Page 100 of My Ex's Best Friend

I pick out all the dresses that I think I'll still be able to fit in as I swell.

"I'll pack away the rest of the clothes in boxes when you're gone. I’ll ship everything to you."

I look around the apartment. I don't want to say goodbye to this place right away. Just then, something occurs to me. "But just because I'm moving out doesn't mean you have to leave, as well."

"What do you mean?"

"You like working at the Boston office, right?" I say.

She nods. "Yeah, my colleagues here are much friendlier."

"And you've got this date..." I trail off.

"Hardly," she says, frowning a little. "But what are you saying?"

"You can stay in this apartment while I'm gone. The lease doesn't expire for another two years. They won't refund me if I back out right now, and I think this apartment is a steal deal. I don't want to get rid of it right away."

"But I won't be staying here for free," Ellie says.

"I can sub-let it to you," I tell her. "Problem solved. You just need to make the decision."

Ellie bites her lip. "Are you sure?"

"Positive. I want you to stay here while I'm gone."

Her mouth slowly curves up. "I think it would be great."

I smile as I hug her. "I think so too."

***

The next day, I say goodbye to Ellie, pack my stuff into a car and set off for my hometown. It’s a six-hour ride, and Ellie insisted that she come drop me home, but she had an important presentation. And I really needed the time alone.

I know I’m not really saying goodbye to Boston, but the city has all my heart. It gave me some of the most important milestones of my life, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities.

The sun is almost setting by the time I pull up to my parents’ driveway. My stomach is knotted with nerves. I didn’t tell them that I’m coming home, so it’s going to be a surprise for them.

Mom comes out of the door, peeking down the driveway curiously.

As soon as she sees my car, her eyes light up.

I look up at my childhood home. It’s a one-storied matchbox that my parents built on their own.

I slowly step out of the car. I’m not showing yet, so my parents won’t know right away.

Dad comes out right after Mom. “Kie?” he says. “What’s up?”

“Why didn’t you tell us that you were coming?” Mom says. She’s the first one to reach me. “We would have picked you up from the airport.”

“I drove here,” I tell her.

She frowns. “Why? I know you’re always penny pinching when it comes to your comfort, but really, Kiera, you have such a good job.”

“What your Mom means to say is—” Dad interrupts. “We’re both proud of where you are at your career.”

I cannot rein in my emotions in. I run straight into his arms, sobbing.

Dad catches me in his arms. “What’s wrong, kid?”

---