The Secret

Angela logged onto her computer and waited for her email inbox to pop up. It was early, just before sunrise and the house was quiet.  She was the first one up this morning. She had rolled right out of bed with tousled hair and wearing an old oversized t-shirt as a night gown. She yawned wishing she had slipped on her slippers to warm up her cold feet. She tapped on her mouse waiting impatiently. Her legs shook restlessly under her desk as a shiver traveled up her spine. The house was chilly, making the wait that much more uncomfortable. After what seemed like 10 excruciating minutes, her inbox was staring her in the face. She scoured her inbox as she did every morning, sifting through junk mail and looking for something important. Usually, she was left disappointed, but this morning was different. She gasped. “Finally!” Angela thought, “I have been waiting weeks for this email.” She took a deep breath and swallowed hard. Her throat felt dry and her temples were throbbing, she needed coffee. This message was too important to open without her morning caffeine fix. She wanted to be wide awake to read THIS message. She quickly closed down her email making sure to log out so that no one could access her email account.

               Angela quietly shuffled to the kitchen in her bare feet, hoping not to wake anyone. With her hands shaking, she carefully filled the coffee pot with fresh water, inserted a clean coffee filter, scooped in her favorite Jamaican Blue Mountain ground coffee and pushed brew. She sighed, leaning against the kitchen counter.  It was early, too early to face the day. As her coffee was percolating, Angela began to pace. “Why didn’t you just open it? What are you afraid of?” Her mind was racing. “What’s the worst that can happen?” She stopped pacing and squeezed the bridge of her nose. She hasn’t slept well in weeks and is exhausted. She has grown too thin from not eating well and her nerves are shot. “I just don’t think I can take any more surprises. I have waited too long for this.” The coffee maker beeped, breaking her trance. Angela went to the cupboard, grabbed her favorite blue coffee mug and filled it three-quarters full. She added two heaping teaspoons of sugar and enough half and half to turn her coffee the color of creamy caramel. She swirled the spoon around and lifted the mug to her lips. “Ah,” she hummed, the smell of coffee is such a comfort, so warm and aromatic. She took a sip and closed her eyes, allowing the coffee to fill all her senses. “Today is a big day. Today is the day you find out the truth you’ve been waiting to hear. You are strong enough to take it, no matter the news. Your secret can only stay hidden for so long, but soon the truth will come out. Soon, they will know.” Feeling a renewed sense of courage after her internal pep talk, Angela took another sip and headed back to her computer.

               Angela sat down in front of her computer. She grabbed the sweater she had draped over the back of her chair and hugged it tight around her shoulders to keep warm. She paused to listen for any footsteps or movement around the house. All was quiet except for the hum of the refrigerator. She quickly logged into her email account and waited, shifting nervously in her chair. Her email account appeared on her screen. It was still there, she had half expected to see it had disappeared, like she had seen something that wasn’t there. She moved her mouse to the message and closed her eyes while she clicked. She counted to ten, and then opened her eyes. She stared at her screen, took a deep breath and began to read.

Hello Angela,

           What a surprise it was to receive your email. I apologize for not responding sooner, but as you can imagine, I was a bit shocked and confused by your message. I needed some time to think about what you were asking and I needed to do a little digging on my end to get some answers. I went through my own Ancestry account and I believe I found some of the answers you are looking for. I will send you some of my findings soon. First of all, I believe we are related and that I know your biological father. His name is Edward Lawrence.  He has a bit of a history, which I hope to fill you in on some day. I know this is all overwhelming for you to find out, especially since you were raised by a man who you believed to be your biological father. Believe me, I was shocked as well. I have learned a lot more information from several relatives and it was truly enlightening. I also found information about your mother and her history as well. I would love to meet for dinner soon to discuss. How do you feel about meeting? I hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,

Your Brother (yes, I’m your brother)

Michael Lawrence

Angela reread the email, just to be sure she hadn’t missed anything. “Brother? I have a brother?” Angela’s heart started racing and she felt faint. “So, it’s true. My parents have been lying to me all these years. Well, maybe not both of my parents, but definitely my mom.” She thought. “Does my “dad” know? Has my mother been lying to him as well? How will they feel when they know I’ve discovered the truth?” Just then she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Jeff, her husband was awake. She quickly logged out of her email account and shut down her computer. She wasn’t ready to tell Jeff. How would he feel when she revealed the news? She needed to think.

Jeff walked in yawning, he was already showered and ready for work. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and said, “Good morning! You’re up extra early.” Angela responded, “I couldn’t sleep and thought I’d get started on some work.” Jeff turned to walk toward the kitchen, then turned back around quickly. “I forgot to mention, your dad called last night. He said he and your mom will meet you for breakfast this morning at 9:00 am.” She nodded in acknowledgment. Her stomach sank, she had forgotten about breakfast.  She stood up and headed up the stairs to get ready. She was going to need more coffee if she was going to face her parents. Today, she decided, she will be strong and face the truth. Today, she will expose her mother’s secret.