Page 12
“Thanks,” I say. “I was thinking about renting a place eventually. I've browsed a bit and there are a few I may be interested in.”
“I can help you out if you’d like. I can make sure the houses don’t have mold or any underlying issues that you’d have to deal with.”
“That’d be great, actually,” I say as I stifle a yawn. I’m drained.
He studies my movements. “You’re okay though, right?”
I think for a moment, careful of my words.
“I’m okay. Things were difficult at first, but I know that it was for the best. It’s just hard in general, you know?”
“Yeah, I know,” he exaggerates lightly, puffing his cheeks out with a heavy exhale.
◆◆◆
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
My phone has slipped underneath my pillow, vibrating me awake.
The sun is shining into the room through the sliver in the tan curtains. The cherry tree just outside the window looks sad, its branches bare from the late November air.
The room that used to be my childhood bedroom is now painted all grey with dull furniture. A faux fur rug lies near the door, something I never would have been caught dead purchasing myself. It’s an entirely different space. It’s funny how a room that was once my safe haven from the horrors of the world, is now something I can’t even recognize.
My Friends poster used to hang behind the door and it always made me smile to see all six of them smiling back at me. Matthew Perry greeting me every morning made the day better.
My phone keeps buzzing, so I finally glance at the caller ID. It’s Maggie.
Normally when we talk on the phone, it lasts at least an hour. I’m not sure I have the energy for that, but I answer it anyway.
“It’s so early,” I mumble dramatically.
“Honey, it’s nine o’clock for you.” She chuckles.
“Like I said, early.”
Mornings are the hardest. That’s when the emotion of it all hits the most. Waking up alone. Every morning I’m reminded of my failed marriage.
“How’s Lakewood? You didn’t text me, letting me know how it went with your dad and Eloise,” she says skeptically.
She was just as worried about how they’d react as I was.
“It was good, actually. I’m at his house now. In my old room.”
I lower my phone, listening to see if my dad is awake, tingling with the anticipation of sharing the gossip.
“He and Eloise got a divorce!” I add a little too loudly.
“No. Way.”
“I’m dead serious. After all that time, it finally happened!”
“That’s so crazy—wait what was his reaction when you showed up?”
“Surprised, for sure. He cried a lot. He was happy to see me, thank goodness.”
Maggie scoffs.
I can hear Steven shuffling around her, humming a song.
