When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 9

As Brody and Sheila chatted quietly in the hallway, Carrie shuffled out in her pajamas, rubbing her eyes. She looked up at them, her face clouded with disappointment. “Daddy…”

Brody crouched down, his tone warm but teasing. “What’s wrong? You watched movies all night and you’re still not happy?” He reached out and pinched her cheek, trying to coax a smile from her.

Carrie just shook her head, lips pressed together. She honestly couldn’t say what was wrong. On paper, everything should have been perfect. She’d gotten her little revenge on Mom, and she’d spent the evening with Ms. Olson, her favorite person in the world.

But… none of it felt good. Not really.

Nelly hadn’t reacted at all. There wasn’t a single call. No worried texts. All night, Carrie had kept her phone close, checking it every few minutes, waiting for her mom to reach out. Nothing. She’d even listened when Brody was on the phone outside, hoping maybe he was talking to Nelly about her. Still, nothing.

Usually, if Carrie was at a friend’s house, Nelly would pick her up herself, no matter how late it got. Even if she stayed over, Nelly always called or messaged to check in. Tonight, though, it was like she didn’t even exist.

Maybe Mom really didn’t care about her.

Carrie’s heart twisted. Trying to push the feeling away, she looked over at Sheila. “Ms. Olson, my daddy really likes you. Can you be my mommy?” Her voice was small but hopeful. “If you were my mommy, I’d be happy all the time.”

Her words left both Sheila and Brody stunned. Sheila’s eyes widened, and she quickly looked down. “Carrie, that’s so sweet, and it makes me happy you think of me that way… but…”

Brody cut in, his voice suddenly serious. “Carrie, you’re not acting like yourself tonight.” The warmth drained from his face, and the intensity of his stare made Carrie shrink back.

He scooped her up and carried her toward the guest room. Sheila moved to follow, but Brody stopped her with a glance. “I’ll take care of her. You should get some rest.”

Once the door closed behind them, Brody sat on the edge of the bed and pulled Carrie onto his lap. He took her hand, his voice gentle. “Talk to me. What’s really going on?”

Carrie’s cheeks burned, but she shook her head, silent.

“You don’t want to go home. Is it because of mom?”

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