adult. He should’ve known better.”
“Why didn’t you ask me?” I continued.
“Because you would’ve said no.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Mom, you won’t even drive down Grandpa’s street.”
Before I could defend myself, Nathan went on.
“Last month, I asked what Dad was like when he was my age. You told me to take out the trash.”
The memory of handing him the garbage bag came back immediately.
“You were busy,” he said. “You’re always busy when I ask about Dad.”
I pulled out a chair and faced him. Whatever my failures, the lies still needed consequences.
“You’re staying home next weekend. No sleepovers until we rebuild some trust.”
He accepted that with a nod.
“And tomorrow, I’m going to your grandfather’s house.”
“You’re actually going there?”
“Yes. I want to see what you’ve been doing.”
Tears returned to his eyes.
“Then maybe you’ll understand why I couldn’t stop.”
***
That afternoon, I entered Frank’s home for the first time in three years. He greeted me at the entrance.
“Laura, I’m sorry.”
“You let two mothers believe their sons were somewhere else for eight weekends. You could have put an end to that immediately, Frank.”
“Nathan asked me not to tell you.”
“He’s sixteen. You’re the adult, Frank. You should’ve known better!”
He looked at the floor.
“I thought I was helping him.”
“You could’ve helped him without lying. There won’t be another visit without our permission. And no more overnight stays until you’ve earned back our trust.”
Frank quietly agreed. Denise was also there, accompanied by Cole, to retrieve the equipment he’d left behind.
“Cole wanted to tell us three weeks ago. Nathan convinced him not to.”
I turned toward the boys.
“That wasn’t fair to Cole, Nathan.”
Nathan nodded, ashamed.
“I know. I’m sorry. But, Mom, there’s something
