“You told me your mother raised them.”
Kayla forced a
laugh.
“You know how complicated families are. Sometimes I simplify things.”
Graham didn’t smile.
That was the first crack.
It would not be the last.
Part 7 — The Family Kayla Had Invented
What happened next surprised all three of us.
Graham’s children were lovely.
Not suspicious.
Not cruel.
Not snobbish.
His eldest daughter, Allison, hugged Jennifer and Lizzie the moment she realized who they were.
“I can’t believe you’re finally here!”
Jennifer stiffened slightly.
“Finally?”
“We’ve heard about you forever.”
Kayla stepped closer.
“Allison, why don’t we—”
But Lizzie was already asking the question.
“What exactly did you hear?”
Allison looked confused.
“Everything. Your visits. Birthdays. School. College.”
Jennifer’s expression hardened.
“College?”
“Yes. Kayla was upset when both of you became distant after leaving for college.”
Lizzie blinked.
“We haven’t left college.”
Allison’s smile disappeared.
