Page 8 of Made for You

Another thing on my side is that no one seems to have alerted my mother in time for me to have to explain to her that I’m leaving to go help Gran, and hopefully never coming back.

Three turns, and I’m free of the hold this city has on me.

The snow made the drive take so much longer than it should have so I didn’t arrive at Gran's house until well after her bedtime.

I had to stop when I crossed the Maine border to let her know I was running behind, but of course she insisted on waiting up for me.

Now I’m snuggled on her couch by the fire with some hot chocolate.

She didn’t miss the amount of luggage I brought. And I can tell she’s biting her tongue until I bring it up.

“I know you want to ask, Gran.” I smile at her over the edge of my steaming mug.

“About the amount of luggage you seem to have brought with you?” She smirks.

“Yes. I did bring a lot.”

“And why might that be, dear? You know your mother has called me non-stop tonight since you wouldn’t answer your phone.”

I sigh and snuggle deeper into the blanket on her couch, “I know. I’m sorry. I just couldn’t deal with her today. I hate New York City, Gran. I hate the school. I hate everything she makes me be, and holds money over my head. I’ve always just wanted to be here with you.”

She comes over to sit on the couch next to me, placing her arms around my shoulders and pulling me in close. “Well you are welcome to stay as long as you want, you know I love having you. But I do have one requirement: you need to call your mother and talk to her. Mainly because I don’t want to field any more calls from her,” she grimaces.

When my father just up and ran away, Linda remarried into the high society of New York, she changed into someone I don’t recognize anymore. Neither does Gran. The summer they got married was the summer I asked to live with Gran instead of her and Larry.

“I promise. I will call her first thing tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, what is going on with the bakery? Can we get in there to salvage anything?” I take the final sip of my hot chocolate and place the mug on the coffee table in front of me.

“Hunter will be there at ten to go over an estimate with me. And Mr. Darnell will be by at the same time for the insurance.”

She slaps my knee, “So this old bird is heading to bed. I’ve set up the guest room for you. You know where everything else is.”

She leans down and kisses my forehead.

“Love you, Gran.”

She shuffles off toward her bedroom and I’m not far behind her to head to my own, exhausted from the long drive.

I spent the night tossing and turning, not used to the quiet of a small town. So I’m up bright and early when I get yet another phone call.

I groan, sitting up in bed before I swipe to answer.

“Good morning, Mom.”

“Is it, Violet? Is it a good morning when your daughter steals your car and then ignores your phone calls for an entire day?” Oh, she’s pissed.

“I’m sorry, Mom. But I didn’t steal your car. It’s my car. Registered in my name and everything. I just chose to use it for once.”

She scoffs in response, “And just why did you drop out of school to go to Maine with your grandmother? And why on God’s green earth did I have to learn all of this information from our security team, and the Dean?”

“Because if you even listened to a quarter of what I say, you would know how much I hate that school, my roommates, and living in the city. But you don’t listen, so I guess it makes sense you’re shocked by my behavior.” I swing my legs over the bed deciding that I need coffee to have this conversation with her.

“And just what is your plan? You’re going to what? Give up everything to just live in the middle of nowhere?” She laughs at the idea.

“Yeah. That’s actually exactly what I’m planning.” I place the coffee pod in the machine and close it to brew a cup.

“Well. I hope you don’t expect one single penny from me and Larry.”

Like that’s a threat, I’ve never expected it, it was forced on me. “Sure don’t. Listen, I have to go get ready so that I can help Gran at the bakery.”

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