More Than I Can Bear by E.N. Joy Page A

true?” Mr. Robinson asked, almost heartbroken.
    This really wasn’t how Paige wanted her parents to find out about her marriage to Norman. She wanted them to hear it from her own mouth. She never thought in a million years her mother would notice the rings and put two and two together.
    â€œYes, Dad, it’s true.” This was hard enough. Paige didn’t find a need to delay the inevitable truth by beating around the bush or trying to explain their action before confirming it. “Norman and I were married yesterday.”
    Mrs. Robinson threw both Paige’s and Norman’s hands away like they were trash. She then stormed back off into the kitchen.
    Paige threw her hand on her forehead. “No, no, no. This isn’t how this was supposed to happen.” Paige shook her head as her eyes filled with tears. She’d shed more tears in the last month than she had her entire life. She was surprised the well hadn’t run dry. “My relationship with Mom was going so well after years of being so dysfunctional.”
    â€œCome on, baby girl.” Mr. Robinson took Paige into his arms.
    â€œOh, Daddy.” Paige began to cry.
    â€œNow, now. It’s not that serious. Sure your mother is a little shocked right now. But she’ll get over it. Don’t look at this as a setback, but just something else you and your mother can get through together. Probably just God testing y’all’s relationship again.” He took Paige by her arms and looked at her in the eyes. “Now why don’t you go mosey off into the kitchen and pass that test?”
    Paige sniffed and nodded.
    â€œAnd I’ll stay out here and have a little chat with my . . . son-in-law.” Mr. Robinson gave Norman the side eye. Norman gave off a nervous grin that only lasted about two seconds before his face went straight again.
    â€œYeah, you’re right,” Paige said with confidence as she straightened herself up, wiping the tears from her eyes. She turned to face Norman. “I’ll be right back. I need to go talk with my mom. Do you mind?”
    â€œOh, not at all,” Norman assured her. “I’ll be waiting right here when you get back.” He then hinted at Mr. Robinson, “Alive and well.”
    â€œOkay,” Paige said as she walked away and into the kitchen, leaving Norman and her father alone.
    There was awkward silence for a moment as the two men watched Paige disappear into the kitchen. Then finally Norman looked over to his father-in-law and said, “Nice Ralph Lauren polo you’re wearing there, Mr. Robinson.” No verbal response was received. Just a look that let Norman know this conversation didn’t appear as if it was going to be any easier than the one Paige was about to engage in with her mother.

Chapter Eleven
    When Paige entered the kitchen she saw her mother setting the table. Back and forth her mother went as if Paige weren’t even standing there right in front of her.
    â€œAre you going to pretend that I’m not here?” Paige finally asked her mother.
    â€œNo, just waiting on you to say something. Unless you don’t think you owe me an explanation.” Mrs. Robinson stood still with her hands on her hips. “What were you thinking running off and getting married before the ink on your divorce papers is even dry?” She let out a tsk, shook her head, and walked over to the stove, where she proceeded to take pots and pans of food over to the table.
    Paige began to help and allow her mother to continue her rant. She owed her that much as to let her voice her discontent.
    â€œThen you marry someone who your parents haven’t even met. People hide things and people for a reason.” Her mother paused and her jaw dropped. “Oh my Lord. Was Blake’s accusations more than accusations? Have you been having an affair with that man all this time?”
    â€œMother! How could you think such a thing? I