Page 114 of Make Me Trust Again
But she’s not looking at the mail. She’s looking at me.
Mom takes me in slowly as if she’s seeing me for the very first time. Maybe she is. “We have to talk about this.”
“There is nothing more to talk about.” I shake my head and take a step back. “I’ll call Kyle later.”
“He’ll probably crash after the zoo,” she points out.
I suck in a breath, trying to keep my annoyance at bay. “Okay, then I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
Turning around, I hurry out to my car and slide into the driver’s seat, tossing my stuff next to me. The door shuts after me with a loudthud, the sound echoing in the quiet cabin. My hands are shaking, so I tighten my grip around the steering wheel as I start the car and pull out of the driveway. The image of my mom standing in the doorway reflects in the rearview mirror.
I hate that I snapped like that at her, hate that I let her see me so weak. She and Dad have a good marriage. They like John, that’s undeniable, but a big part of the reason I didn’t want to tell her about the real situation between John and me was because I didn’t want to seem like a failure to my parents.
I let out a shaky breath when I pull in front of the cottage, tilting my head against the headrest for a moment.
Breathe.
Just— breathe.
I allow myself a few seconds to compose myself before I uncurl my fingers and open my eyes, my gaze falling to the mail on the passenger’s seat. One particular envelope catches my eye—the one that is bigger than the rest of them.
I just stare at it for God only knows how long, my heart beating a mile a minute, trepidation and uncertainty swirling in my belly, making me want to throw up.
Get a grip, Rose.
I hold my breath as I extend my hand and take it, my shaky fingers working to rip the seal open, and pull out the papers.
Mydivorcepapers.
My heart is beating rapidly against my ribcage as I scan the document, making sure everything is in order. My ears are buzzing as I try to wrap my mind around it all.
It’s done.
It’s really done.
Rose O’Neil is no more.
It hits me all at once.
All the different feelings are mixing together and twisting my insides as I just stare at the divorce decree for what seems like forever. The loss of what could have been. The fear of the unknown. The relief that it’s finally,finally,over.
After months of going back and forth, after countless fights and threats, this part of my life is over.
My marriage, seven years of my life, hell, almost ten if we count our dating years… is over.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHASE
Shadow’s nose is stuck to the ground as she trots in front of me. She must have scented a rabbit or something because she barks excitedly and hurries up. I follow after her through the woods, the darkness already creeping in.
I’ve been so focused on clearing out the crap from the rooms that I spaced out until Shadow reminded me that she wants to go out.
I push one of the branches out of the way and come to a stop when I see a figure sitting by the lake.
My heart starts beating faster at the unfamiliar sight. Nobody ever comes this way; it’s my little corner of peace—a place I come to when I need some time to think.
But now she’s here.
