Free The Edge of Forever by Melissa E. Hurst Page A

my books on the small table to my left. I extract a donut from the bakery bag and take a bite.
    Aunt Grace gives me a disapproving look. “Don’t eat another one. I’ll have supper ready in about a half hour. Shrimp, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies, and chocolate cake for dessert.”
    “That sounds good, but why are you cooking so much?” There are way more potatoes than Aunt Grace and I can eat.
    “Because, my dear, we have a guest,” she says, beaming at me. “Now can you take up those shrimp before they burn?”
    “And you invited him to supper?”
    “Yes. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to show a little extra hospitality tonight.”
    I scoop the shrimp out and drop them on a paper towel-lined plate. “So, how long is the mystery guest staying? Long enough to pay some serious cash I hope.”
    “He’s supposed to leave on Sunday, but he said he might stay longer if he gets another assignment around here. He’s a photographer for a magazine in Atlanta, so be extra nice. We might get some free advertising out of this.”
    I allow myself to smile. That’s good news for once.
    After I polish off my donut, I ask, “Do you need me to do anything else?”
    “Yes. Frost the cake.”
    Aunt Grace has a bowl of homemade frosting on the center island resting next to the cake. I grab the spatula and start spreading the chocolate goo across the bottom layer. We both work quietly for a while. I watch her, noting how relaxed she seems. Maybe I should strike while she’s obviously in a good mood.
    “Aunt Grace, I need to ask you something,” I say, placing the spatula back in the bowl.
    “Uh oh, that sounds serious.”
    “Well, it’s been so long since I moved in with you and I’m so grateful for you taking me in, but I was wondering if you—”
    Aunt Grace shakes her head. “I can see where this is heading a mile away and the answer is still no.”
    “But you don’t know what I was going to ask.”
    “Oh, I’m sure it’s the usual ‘Why did my parents leave me?’ Am I right?” Her face is grim as she attacks the bowl of potatoes, slicing them into thick strips.
    “Yeah, but I thought you would be willing to tell me what really happened now, since I’m older.”
    “I’ve told you a million times I don’t know what happened. Your dad dropped you off and you were unconscious. He said there had been an accident and he needed you to stay here while he took care of things. He didn’t have time to answer all of my questions. And that’s the last time I saw him.”
    “But don’t you think that’s weird? That he shows up, dumps me off, and leaves without any explanation?”
    Aunt Grace slams the knife on the counter and faces me. “I don’t understand why you’re asking all these questions now. It’s been a long time since you’ve brought it up.”
    “I need to know the truth.”
    “Why don’t you let it go? Whatever happened must’ve been bad if you can’t even remember.”
    A sick sensation makes my stomach heave. I force myself to breathe slowly a few times before I speak. “I just don’t understand why you don’t want to help me remember. I know I’ve got the memories up here somewhere,” I say, tapping the side of my head. “Please.”
    Her face softens. “Sweetie, it’s more complicated than that. My brother would’ve never left you like he did without a good reason. Whatever happened to y’all must’ve been awful. And because of that, I’d rather you not remember. And besides, kids forget things all the time. I can’t remember half the things I did last week, much less when I was young.”
    “But this is not normal. I can’t even remember what my own mother looks like.”
    “Drop it, Alora. I’m done with this discussion.”
    “You’re not being fair,” I shout. “I’m not a porcelain doll. I won’t break. I need answers.”
    “I’m sorry. I can’t,” she whispers.
    “No,” I say, hating how my voice quivers. “You won’t .”
    My head feels like it could shatter