Chapter 11
"What about when you let mom go to prison for killing Skye because she hurt your feelings, then?" Noah asked a little bit later, arms crossed defiantly.
"Noah…" Sharon warned.
But Adam waved her off. "It's okay, Sharon."
"I was incredibly hurt and angry when I threw that memory card into the river. And I have no excuse for it. When I feel hurt, I lash out without thinking about how it affects other people."
"Obviously," Noah snorted. "We've all suffered because of your hurt feelings. You always say you're sorry and that you regret your actions, yet you repeat them. You never learn, Adam."
"I have," Adam stated. "This time is different."
"Haven't you said that before? How is 'this time' going to be any different than the last?"
"Because I want it for myself, not to fit in, win your mother's love, or to make up for the past. Holding onto resentment and old slights is exhausting and I'm tired. I can't do it anymore."
"I'll believe it when I see it."
"I'm okay with that, Noah. I don't expect instant redemption in your eyes or anyone else's. But the benefit of the doubt would be nice."
"I'll consider it. For my mom's sake, not for yours."
"That's all I ask."
After that, the cabin grew quiet, which was fine by him. It had been a long day and an even longer night.
As draining as it was to have to rehash the past with Noah and Faith, it was cathartic for him to be able to finally share his side of the baby switch story with the people who mattered the most.
Whatever happened next was going to happen.
But, for the first time in his life, he felt optimistic that he could truly begin to move on from his past.