Meanwhile, Ally was sitting in the main room looking through a picture book, which had been sent to her by her brother Cody. As she paged through picture after picture of her family before her father had been sentence to life in prison for the murders of four of his co-workers, tears began to silently stream down her face. She reverted her attention from the open book and stared off into space. She was shocked out of her state by the opening of a creaky door. She heard footsteps in the hallway behind her but she didn’t bother turning around.
“You’re still up?” Ally could recognize the voice instantaneously. It was Nick.
“Couldn’t sleep,” she answered shortly.
There was an awkward silence. “You okay?” Nick asked.
“I was gonna ask you the same question.” Ally said as she shut the picture book.
“Why is that?” Nick asked as he reached out for the picture book. Ally moved her hands to keep Nick from getting the book, but she was too late. In seconds, he was holding the book and taking the seat next to Ally on the couch. He began scanning through the pictures and there was more silence.
Ally left Nick’s question unanswered. She watched as he paged through the book, searching the faces as if trying to find a familiar one.
“Is that your mom?” Nick asked pointing to the picture of a woman holding a small child.
“Yeah,” Ally answered.
“Then is that you?” Nick asked.
“No, that’s my sister Lisa.” The silence engulfed the two of them as Nick continued to look through the pictures. Finally he stopped at a picture of the entire Parker family.
“How long ago was this picture taken. You look like you are 10.” Nick half smiled.
“I was 14 thank you very much,” Ally said as she lightly poked Nick in the ribs. “Which means that it was taken about five years ago.”
Nick looked at the man in the picture who was holding Lisa on his shoulders. From the smile on his face, it seemed impossible that he could be in jail. He looked so kind and gentle and loving. Nick closed the book and put it back on Ally’s lap.
He noticed that Ally was staring at the floor. “Nick,” she started. “I’m going to be honest with you. As stupid as this sounds, my father is not dead. Three years ago, my father was convicted of the murders of four people and sentenced to life in prison. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you before. It’s kinda like the Ryan thing…I was scared of what you would think.”
Nick swallowed hard and the realization of what he had just heard.
Nick looked in Ally’s eyes as they welded up with tears. He put his arms around her. “I’m sorry,” Nick whispered. He held her until she fell asleep with her head resting on his shoulder. As the scent of her skin washed over him, Nick could feel himself slipping deeper and deeper in love.
Chapter Sixteen
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