Free Janet by E. L. Todd

services got involved and took a report. When Hank sues for sole custody of Joey, I know I’ll lose.” She wiped her tears away and tried to steady her breathing. “I’m a horrible mother.”
    I grabbed her hand. “Beatriz, it was an accident.”
    “It wouldn’t have happened if you weren’t drinking. It wasn’t intentional.”
    “It doesn’t matter,” she said as she sobbed.
    “You recognize your faults. That’s good. Now we can move forward and change everything.”
    “Nothing I do will change anything. Hank hates me. And he should. He tried divorcing me but I keep evading it.”
    “Because you love him.”
    She sobbed and covered her face.
    I came around the table and held her, patting her back.
    She sobbed into my shoulder, gripping me for support. I held her for a long time, running my fingers through her hair like I used to. She cried and cried, pouring her heart and soul out to me.
    “I hate myself,” she whispered.
    “Don’t say that,” I said. “We’ll make it right.”
    “I can’t.”
    I pulled away. “We’ll get you help. When Hank sees all the effort you’re making, he’ll change his mind.”
    “No he won’t.”
    “You shouldn’t have to suffer forever, Beatriz. Hank is understanding. If you prove you’ve changed, he’ll come around.”
    “He’ll never take me back.”
    “But he’ll let you see Joey.”
    “No, he won’t.”
    “Let’s take baby steps,” I said. “We’ll get you into a program then we go from there.”
    She sniffed. “Thank you so much. I know I’ve been a bitch you.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    “Please don’t tell Mom.”
    “I won’t,” I said. “But you should tell her eventually. She’ll figure it out. I did.”
    “I know,” she whispered. “Can you do me a favor?”
    “I’d do anything for you, Bee.”
    “Hank won’t let me see Joey. Could you go see him for me? Check on him?”
    “Of course.”
    “I miss him so much. I love him more than anything.”
    “I know you do,” I said gently.
    “I mean it.”
    “I know, Bee.”
    “I really have no one else in the world. I don’t have any friends, any family—no one. Without you, I’d be screwed.”
    “That isn’t true. Tony is a part of this family too.”
    “We’ve never been close,” she said.
    “He’s still your brother. He’d do anything for you.”
    “Please don’t tell him.”
    “I won’t tell anyone,” I said.
    “Thank you.” She nodded. “I’ll try not to be so annoying from now on.”
    I chuckled. “That would be much appreciated.”
    “So, what’s new with you?”
    I immediately thought of Scott. “Nothing.”
    “I forgot that you’re boring.”
    I glared at her.
    “Sorry,” she said quickly. “It’ll take me some time to work on that.”
    “As long as you’re making progress.”
    Beatriz wrapped her arms around me. “I love you, Janet.”
    “And I love you forever, baby sister.”

8
    When I got off work, I called Hank. He answered on the third ring.
    “Hello?”
    “Hey, it’s Janet.”
    “How are you?” he asked politely.
    “I’m well. How are you?”
    He paused. “I’m okay. What’s up?”
    “I was wondering if I could c ome by and see my nephew.”
    “Oh,” he said. “Of course.”
    “Where does you sister live?”
    “In the city. I’ll text you the address.”
    “Can I come over now?”
    “Yeah,” he said. “I should be there by the time you arrive. But I have to ask something. Is Beatriz with you?”
    “No.”
    “I’m trusting you to be honest with me. She doesn’t know where my sister lives and I don’t want her to.”
    “You have my word.”
    “Thank you,” he said. “I’ll see you soon.”
    We hung up and I headed to the apartment on the other side of town. It was difficult to locate because I’d never been in that district but I found it eventually. After I knocked on the door, Hank answered.
    His tie was undone around his neck and his hair seemed messy. He looked exhausted like he hadn’t slept in