Page 108 of Tangled Up

“I think so.” Alize’s voice is quiet.

“Then let me make them crystal clear.” The woman’s voice rises. “Should you go off your meds or deviate from your doctor’s prescribed course of treatment, we’ll be back here to review these conditions, and visitation could be revoked. Do you understand?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Alize nods quickly. “I understand.”

“Very good. We’ll adjourn then.” The judge taps her gavel and collects the papers.

We all stand, and the lawyers turn to their clients. Mrs. Clark goes to Alize, and I pick up my messenger bag.

This is my job, helping people who are troubled find their way to a normal life. I’ve met with Alize’s new therapist, and we share the same approach to treatment, particularly with regard to young women.

It’s a good thing, and I’m satisfied leaving her in this place.

Stepping back, I’m ready to head to Eden and the man I love when I feel a light touch on my arm.

“Excuse me, Miss Dennison?” Alize looks up at me, hesitant. “I wanted to say thank you. I know I’m a train wreck, and I make bad choices. I hurt you… but you still helped me.”

Giving her a tight smile, I put my hand on her arm. “I told you I’d help you. I’m glad you feel like I did.”

“I wish I could go back and make better decisions. I don’t know why things go wrong for me.”

“Promise me two things.”

“Okay?” Her brows rise.

“Keep seeing your new therapist. She’s very good, and she cares about you.”

Alize nods. “I like her.”

“Follow her orders.” I give her arm a squeeze. “You are not a train wreck. You’re a person who needs a little extra care, okay? No more negative self-talk.”

“Thank you,” she whispers.

Glancing over her shoulder, I see Mrs. Clark watching us. I give her a little smile, and I’m out the door, ready to start the next phase of my life in Eden.

“It’s not going to be the same around here without you.” Ronnie’s growly voice comes through my little Bluetooth speaker.

I’m on the road again, making the long drive south just like before. Only this time, it’s no exile. This time I’m going willingly, and I couldn’t be happier. Jessica, Beck, and I’ve been packing my stuff and moving it to the Pearl for the last few weekends. The hearing with Alize was my final obligation before I closed up shop in Pensacola for good.

“It’s not going to change that much,” I argue. “I specifically chose my replacement because we share the same views. Give her a few months, and she’ll be as big a pain in your ass as I ever was.”

“Great,” he laughs. “But it won’t be the same. I’m happy for you, but I’ll miss you around here. You’re a smart kid.”

“Thanks, Ronnie. I’ll miss you, too.” Gazing out at the highway, I think about everything that led me to this point. “Thanks for exiling me to Eden. I had no idea it would change my life.”

“Yeah, well, I’m having second thoughts about that decision now.”

I start to laugh. “Maybe you should’ve listened to me after all.”

“Don’t rub it in.”

“I won’t.”

I’m so glad he didn’t listen to me. I’ve found the life I always wanted, the one I dreamed of having a long time ago. The one I thought I’d lost.

“I’ll see you in a few months,” he says.

“I’ll be the one down front in the white dress, clearly pregnant.”

---