Page 70 of Meet the Teacher

“Boy, it’s really uncomfortable here. It’s your birthday, sweetheart.” She wraps her arm around my waist, pulling me to lean into her. I know I can always count on my mom as someone to lean on, literally. “Want to talk about it?” she asks.

I exhale. “It’s Zayn,” I say, showing her the napkin.

“Oh,” she says with surprise.

“Are you shocked by that?” I ask.

She scratches her head, looking a bit perplexed. “I was worried it was going to be about Liam, that’s all,” she admits.

“Ah, I see. No, I handled Liam just fine. I can’t believe I’m admitting this out loud, but I still love Zayn.” The tears start pouring out of me.

“Sweetie, he loves you too. Everyone who’s anyone around here knows that. Did something happen between you two?” she asks.

I lean forward, using my hands to wipe at my eyes. “Well, I ran into one of his ex-girlfriends at a coffee shop, and she basically told me to expect him to leave me again. That it’s his thing.”

“Oh dear. You sure it’s not just a jealous ex? Have you spoken with him about it?”

I shake my head and stare down at my shoes. “No, I haven’t. I didn’t want to, honestly. I was so heated. Ugh, it’s fine. I don’t want to get hurt again anyway. Better to play it safe.”

“Autumn, relationships are tough, but if I’ve learned anything these past thirty years, it’s that communication is extremely important in a healthy relationship.”

My eyes shift from my shoes back to my mom. “Mom, why do you have so much stuff here, including a sleepover bag?”

She hesitates for a moment. “The truth is, sweetie, your father and I were separated for a while before your sister passed.”

“What?” I ask. “Why? How? You two have a dream marriage.”

She shakes her head and lets out a slight chuckle. “All marriages are tough work. Maybe we have a dream marriage because we know when it’s right to take breaks. We’re not perfect. Far from it, actually.”

“Wow. I’m shocked. I had no idea. Breaks? When?”

“Long ago. One was actually right before I got pregnant with you. Your father and I had a lot of differences when it came to Summer. But, after time apart, we rekindled like always and put in the time and effort to make it work. In fact, dealing with the possibility of losing our first daughter is what caused us to need this last break. But I promise you, we’re okay,” she says. Her arm reaches out to me for a big hug.

“Thank you for telling me this, Mom. I kind of wish you had sooner,” I say when she pulls away.

“I don’t. It’s your life. I respect if you don’t believe in second chances. But I guess it feels right to tell you that I don’t just believe in them, I believe they should happen frequently in a marriage.” She stands to her feet. “Honey, let’s get you inside to your birthday party or else we’ll have to ask your friends for a second chance.”

* * *

After a few hoursof spending time with family and friends along with eating and drinking all my favorite things, the party comes to an end. I say the final goodbye and close the door behind me.

“Whew, that was a lot of fun. Thank you both for throwing me such a fabulous party. Today was a really good day,” I say to Natalie and Mason.

They exchange glances with each other. “The celebrations aren’t done just yet,” Natalie says.

“Oh? What’s next?” I ask.

“Whoa, I love how you don’t even stress over plans anymore. Adventure suits you,” Mason says.

“Thanks,” I say. “So, you going to tell me what’s next or what?”

“Oh, right, duh. Well, my boyfriend Adam owns a tattoo parlor, so we set up an appointment for the three of us to get tattoos!”

“Really?” I ask.

Mason grabs my hand and holds it in his. “That’s right. On your birthday, you get to cross off the very last item on your WOLO list.”

“Eeek! Let’s go! I’m ready,” I say already heading to the door.

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