"Brian!" Jackie exclaimed running out of the house and hugging him.
"Hi mom," he smiled. "It's good to be home."
"It's wonderful to have you home. How long are you here for?"
"A week. Then it's back to work in Florida."
"Well then, we'll have to make the best of this week." Jackie picked up one of his bags and started towards the house. Brian followed her to his room where she put the bag on his bed. "I am so glad you're finally back home. I've missed you so much."
"Thanks mom," Brian said. "I've missed you too."
"No problem. I'm making lasagna for supper tonight. It'll be ready in forty-five minutes, but I forgot the garlic bread."
"I'll go get some. I've been sitting for too long, I need to get up and do something." So Brian walked to the grocery store downtown. It took a lot longer than normal, though, because people kept stopping him and talking. The whole town knew that he was in a group that was exploding overseas and they were "so proud." When Brian was finally able to start home, he took a detour so he could stop by Rebecca's house. However, when he got there, he was in for a big surprise.
Her house, which had been brown and falling apart, was now painted white and was all fixed up. There was a white fence around the yard and a swingset under the tree Rebecca had used to climb out of her bedroom window. A young couple was outside with a small child. Brian's heart pounded in his ears and he took off for his house.
"Mom! Mom!" he yelled as he threw the door open so hard that it hit the wall and slammed shut in his face. Brian opened the door again and ran into the ktichen where his mom was putting things away. "Mom!"
"What?" she said without looking at him.
"What happened to Rebecca's house? Where is she?" Jackie froze. "Mom? What's wrong?"
"Oh, Brian," she said, turning to look at him with sadness in her eyes. "You didn't know?"
"Know what?" Brian narrowed his eyes. "Where is she?"
"The police found out that her mother was dealing drugs. They busted her and took Rebecca." Brian recoiled as if he'd been slapped. "I don't know where she is, but..." Jackie opened a drawer and pulled out a small envelope, "I know she's okay. You should probably have this." She handed Brian the envelope. He pulled out the contents. It was a small folded piece of paper. He unfolded it and a picture fell into his hand. It was Rebecca on a porch swing. Brian put the picture on the counter and read the paper.
I know I'm not supposed to tell people where I am since they think seperating me from my past is the best way to be sure I have a good chance of moving on, so I won't. But I just wanted to let you know that I'm okay and I miss you all. I wish I could come back. I want to come home, but I can't. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Thanks for always being there for me and for helping me become strong enough to get through this. I love you all. -Rebecca.
"This can't be happening," Brian whispered.
"Oh baby, I'm sorry," Jackie said, pulling her son into a hug. "I wish there was something I could do."
"It's just that I never got to say goodbye. She wouldn't let me. At least now she's safe." Brian pulled away from his mom and picked up the picture. "Are you sure you're gonna let me have this?"
"Yes, Brian. It's yours."
Brian took the picture to his room and set it on his desk. All the years Brian had kept Rebecca's secrets so she could stay and what good had it done? None. She was gone and there was nothing he could do about it. But if she was moving on, then he could too. He'd move on, but he'd never forget.
"I miss her," Brian said to himself. "I hope she's happy. She deserves to be happy."