Page 33 of Keeping Skylar
She takes my hands and holds them in hers. “Honey, you can stay here for as long as you need to, okay.”
I nod and give her a weak smile. “Honestly, I don’t think I can go back to him after tonight. Just the thought of him makes my skin crawl. I might have to leave here sooner than I planned.”
“You want to leave now?” Kirstin asks, her face clouding with confusion.
“I’m thinking of leaving tomorrow while Kaden’s at work.”
“Will that be enough time for you to pack everything? Didn’t you mention that your apartment won’t be ready for another week or so?”
“I’ve got enough savings to pay for a hotel until the apartment is ready. As for packing, I’ll only be bringing the essentials such as clothes, shoes, bags, important documents, and other things I don’t share with Kaden. Anything that can’t fit in my car, will stay behind.”
“Wow, did you just come up with that on the spot?”
I nod. “I did. And it makes sense. I’m ready to go. I’ve got my own place and a job waiting for me. Staying here is just delaying the inevitable. But I’d need your help, if I want to get out of the house before Kaden returns home tomorrow.”
“Babe, you know I’m always here to help.”
“I’m glad to hear that, because there’s one last favour I need to ask you.”
“What is it?”
We spend the next hour mapping out a solid plan for how tomorrow will unfold.
Kirstin and I run through it again with Mila over the phone, who’s also offered to help. Once the plan is firmly etched in our memory, we decide to wrap things up for the night. The last thing left to do is send Kaden a quick text before heading to bed.
Me:Hey, just letting you know I won’t be coming home tonight. We all got a little too drunk and didn’t feel safe going home in an Uber by ourselves. I didn’t want to bother you because I know you have an early start tomorrow, so, I’m just going to crash at Kirstin’s tonight. I’ll be home first thing in the morning : )
Fifteen minutes later, I receive a text from him.
Kaden:Babe, I hope this doesn’t become a recurring thing. You know how I feel about you staying out all night. But since I care about your safety, I’ll let tonight slide. Take it easy at Kirstin’s, and I’ll see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams xoxo
Sweet dreams to you, arsehole!
CHAPTER 14
Skylar
Today’s the day. The day of the big move.
My bedroom looks as though it’s just been ransacked by a gang of thieves, with items scattered across every surface. We spent most of the morning trying to cram as many items as possible into suitcases and storage containers. I’ve probably packed enough bags to start my very own thrift store.
After playing Tetris with the bags and containers, we managed to fit all my belongings into my medium-sized SUV, with a little room to spare. It was a huge effort, but we finally got there.
We’ve been packing since eight this morning, and now it’s just past noon. The growling in our stomachs is a clear reminder that it’s been hours since we last ate—and that it’s probably time for a break. So, we all agree to stop and quickly grab a bite to eat. Besides, all that’s left now is to clean up the trail of mess we’ve left around the house.
I had no choice but to call in sick this morning so I could pack and move while Kaden was at the office. It was now or never. By Monday, the school will have received my resignation in their inbox, and I’ll be already settled into a hotel in Melbourne. Just the thought of it brings a wave of excitement through me.
We dig into the sandwiches and fruit platter I prepared earlier, fuelling up for the final hour of cleaning ahead.
As we sit around the dining table eating, I turn to my girls and grin, my smile conveying how deeply grateful I am for both ofthem. “Thank you so much for your help, ladies. I don’t think I could’ve done this all on my own. It means the world to me.”
“Of course, honey. You should know us by now. We’ll drop everything to come help you,” Kirstin assures me.
Mila sets her sandwich on her plate and places her hand over mine. “I still can’t believe you’re leaving. I’m feeling a mix of emotions right now. I’m excited that you’re finally pursuing your freedom and happiness, but I’m also sad that you won’t be just around the corner anymore,” she says, her eyes welling with unshed tears.
“Oh, Mila, please don’t cry. I might not be in the same city—or even the same state, but I promise, if you ever need me, I’ll be on the first flight back.” I thread my fingers through hers, offering her a warm smile.
“And besides, Milz,” Kirstin interjects, “I’m only a phone call away if you ever want to chat or get blind drunk again.”
