Page 87 of Just Friends

“I was wondering if you would talk to me again,” Ellen replied.

“I know, sorry; It hurt when you refused to come to dad’s funeral.”

“Surely, you understand why I couldn’t.”

“Okay. But you have to understand why I can’t move back to Chicago.”

“What?”

“Yeah. You will be disappointed, but here’s the thing, I’m not leaving here cause I’m in love. I’m in love with White Oak, my friends, and yes, a man. Harlan’s a detective here, and he loves me so much. He offered to come to Chicago and try to get a job in the police department there so I could chase my dreams. But here’s the thing, mom, I don’t want to leave. My dreams are here; I don’t know what that looks like, yet. I’ll figure it out. So, I appreciate you getting me that interview with John, but I’m not taking that job.”

Ellen was quiet for so long Rebecca thought she might have hung up, except the phone hadn’t cut off. “Well, you’re an adult. I guess you have to live your life the way you see fit. Even if it is a giant mistake.”

“Thanks, mom, I knew I could count on your support.”

“Rebecca Ellen Gilbert, what has gotten into you?”

“An appreciation for life,” she replied. “And the desire to live itwithout your expectations.”

“That’s unfair.”

“Is it? Is it fair that every single time we speak your voice drips in disappointment? And that how I live and everything I do is wrong? Do you ever stop and consider how that makes me feel?”

“I’m just trying to get you back on track.”

“Well, it makes me not want to talk to you.”

“You know what? Call me back when you’re in a better mood. Cause no daughter of mine would speak to me in this way.”

Rebecca stared at the phone screen a minute after Ellen disconnected. That was far more cathartic than planned. She had only meant to say that she wasn’t returning to Chicago.

The group was sitting in the waiting room. Dalton looked up. “Everything all good?”

“Yeah, the doctor came in to examine him; then they’ll get him up.”

“Well,” Hannah spoke up, “Weasel said he loved you, and you said?”

“Yeah, thanks for listening inby the way. Dalton, I expected more from you.” Cindy snorted and laughed at his shrug. Rebecca shook her head and sat down, “Wow, y’all are nosey.” She picked up a magazine and flipped through it.

“Oh, come on,” Ben snapped. “You know what we all want to know.” All of them stared at her in rapt attention.

“Well, I think it’s safe to say we’re no longer ‘just friends’.” Rebecca admitted, a smile spreading. Hannah rolled her eyes and Autumn laughed.

“So, you’re not leaving?” Hannah asked.

“I’m not leaving. I even told my mom. Think I’m disowned.” Hannah and Autumn jumped to her side.

“Are you okay?” Autumn asked.

Rebecca nodded, “Yeah. I’ll give her a few days to calm down. I’ve never stood up to her before, and it came as a shock.” She rubbed her forehead; the throbbing had come on and radiated throughout her skull.

“Why don’t you go on home and get some rest. He’ll be fine,” Dalton added before she could protest.

“You’ve been here a long time,” Hannah said. But the door opened and in walked Gwen; Rebecca waved her over.

“Everyone,” Rebecca said. “This is Gwen.” She introduced everybody and explained that Gwen was the artist who made the butterfly necklace. Gwen asked about what happened, and Rebecca told it the best she could.

“He’s awake now?” Gwen asked, she sat in the seat next to Rebecca. “What a relief.”

---