Free Halversham by RS Anthony Page A

feeling?”
    She smiled. “I’m fine.” She wiped her hands on a kitchen towel. “Listen, I’m sorry about last night. It shouldn’t have happened, I agree, but it doesn’t happen all the time. I promise it isn’t as serious as it seems.”
    Andy wanted to say a lot of things to her. He wanted to tell her that it was serious. That she should do something about it. That he couldn’t keep bullying her. That her silence would only encourage him to get more violent. And then one day, it might get so bad that she didn’t survive. But he kept quiet.
    “Mr. Doyne ordered some buns for breakfast. Can you help deliver them?”
    “Sure.”
    “Do you know the way? Want me to wake Corrine up?”
    “No, that’s okay. I know where Mr. Doyne lives,” he said, a bit too desperately.
    “Good.” Aunt Magda handed him a brown bag full of warm buns.
    “Just Mr. Doyne? No one else?”
    “Yes. I couldn’t…” she stammered and massaged the back of her neck. “I wasn’t up to baking a lot of stuff this morning. I’m still… a little sore.”
    “I understand.” Andy nodded. “Dad called a few minutes ago. He sends his love to you.”
    “You didn’t tell him anything, did you?” Her eyes were round and anxious.
    “No, I didn’t.”
    She breathed easy and closed her eyes. “Thanks.” Andy stared out the window, and Aunt Magda caught his forlorn eyes. “What’s the matter?”
    “What?”
    “You look sad. What’s wrong?”
    Andy sighed. “Nothing. It’s just... I don't understand my dad sometimes. He doesn’t care about anyone or anything but his business. He wasn’t even there when my mom slipped away, did you know that?” Aunt Magda shook her head. “And he didn’t mind it. He went straight to business the minute they buried her. He didn’t care that my birthday was coming up when he decided to leave town again. It’s been years since I celebrated my birthday with him.” Aunt Magda watched Andy’s face as he poured his heart out. “And then right before he dropped me off the other day, he asked me to make a list of places I’d like to go with him on vacation when he returns. Now he calls me every two days when he’s never called before.”
    Aunt Magda took a deep breath and rubbed her nephew’s back. “Maybe he’s trying to change.”
    “It’s too late for that. And I’ll never believe him if he says so.”
    Aunt Magda sighed. “Andy, your father has never been good at showing his feelings. He’s a hard man raised in a harsh environment. But he loved your mother very much and he loves you. I know that much. If he’s reaching out to you, and it sounds like he is, then you must bury the past and give him a chance.”
    It was Andy’s turn to sigh. “I don’t think I can anymore. He’s disappointed me and Mom way too many times.”
    “I know. But you can’t let it fester inside you. Just enjoy your father’s attention when he’s willing to give it, and things will eventually get better. I promise.”
    Andy nodded reluctantly, picked up the delivery for Mr. Doyne, and left. His aunt didn’t get it, but it wasn’t worth debating over especially when he had other things to think about. Two days ago, he had been glad he had the option of coming to Halversham instead of staying alone in the city, wallowing over his dead mother. He thought Halversham would remind him of the happy memories he and his mother had once shared. And just two days ago, he thought the town hadn’t changed at all. Boy, was he wrong.
    Now he wasn’t sure what he’d do in Halversham for the rest of his time here. Leaving town was an option, but he had promised Aunt Magda he’d try and help Corrine. And he had promised his father he’d look out for Aunt Magda. After last night, he was stoked to put an end to the way Uncle Matt treated his aunt. Only problem was, he didn’t know how. Corrine, on the other hand, probably needed professional help, which he was sure the family wouldn’t be able to afford. Should