“Are you okay?” she asks.
Finally getting to my feet, I huff a sigh and reply, “I’ll be fine. I’ve just been having dizzy spells lately.”
“Let me get you some tea,” she offers.
“No, I’ll be okay. I just need a moment.”
I feel my grandmother’s eyes on me, but she says nothing.
Turning, I face her and give her a slight nod, and she finally relents, leaving the bathroom.
I make my way to the sink, peering at my face in the mirror. My eyes are bloodshot and puffy from crying, and my skin looks pale.
Footsteps sound, and I turn in time to see my grandmother approach and then place the things in her hands on the counter.
Touching my shoulder, she leans over and kisses my cheek, “No matter what the outcome, you don’t have to face anything alone.” Then, she walks from the bathroom, closing the door behind her, granting me privacy.
Looking at what she left, my heart begins to race.
Get your shit together and pussy up.
Sweat starts to line my forehead, and my lungs tighten.
This can’t be happening. The re-emergence of tears streak down my face, pooling under my chin.
“This can’t be happening,” I repeat out loud.How could you be so fucking stupid?
“Don’t worry, Ry. We’ll figure it out,” my dad ensures.
My head snaps at the sound of his voice. I was so distracted I didn’t hear the door open or anyone approach. But he’s right.
Using my sleeve, I wipe the ever-flowing stream trailing my cheeks. Inhaling until my sobs are under control. Renewed in my purpose, I clear my throat, affirming his sentiments.
“You’re fucking right we are.”
* * *
“Are you sure about this?”I ask, looking at both of them.
“Yes,” they answer in unison.
“It’s not safe here anymore. I’ve reached out to my contact, and he’ll be waiting for you all to arrive. Dominic has already lined up a place for you all to stay and has a connection that will keep you off the grid.”
I hesitate, looking back at the place that was starting to feel like home, tempted to stay until I remember what’s at stake.
“Let’s get you out of here, Ry. Nothing is holding us in Edgewood anymore,” my dad says.
He’s right.
Nothing and no one is left for me here.
Nodding, I let the car door close and wind down the window. “Will I ever see you again?”
Thomas nods, “Of course, but for now, Edgewood isn’t where you should be.”
Sighing, I agree and say my last goodbye.
It’s time to leave this fucked up town in my rearview.
