Page 159 of Debts and Desires
“Yes, Em. I’m sure. I want you here.”
“I have to get ready and I’ll be on my way. I’ll try to text when I leave.”
“I’ll see you then. I love you, Emo. Be safe.”
When I pulled the phone away, I could see all the notifications again. I took a moment, taking deep breaths before opening my texts.
Carter
Baby, please answer your phone.
Please, Em.
Talk to me. What happened?
???
I love you. Please come back.
There were many variations of the same message, all pleading to come back, to answer him, to call him back. I considered it only a moment, before putting anything to do with him on silent. I couldn’t bring myself to block him, though I knew I really should’ve. I was better off… right?
With a sigh, I stood, forcing myself to leave the temporary protection of the guest room. I made sure, first, that I couldn’t hear them opening presents. I didn’t want to intrude upon their family time. The smell of food hit my nose as I wheeled my suitcase behind me.
Cassie had made breakfast, not wanting any arguments about me eating before I left. I simply smiled and sat, grateful for the gesture. Breakfast was a reprieve from everything, as if it were just a Christmas morning.
Tyler came back in, announcing he’d moved my car back out. He even filled it up with some of the gas he had for the mower, just to help me out some. I could’ve cried again, but I didn’t. I told him he didn’t have to do that. He responded, “I didn’t, but I wanted to.” He grabbed my suitcase and took it out for me. Cass and I followed.
“I’m sorry to ruin your Christmas,” I offered. “Probably the worst one, yet.”
“You didn’t ruin it,” Cassie laughed. “Tyler did that three years ago.Thatwas the worst one yet.”
“I made up for it,” Ty said defensively. “Plus, you started it.” Cass ignored him.
“No. It was you.” The two of them went back and forth just as something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention.
On the stairs laid a few yellow flowers wilting. They weren’t buttercups, but they resonated with me. Something so beautiful had been plucked, moved from its home, and now slowly wilted away.
“Em?” I look back up at Cass, who gave a soft smile. “If you need anything, ever, reach out. Let us know when you get there safe, please.”
“I will,” I promised. Cass gave me a hug.
“I’m sorry for our… rough start. But I’m glad we got past it. I’m gonna miss you, Em.”
“Me, too, Cass.” We pulled away.
“And remember us when you make it big,” she added. I laughed.
“I will.”
“I want credit,” Ty said as he gave me a hug, too. “For your fame.” I laughed again.
“I’ll make sure everyone knows. I’ll send them to Pete’s.” Ty chuckled as he pulled away.
“That’s all I ask. Be safe, Em.”
After saying goodbye and thanking them again I was on the road. My head was clear. Well, as clear as expected. I turned up the radio and sang, ignoring each and every agonizing thought swept in.
I arrivedat Mia’s an hour later. She greeted me with open arms and a bottle of wine. Mia listened, not saying anything, as I told hereverything. About our deal, about how he’d messed with my car not thinking it’d go that way, about what Cassie said. About how I wasn’t sure if I really loved him anymore, even though I knew I did. I always would.
