Page 47 of Stay With Me
“Hello, Kelsea,” my dad’s familiar baritone trickles through the speaker. An uneasy feeling instantly washes over me.
“Dad. I wasn’t expecting you,” I reply.
“Obviously. I need to speak with you,” he says, his ever-present haughty tone annoying me already.
“What can I do for you, dad?” I ask, not really interested in anything he has to say.
“You can come home immediately. You’ve done enough to disgrace our family name, Kelsea. I’ve already purchased your plane ticket. The details are in your email now,” he commands.
In the past, I might have jumped the second he demanded. But now I feel utterly unaffected by any order he gives me. I’ve never had any misconceptions about my parents, but I didn’t think they would be so willing to sacrifice their only daughter’s happiness to fulfill some political aspirations.
“Sorry, dad. You should know by now that isn’t going to happen,” I sigh, wanting this conversation to end.
“It wasn’t an optional request, Kelsea. It was a demand.” He tries to force dominance into his voice, but it falls short. I no longer feel intimidated by him, or by my mother, for that matter. I know who my people are, the people who love and support me against all odds, and my parents are not those people.
“Dad, I’m 21. I’m more than capable of making my own decisions. I’ve been doing it since I was five. Theres nothing you could possibly say that would sway my choices at this point. You and mom made your choice when you sided with the family that literally scarred me for life. I have an amazing family. I’m not lacking for love in my life. If anything, I feel sorry for the two of you.” I say, my tone icy and rigid.
“Now listen here, girl,” he starts, but I don’t let him continue. I hang up the phone without another word.
Taking a deep breath, I wait for the feeling of disappointment to sink into me. I should feel angry, sad maybe. But I feel lighter than I ever have before. If the past year of my life has taught me anything, it’s that life is so fucking short. It’s fragile. There’s no room in my heart or my mind for people who tear me down or brush off my opinions as if they’re insignificant. I have an amazing family, and my parents aren’t a part of it.
The shrill ring of my phone sounds again and thistime I check the caller ID, smiling when I see my best friend’s name flash across the screen.
“Em, I’m glad you called. I could use a distraction,” I say.
“Uh oh, still in a holding pattern with Ev? Minus the holding,” she laughs.
“Actually, I just got off the phone with dear ol’ dad. You know that always puts me in the best mood,” I say, walking into Everett’s room and falling flat onto the bed. His scent assaults my system, bringing tears to my eyes that I blink away.
“Oh Kels, I’m sorry, babe. Don’t let them get to you. They’ve never deserved the amazing daughter they were given,” she says, her voice soft and reassuring the way it always is.
“Is he still there?” I whisper.
“I don’t know. He was earlier but I’ve been rearranging the twins’ room all day,” she heaves out a sigh, sounding exhausted.
“Why didn’t you call? I would have helped you,” I say.
“I didn’t know if you’d want to run in to each other, yet,” she replies. I know she means well. Still, I feel the loneliness that has surrounded me since Ev left yesterday squeeze even tighter around my heart.
“I could use a distraction. Be there in 10?” I ask.
“Sounds perfect! See you in a few,” she says, hanging up.
I quickly throw on some leggings and head out the door, desperate for anything that will distract me from thinking about Everett and our future.
Fifteen minutes later, I’m driving down Ember and Eli’s long driveway, stopping my Subaru in front of their beautiful home. I shut off the car, shuffling up the steps and across the front porch. I don’t bother knocking. I don’t think I’ve knocked on Ember’s door since the first week after we met. We became come-on-in friends overnight.
“Em?” I call, as I move through the entryway. I don’t see her or hear the twins. Assuming they must be in the nursery, I make my way down the hall. When I open the door, their room is completely untouched. Ember’s bedroom door is open across the hall, but I don’t see any sign of her. Pulling my phone out, I dial her number.
“Hey, babe. You here?” Her cheery voice asks.
“Yeah, where are you? Doesn’t seem like you got far in the twins’ room,” I scoff.
“Yeah, it’s such a pretty evening. I brought them out back to enjoy the sunset. Come on back,” she says.
“Ok, on my way.” I slide my phone back into my pocket. Walking through the kitchen, I set my stuff on the counter and make my way to the back door. I know they built a gorgeous gazebo overlooking the river that lines the back of their property, so I’m surethe sunset is beautiful out there. When I walk out the back door, the sun is barely kissing the tips of the tall pine trees lining the river. I expect to see three silhouettes in the gazebo, but strangely I only see one. One I immediately recognize.
Even Everett’s posture exudes confidence. When I met him, I assumed he was another cocky asshole. But he surprised me over the years by proving to me he’s kind, caring, and loyal to a fault to those he loves. He truly is one of the best men I've ever known. When I look into my future, all I want to see is him. I don’t know why I let my insecurities get the best of me, but I'll never make that mistake again.
