Page 18 of Aftersome
I wanted to be optimistic. I really did, but I was prepared for a battle.
“You don’t have to do this for us, we already had planned a trip to go out there for one of his games,” Greg went to say as he peered down at Shelia. “I just… I don’t want you to feel like we’re putting this on you…”
“I don’t feel like that. I promise you, I don’t. If anything, I feel like it’s something I need to do. Not just for you both, but for myself too. And Hayes.” My eyes felt heavy, like a floodgate had opened and every emotion I had held back came rushing out. My heart throbbed. “He wouldn’t want this. He wouldn’t want Mal to be distant for you guys.”
They both then looked over at me. Fresh tears now staining their cheeks.
“Wren…” Greg released Shelia and soon they were both approaching me.
“Please,” I pleaded. “Please let me do this for you.”
My eyes began to water and in seconds, I was pulled into Greg’s arms, his tight embrace giving me the answer I needed.
“Thank you,” he whispered, and as if he knew Shelia needed a hug, he released his hold as Shelia threw her arms around me.
“We love you,” she softly cried into my hair. “So much, sweetheart.”
Then closing my eyes, I reveled in this moment before I’d finally have to face my past.
5
WREN
“Iowe you one, Kate.” I wiped at my sweaty brow as I stared down at the three full bags of clothes and essentials I had packed.
“No, you don’t. I’d do anything for you, you know that,” she responded, pulling a smile from me.
“Yeah, well, if you ever need anything, you let me know.”
I rose to my feet and looked around my tiny living room for any forgotten items. Then once I concluded that I had everything I needed, I sauntered into my kitchen where took a seat on my table.
“I will.” Kate sighed. “Now, hurry up and get here, I miss you.”
Laughing, I swung my legs as my feet dangled just above the floor.
“I miss you too,” I said. “And I’ll be there tomorrow. Late tomorrow.”
“Good, I’ll be waiting. Just let me know when you leave and give me updates along the way so I know you’re okay.”
“I will.” I chuckled.
Still the same worried Kate.
Saying our goodbyes, I set my phone down once we hung up, then hopped off the table. I had one last thing I needed to do today. Though, for some reason, I was dreading it like most things lately. I knew I had to do it.
Still in my ratty, lounge clothes, I quickly fixed my ponytail and headed outside toward Alice’s house. On this beautiful, sunny day, of course I found her outside once again watering her plants.
“Don’t you think those plants have enough water?” I laughed while climbing up the stairs of her front porch. Dressed in her favorite matching purple outfit, her short curls were covered with a ball cap. She looked cute today.
Better than me.
“It’s always better to have more than not enough,” she responded without looking at me. Crouched down low, she tipped her watering can over the last plant, then slowly lifted herself up with the assistance of the porch railing.
“Can’t argue with you there.” I leaned back against the banister and crossed my arms over my chest. “You have any plans today?”
“When do I ever have plans?” She chuckled while taking slow steps over to her chair before dropping herself into it. A deep, tired-like sigh escaped from her mouth and her eyes finally found mine. “I’m guessing you don’t have plans either.”
Wow.
