“I’m on my way, Sweetheart.I’ll let you know when I pull up to the gate,” he says before hanging up the phone.
I walk back to Kreed’s house.A place he told me he wanted to be our home.It was never my home.It’s always been his.I was simply a guest staying with him for a little while.Now, I can go back to the ranch and figure out what my next move will be.Staying here is no longer an option for me.
Walking in the house after unlocking the door, I head straight for the room my clothes and other personal belongings fill.I grab the duffle bag Roger got me while I was still at the ranch and leave Kreed’s bag on the top shelf.I don’t want a single thing from him.Looking through the closet, I grab only the clothes I know Roger bought me with his money.Everything Kreed put in here while I was gone and before I left for the ranch remains on the hangers.Moving to the dresser, I repeat the process until the only thing left behind are the clothes Kreed and Cali got me while I was gone.My toiletries are packed along with the journals I started at the ranch.Everything I plan on taking with me fit in the duffle bag with room to spare.
Looking at the small desk in the room, I leave the laptop where it sits because it’s something Master and Kreed made sure I had for my photography.Instead of using it again, I pull out one of my journals and flip it open to a blank page.Grabbing the pen I have tucked inside, I write a note for Kreed.
Kreed,
Thank you for allowing me to stay in your home with you.I have decided I no longer want to be a guest where I’m truly not wanted and will be moving out.I know ‘thank you’ are simply words and really don’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but it’s all I have.When I get a job and start making money on a regular basis, I’ll pay you back for everything I am unable to leave behind.
Thank you for being my support system and saving me when I needed it the most.You were so kind and always there for me no matter what was going on.I will always cherish those memories.I’ve cramped your life enough and will be removing myself from a situation that no longer works for either one of us.I didn’t lie to you, Kreed.When I said I knew you were my man, I meant it.You’re the one who lied and changed your mind without saying a word to me.I hope you find the love of your life.I always knew it wouldn’t be a damaged person like me even though I dreamed you were different.
The keys, phone, and everything else you bought me will remain here in the house.I can no longer accept anything you have given me with the exception of one hoodie I am wearing to leave your home.I will make sure it’s washed and Roger can return it in a few days.Please thank Cali for being a friend when I needed one the most and apologize for intruding on her life.I won’t be a burden to anyone here ever again.
I’m sorry,
Annistyn
Tears fall on the paper and blur some of the words but I don’t care as I rip out the paper and tuck my pen back in the journal.I add it back to the duffle bag and close it before leaving the room with everything in hand.Walking into the kitchen, I place the note, keys, and the phone Kreed got me on the counter where he’ll easily see it all.With one last look around the place I’ve spent so much time recently, I let the tears fall and head for the door.Sliding the sandals off of my feet, I put on a pair of sneakers Roger made sure I had for the ranch.Setting the duffle bag down, I grab the two other pairs of shoes I brought back with me and grab my camera bag.Once I have my bags and shoes in hand, I leave the house behind.I lock the door and leave the security system off.Roger is already waiting for me in the driveway in front of his truck.He immediately rushes to my side and pulls me into his arms.For a minute we stand still and he lets me cry.Then, he leads me to the truck and helps me inside, giving me the space I clearly need right now.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Link
FIVE DAYS.MY mom hasbeen in the hospital for five days now.It’s mainly to get rest and recover from her injuries.The bump on her head wasn’t bad enough to cause a concussion, but she’s had horrible headaches since she collapsed at work.Her wrist wasn’t broken or sprained.It’s severely bruised and will bother her for a while until it fully heals.She’s out of work for the next few weeks until she recovers and was upset when the doctor told her that piece of information.While her bloodwork came back fine, the doctor did start her on a few vitamins to help her feel better and have more energy.Essentially she overworked herself and was told emphatically she has to slow down before it happens again.Again, my mom wasn’t happy with this piece of information when it was given to her, but Sam assured me she’ll make her listen when I go back home.
I still have yet to contact Annistyn about what’s going on.I’ve been so busy with my mom and doing work around her house when I’m not at the hospital that by the time I check my phone, it’s way too late to contact her.She’s only sent me one message and it’s from the day I left work to come here.I’ve truly wanted to call her and talk about everything, but time seems to slip away from me.I refuse to be on my phone when I’m at the hospital because I give my mom my full attention and walk with her around the hospital because she hates staying in bed constantly.It’s the most the doctor will allow her to do at this point and I know we’re going to have a fight when she goes home because my mom will find things to do around the house since she can’t work.That’s one of the main reasons I’m trying to get as much of it done as I can before she’s discharged.
My mom has been on my ass about calling Annistyn and is pissed as hell I haven’t done it yet.She’s tried to call her and the phone goes to voicemail the second the call connects.I know Annistyn wouldn’t block anyone so she has it off.That tells me all I need to know about how upset she is that I haven’t contacted her.Sam and Cali have also tried calling her with the same results.At night when I’m not at the hospital, Caleb and Cali are on my ass because I don’t take the time to call Annistyn.At this point, I’m honestly afraid to call her because I know I should have done it the second Sam called me to let me know about my mom collapsing.Instead, I put all of my focus on a situation I couldn’t control and was hours away from.Last night was the worst because Tank got on my ass and he wasn’t even there with us.
Caleb and I are working in my mom’s kitchen.She wanted the cupboards lined with new paper and I know she’ll do it on her own the second no one’s around to watch her.So, this is the task we’re working on today.We’ve removed everything from all the cupboards and it’s now stacked on every available surface of the kitchen and table.
I’m removing the old paper in one of the bottom cupboards when my phone vibrates in my pocket.Pulling it out, I find Tank’s name on the screen and wince because I know this won’t be a good call.
“Hey, Tank,” I answer the phone as Caleb starts laughing at the opposite end of the counter.“What’s goin’ on?”
