Page 51 of Love By The Falls

“Fine. Meet us at the park next to the school at four. Don’t be late or I won't mention anything about the park and we’ll go straight home.”

“I’ll be there.”

I stand from the bench and scoot over to the edge to get out.

“Are you leaving?” he asks.

“Yes.”

“I thought we could catch up. Since you got a babysitter, we could spend a bit more time together.”

I shake my head. “I’ve got nothing more to say to you.”

I drop cash on the table to pay for my water and a tip. “I’ll see you at four tomorrow.”

I feel Jason’s eyes on my back, and it hits me. This is a full circle moment. The last time we spoke, he walked away from me. I now realize how the tables have turned. Despite this positive reflection, I don’t like the emotions and memories it brings up.

My stomach flips upside down and I cover my mouth to stop from gagging.Oh God!

The fresh air helps settle my stomach and my nerves. I thought getting away from Jason would make me feel better, but my body still strums with nervous energy.

I pull into my driveway ten minutes later and race to open the front door. I drop the keys on the foyer table and rush to the bathroom, where I finally heave the contents of my stomach into the toilet. Once. Twice. And finally, a third time.

I slide along the white-tiled wall and rest my head against the tub.

“Are you okay?” Sage bends down in front of me and puts her hand on my forehead. “You don’t have a fever. You feel clammy and cold.”

I close my eyes. “I don’t feel well.”

“Ugh, your body’s reacting to having to sit and listen to that fool. Come on.”

Sage wraps her arm behind my back and lifts me from the bathroom floor. My head drops onto her shoulder and another wave of nausea runs through me. I press my lips together and make it to my bed with Sage’s help without running back to the toilet.

I kick off my shoes and pull down my pants as Sage removes the decorative pillows from my bed. “There,” she says as she tucks me in. “I’ll bring you some water and check on you later.”

“Thanks, Sage,” I mumble with my eyes closed.

My head pounds at my temples and along the side of my scalp. I didn’t know how I’d react, talking to Jason again. Now I know it’s not good.

He hurt me all those years ago, and I thought I was over it. But seeing him tonight brought all those feelings back. I thought I could focus on the present, but all I feel is anger.

I know I have to see him tomorrow. I just hope I don’t throw up on his white sneakers. Or maybe that wouldn’t be the worst thing.

I smile as the thought gives me more pleasure than it should.

*

The last bell of the day rings and the kids jump out of their seats to grab their jackets in the hallway. “Don’t forget to pick a topic for your science project tonight. We’ll discuss them tomorrow.”

No one responds, but I know they heard me. Savannah giggles at something Danielle says, and the girls hug before Savannah runs off toward her mother.

I grab my purse and walk over to Charlie’s class. “Hey, are you ready?”

Charlie gathers his books, and I turn to Jane. “Everything okay?”

“Yes. Charlie just had a question about the math homework.”

“Should I work with him on it tonight?”

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