did. I think I’m going to sign up for some basic courses. You know, a Math one,
and English. I need a writing class too.”
    “That’s great, Luce! Really! I’m so happy.”
    They brought in the rest of the groceries and Gabby started
to help Lucy put them away.
    “Is everything okay?” Lucy asked. “You seem a little out of
it.”
    Gabby hadn’t wanted to tell Lucy what had happened. In fact,
she wanted to forget about it completely.
    “Is it that obvious?”
    Lucy shrugged. “No. You just seem a little off.”
    “I was chased by a bear yesterday.”
    “What?”
    Gabby turned around in surprise at her mother’s voice. Her
mother was standing in the doorway, looking more sober than normal. Her eyes
were wide and frightened. “What did you say?” her mother asked.
    Crap. This was the last thing Gabby wanted.
    “I was chased by a bear in the state park yesterday. But I’m
fine. One of the rangers rescued me.”
    “Oh my God, Gabby! In the state park!” Lucy exclaimed, and
Gabby knew they were all thinking about her father’s horrible death.
    “I don’t want to talk about it,” Gabby said quickly. “Let it
go. Please. I’m fine. And