Page 26 of Fall I Want
When my feet hit the sidewalk that leads to my Jeep, I don’t look back. It’s one thing I won’t do anymore. We’re strangers and we should probably stay that way.
It will make leaving Cozy Hollow easier. Harper’s prophecy was wrong.
I drive toward one of my favorite lookouts that gives the perfect bird’s-eye view of the small town. I grab my bag of food and sit on the hood eating it.
A butterfly floats in front of me and I shake my head.
“Thanks, Mom,” I say. She always told me she’d visit me in butterfly flutters. Sometimes, when I’m alone, I’ll talk to her, hoping thatshe can hear me. “Bringing her into my life is your doing. I know it.”
The monarch circles me a few times before flying away. In a way, it feels like a sign.
I grab my phone and take a picture of the scenery. By some miracle, I have phone service, but sometimes at this altitude it’s easier to reach the cell tower from the resort.
I send my sister a picture of the yellow and orange leaves coating the mountainside.
Harper
Wow. It’s peaceful. I’m hella jelly.
She sends me a text of the New York skyline. Her drawing pencils are splayed across the desk beside a coffee cup.
My sister is the vice president at Harp, an incredible company that’s co-owned by her and Billie Calloway. Instead of working for the family business, they both chased their passion. Now, she and her best friend are kicking ass and taking names, traveling the world and changing fashion.
I’m happy for her and jealous. She’s living her dream.
Alexander
I tried to make a new friend.
Harper
I knew you would. You’re likable.
Alexander
I said I tried. It didn’t work out.
Harper
It’s already over?
I stare at the view, my eyes scanning over the rolling hills as I replay the conversation Autumn and I had.
Alexander
I don’t want to talk about it. She’s stubborn.
Harper
Wait. SHE?! Tell me everything.
I realize my fatal mistake.
Alexander
Sorry to be a disappointment, but there is nothing to discuss.
Alexander
