Page 117 of Cut up
I walk back inside with the crowd and we all clink our glasses of champagne. All of them here to celebrate me.
I take a sip, and I think back to who I was not long ago. Lost. Burnt out. Afraid. Held down by someone else’s chaos.
Now?
Now I’m building a life I chose.
And it’s only just beginning.
60
I might keep you forever
October 18th 2025
We drive out to the farm. It’s early afternoon.
I feel a bit giddy because she has no idea.
I’ve been planning this day for weeks—even the finer details, like the bunch of mixed flowers I picked fresh this morning, what wine I selected, to the spot I chose in the fields where the wildflowers are just starting to bloom again.
I spoke to her dad months ago. And I’ve had Danielle help me with the design.
She looks so gorgeous right now, even singing along to “Juno”by Sabrina Carpenter, of all things. Her left arm hangs out of the window, making waves in the breeze as we drive.
When we pull up to the house, It’s just Mum and Nicole home. I’ve let her believe we’re here for family dinner. We are. Just notonlyforthat.
I help Camille out of the car and she goes straight for Mum, giving her a big hug.
“Hey Darling.” Mum says as she brushes her fingers over Camille’s glossy long hair, and I see a tear fall down her cheek.
I knew I shouldn’t have told her. She’s going to get all weird and give it away. But I needed Nicole and her help to set everything up.
I pull Mum in for a hug, “Mum.”
“My baby boy.” She pats my back.
I whisper into her ear. “No cryin’ til later, Mum.Please.”
“Okay. Okay. I promise. Let’s get you guys inside.”
“Uh, where’s my hug everyone?” Nicole puts her arms out and Camille gives in, sinking into a hug. I know my girl is a hugger and she loves that my family are too.
We head inside the house.
“So how’s the salon been Cam?” Mum asks.
“It’s been great. We actually just hired an apprentice this month too. The business is doing so well. How’s everything been going around here?”
“Good Darling. Everything is always good. It gets lonely sometimes. You guys need to hurry up and have some babies to keep me busy.” She winks at me.
Fuck. Mum.
Of course I want her babies. I’d startrightnow. We’ve hadthechat already. She wants them as badly as I do. But we want to wait til we’re married before we have them.
“Hopefully one day soon Jill.” Camille smiles.
“Anyways, I’m gonna steal this woman for a bit. I need to show her something outside.” I grab Camille’s hand. The sun is going to set soon, and I wanna do this at the perfect time.
