Stitches in Time Read Online Free

stubborn person I know. People make mistakes. People have flaws. We all do. But holding on to so much anger and resentment doesn’t make life easier. It makes you a bitter and unhappy person. Cut her some slack. She only wants to be a small part of your life. Just remember... she’s not getting younger.”
    I stabbed a piece of tomato. “Oh, so now you’re making me feel guilty because she’s getting older. Should I just forget that she chose to leave my father and me?”
    â€œI hate fighting with you over this. I really do. I’m just saying maybe the time has come to take a deep breath, try to get along with her, and see where it all goes.”
    I knew I was being difficult. But I also knew that the way I felt was a result of many years of hurt, and I wasn’t sure our relationship could ever be fixed.

Chapter 4
    P etra and I were having coffee the following morning when Haley wandered into the kitchen. It was only nine, so I was surprised to see that she was already showered and dressed.
    â€œYou’re up early,” I said. “Eager to get to Ormond Beach?”
    â€œI was out running at six,” was all she said as she headed to the fridge for juice.
    Sometimes I found it hard to believe that she was no longer the toddler who had been so attached to me, sharing all her thoughts, and looking to me for guidance and advice. My daughter had grown into a very attractive young woman who at fourteen was already showing signs of the independent adult she would become. The pink streaks in her hair were proof of that.
    â€œAre we still leaving at ten?” she asked.
    â€œYes. It’s a ninety-minute drive, and I told Chloe we’d be there in time for lunch.”
    Haley finished the juice and reached for a peach from the fruit bowl on the counter.
    â€œOkay, well, I’m going across the street to say good-bye to Liz. Did you mean it when you said she can come visit us in Ormond Beach?”
    â€œYes, of course,” I assured her. “Petra has promised to come and visit when we get our own place and maybe she’ll bring Liz with her.”
    â€œOkay. I’ll be back in a little while.”
    I saw the smile on Petra’s face.
    â€œWhat?” I questioned.
    â€œI just can’t get over how fast she’s growing. It seems like yesterday I was visiting you in the hospital after she was born.”
    â€œYup. I was just thinking how close we were when she was younger. But everything changed a couple years ago when her grandfather died and her father left.”
    â€œIt’s been a tough time for her, but she’s a good kid, Isabelle. I think moving to Ormond Beach will be good for both of you. She likes Chloe a lot and she loved visiting there last summer. Most teenage girls go through trying to separate from their moms. It’s almost a rite of passage, to prove we’re our own person and not an extension of our mothers.”
    â€œHmm, well, I didn’t have the opportunity to do that, so I’m not familiar with this particular phase.” I heard the sarcasm that tinged my words. “My mother did that for me. She was the one who chose to separate from me.”
    â€œAny word from Roger?” Petra asked, clearly wanting to change the subject.
    â€œHe called last week. Wanted to wish us well on the move and to be sure I was okay financially.”
    â€œBe grateful for that. At least you won’t be struggling to pay for a new house. Roger always did look out for you and Haley.”
    She was right, but being rejected for somebody else had a way of creating bitterness that wasn’t always buffered by money.
    Shortly after ten, the three of us stood in Petra’s driveway exchanging hugs and weepy good-byes. I loved spending time with her and was glad we’d now be living much closer.
    I backed out of the driveway, and looked back to see Petra waving and then lifting her hand to her ear, reminding me to call