Page 207 of Unhinged

“I haven’t decided.”

“What about…?”

“There’s nothing more to say.”

“You know there is, but I’ll play it by ear with Greg.”

I sniff and hug her. “I’ll keep in touch. I promise. Bye.”

I should be more upset, but I’m detached somewhat. It’ll all hit me. I just hope I can make it home first. Home. I miss Richmond. I’ll need to lean on my big brother but won’t tell him why.

Arriving at Amos’s apartment, he greets me in the living room with a hug. I want to cry but can’t. I notice many of my things packed by the door. I refused to tell him why I’m leaving, other than needing to leave North Carolina.

I hear footsteps from the kitchen, and it spooks me. I can’t see Greg right now. Hopeful, I recognized the red Buick at the curb with Virginia plates. God, I hope I’m not wrong. Before I can ask Amos, I see blonde hair and a teary smile with outstretched arms.

Tears threaten more, but they don’t fall. I manage a smile and walk over to Val. She hugs me and says, “My dear Simone. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Val. It’s good to see you.”

She steps back but still holds onto my upper arms. “Amos and I are so worried. What happened between you and Greg?”

“We had a fight. He accused me of cheating on him and broke up with me.” Before I left for Candi’s, I threw all the empty test boxes into my bag. I don’t need Amos to see them.

Val sighs. “That doesn’t sound like something our Rod would do.”

“It is when I talk to other guys at the bar.”

“Oh, no. I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

“Not really, but I will be.”

Val frowns as her eyes sparkle with tears. I don’t want to make her sad too, so I scrape together another smile.

Amos crosses his arms as Val rubs mine and says, “I will help you with whatever you need.”

“I’m heading to Richmond this morning. I’ll be there to finish my internship. Then right after graduation, I’ll go to graduate school in Dover or somewhere else. So please keep him away from Richmond until then.” Val groans with sympathy, and Amos remains stoic. “Amos, you and I talked last night. Are we still good with everything?”

“As long as it’s still your decision, then yes.” His expression doesn’t change, but I know he disagrees with me on every point.

“It is. Thank you.”

Val shakes her head. “Are you sure about leaving? Greg Rodwell has a bleeding heart. As much as he hides behind his humor, his pain is evident. I don’t think it’s only because of his sister, either. But he’d rather help others before he ever would help himself.” I nod but don’t elaborate. She sighs. “You can stay with me. Just follow me back there. It may give you peace of mind.”

“Thank you, Val. I will.”

Amos holds out his hand. I give him my keys, and he carries my suitcases to my car.

In the kitchen, I make a sandwich, grab some granola bars, drinks, and a bag of candy. As I double-check the apartment for my things, Amos returns. “Greg is texting me already, asking where you are. I told him you didn’t come home last night.”

“Thanks. I guess I’d better go. Val, do we need to collect your things at the hotel?”

“No. I’m ready.”

I squat to pet Frenchie. “You be good now. I’ll see you again.”

The door bursts open, and Greg surprises all of us but only speaks to me. “Why is your car packed?”

Amos says, “Greg, you shouldn’t be here.”

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