Page 1 of Losing a Piece of Me

Chapter 1

My phone rings, drawing my attention away from the book I am reading. I mark the page with my makeshift bookmark. Setting the book down on my bed, I slowly reach for the phone, not in any hurry to answer it. In my experience, my phone ringing is never a good thing.

I roll my eyes when my mother’s name pops up on the screen. I hold the phone in my hands, deciding whether or not to answer it. Realizing that she won’t stop calling if I don’t, I finally pick up.

“Hello?”

“Alexis, why haven’t you called? I’ve left you three messages.” Her voice is dripping with disappointment and annoyance.

I pet my cat, Smoky, to distract myself. “I’m sorry. I’ve just been busy working.”

I swear I can hear her eyes rolling. “Well you don’t have to lie. I know that meaningless job you have doesn’t keep you that busy.”

Hearing her call my job meaningless for the hundredth time annoys me. “Is there something you need?”

“You need to come home. Your sister’s engagement dinner is this weekend and you WILL attend.” She clearly wants to say more about my attitude, but restrains herself. She doesn’t want to push me right now because she needs something from me.

“And why do I need to be there for that?” Smoky jumps off my lap and darts for the bedroom door, probably scared from hearing my mother’s voice.

“It is a very public affair and the whole family needs to be involved. Why do you have to be so selfish?”

“I’m really busy this weekend. I don’t know if I can make it on such short notice.” I’m playing with her now, only to stall the anxiety that rises in my chest at the thought of going home.

“I’ve been leaving you messages for weeks regarding this weekend. Don’t act like I didn’t give you enough notice. Don’t make me send your father up there. You know I will,” she threatens.

“Fine, Mom.”

“Thank you. Be here by dinner on Friday. The engagement dinner is Saturday night and then we will have brunch Sunday morning.” I can hear the excitement in her voice. It’s not excitement about finally seeing her daughter again, though; she is only excited because she got her way.

“See you this weekend, Mom.” I hurriedly hang up the phone before she can insult me further by telling me to get a more presentable haircut, or to make sure my nails are done properly.

It has been six years since I have been home, and I still have no desire to go back.

Before my mind wanders to the reason I ran away in the first place, I pull back my blankets and slide underneath them.

* * *

Morning comes way too quickly, as is always the case when something dreadful lies in wait at the end of the day. Smoky’s big green eyes are the first thing I see when I open my eyes, only an inch away from my own.

This used to scare the shit out of me, but I’ve gotten used to it. I smile and rub his head before pulling him against my chest.

“Good morning, Smoky. Let me guess, you’re hungry.”

He responds with a meow that I assume means ‘yes’.

His soft fur tickles my nose and makes me laugh. “Okay, let’s get you some breakfast.”

* * *

I am absolutely terrified of going home. So, naturally, the day passes by unusually quickly.

My phone rings while I’m packing my bag, and I answer it wearily.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Alex. I got your message and I don’t mind stopping by to feed Smoky for you this weekend.” It’s Jeff.

A long breath escapes my lips. “Thank you so much. I will make it up to you, I promise. Do you still have your key?”

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