Page 109 of Sunflower Persona
“The future. I’m getting my life together, starting with a GED.”
“Oh shit, you’re serious about this.”
“Yeah, I am.”
I can’t keep living the way I’ve been—if you could even call what I’ve been doing living.
“Good. You know I’ll help out any way I can.”
“I know. Morgan and James said the same thing.”
She hums and falls silent. After a moment, she speaks again.
“You need to start talking to someone. Professionally. You can’t keep doing this shit on your own.”
“I will. If I pass the GED test, I’m going to apply for an apprenticeship, and if I get the one Morgan helped me find last night, I’ll get benefits. Once I can afford it, I’ll find a therapist. I promise.”
“Good.” The word comes out choked. “I love you. You know that, right?”
“I love you too.”
Maybe the universe doesn’t hate me completely, because if it did, I know I wouldn’t have people like Karis, Nathan, and Morgan in my life—people who love me, flaws and all. People worth living for.
Chapter 35
Kori
Are you ready? I’ll be there in 10.
For what?
To pick you up for Friendsgivmas.
I’m not going.
My phone rings seconds after I hit send, with Evelyn’s name on the screen. She doesn’t wait for me to say “hello” before she starts hounding me.
“What do you mean, you aren’t going?”
“I didn’t think the invite still stood after…well, you know.”
“Of course it still stands. The others miss you. Nathan has been bugging me nonstop for weeks about when you are coming out with us again. I figured it was too soon for Cutter’s, but you can’t skip on Friendsgivmas. The whole point is to spend the daywith friends. All of them. Chelsea is even going to call in for a little while.”
“I don’t know if spending an afternoon with my ex is a great idea.”
“Don’t worry about Gage. You and I both know he won’t bother you.”
That’s what I’m scared of. Being ignored by him will hurt worse than any rude words or spiteful glances ever could. I’ve never been on the receiving end of his cold indifference, and even if it’s selfish, I don’t want to be strangers.
“Evelyn…”
“Please. I promise it will be fun. If it’s awful, I will do aGodzillamovie marathon with you as penance.”
The promise of a kaiju marathon is too great to turn away. Especially when I’m sure this will end up as one of the top ten most awkward days of my life. Mark my words, our next movie night is going to be amazing.
“Fine,” I relent, and she squeals.
“Yay, I’ll see you in a few.”
