Casey: No, you’re depressed. You need your friends.
Me: Frosty is my friend. I swear I’m fine. I’ll talk to you later.
She sends me crying emojis. I feel awful about blowing her off, but I need space. From everything. I receive another text, this one from Mom.
Mom: Are we ever going to talk?
Me: What’s there to say? It’s over.
Is it?
In my gut, I feel like it is. Otherwise, Eric would’ve come home to me. He’s avoiding me, giving me my answer.
Mom: Oh, honey. Please talk to me. It breaks my heart when you’re hurting.
This has me bursting into tears. Frosty whimpers in my lap.
Me: Have you spoken to Eric?
Mom: Not yet. We’ve been trying.
So he’s avoiding everyone.
That should make me feel a little better, but it doesn’t. A part of me worries he’ll pack up and go back to New York. It would be easier to leave this mess behind him. Wouldn’t be the first time he left us.
Mom: You’re still coming over tomorrow night for Christmas Eve, right?
“No,” I hiss out, making Frosty startle. I stroke my hand over his fur. “Sorry, buddy.”
Me: I guess. I have presents for everyone.
Mom: Good. I love you.
Me: Love you too.
I know Mom will love me no matter what. Disappointment, though, will always be there. In every interaction, every conversation. She wanted me to date someone normal. Not my stepbrother. Nice girls don’t kiss their stepbrothers. I’m naughty. And for no reason. I didn’t even get the happily ever after in the end.
I’m left with nothing but a broken heart.
“You miss him too?” I ask my dog.
His tail thumps against my thigh. For some reason, this makes me sob. Not only did he abandon me, but he abandonedour sweet dog. Frosty whimpers and tries to lick my face. I end up giggling because he’s too cute for words.
An unknown number buzzes me next.
Unknown Number: He wants me to check on you.
Me: Who is this?
Unknown Number: James.
Me: If he’s so worried, he should do it himself.
I change the contact in my phone and he replies right after.
James: I’m outside.
I’m not happy that Eric told James where I lived, but James is harmless. Mostly, I’m angry that he’s too chicken shit to speak to me himself and is sending our friend to do his dirty work.
