We grab E’s bags and haul them into our room. I grab a pen and paper to start a list of whatever he needs as we help him unpack his things. It’s mostly clothes, books, and toiletries. I fill his dresser drawers while he and Alex work on the closet. Once I’m done, I grab his cookbooks and take them to the living room bookshelves.
When I check back with them, it seems E has most, if not all, of his clothes. “Are you missing anything?” I ask.
“My basketball uniform and a few other clothes were in the laundry, but I have the rest.”
“What about non-clothing items?”
He goes over to his backpack and dumps it on the bed. “My laptop. I have all my school stuff because I haven’t started my homework yet, but I left my laptop on my desk. A few picture frames, too. I was so stunned about the engagement I wasn’t thinking. All the stuff from when I was growing up too, but I don’t care about that so much.”
I write all that down. “How do you want to handle getting that stuff?”
“I don’t know. They must've realized by now I left. I took everything out the side door and drove off without saying anything to them.”
“I will ask my father to come upstairs,” Alex says.
We go out to the couch to wait for Steven, who arrives a few minutes later. “Hello everyone. What’s going on?”
“E moved out,” I reply, “but he’s missing some things from there, and we’re not sure the best way to get them.”
E fills Steven in on what happened, and he thinks it over for a few minutes. “I believe you have a few options, Elijah. You can return and tell them you’ve moved out, want nothing to do with them, and retrieve your items. Or, if you are not in a place you can deal with them directly, we can ask to have the items sent here or allow someone to get them for you.”
“Mentally, I don’t think I can see them right now,” E replies, looking down at the floor, shuffling his feet.
“They may get rid of everything to spite you. Let me call them and see what the best option is. Excuse me for a moment.”
“I’m proud of you for leaving E,” I tell him, squeezing his hand.
“Do you think we can get back together?” He asks hopefully.
“I don’t know about that, E,” I reply, shaking my head. “You’ve done a lot of damage. It’s not something I can do right now, but I'm still your friend.”
E looks down and nods. “I should text Seb and Bay the news.”
Steven returns from the hallway before he gets a chance. “Georgia’s family has left. They didn’t realize you had moved out and thought you were having a tantrum instead. I’m not sure they believe that you have cut ties despite my telling them you did. We can pick up your things tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you, Steven. I didn’t ask, but are you okay with my staying here?”
“Yes Elijah. This is your home now. I’ll take care of everything you need. Not to worry,”he smiles.
E
Steven and Alex drive me to my grandparents’ after breakfast the next morning. We ate in the dining room downstairs, and I can’t remember the last time that happened. Alex and Steven were so relaxed with each other, and I’m happy for them. Steven suggested I bring my emancipation papers, which I had drawn up months ago, just in case. I’m hoping to avoid everyone when we get there.
The butler greets us at the door and insists we wait in the formal parlor for my grandparents, despite telling him I just need to grab my things. “This is going to be bad.” I tell Alex and Steven in a low voice as we take our seats.
“Don’t worry, Elijah, I will handle them,” Steven says with a kind smile.
Nodding, I sit back. I’m not a confrontational guy, and this is stressing me out. I wish Summer was here right now. She was always so strong in dealing with my family and always had my back. I messed that all up, though. Seb didn’t offer to come with me today, either. Considering how they would’ve treated him, I can understand him not volunteering, but I don’t think he would’ve come anyway because he’s so hurt. I have to find a way to get them back.
Coffee service interrupts my musings. Alex and Steven both take a mug, but I don’t need extra caffeine this morning with how much anxiety I have.
After a long 30 minute wait that I’m positive is intentional, my grandparents finally show. My grandparents exchange pleasantries before sitting. “Now, Elijah, what is all this nonsense about you moving out?” Bill asks.
“I have moved out, grandfather. I can’t stay here anymore, and I won’t marry that girl.”
He waves away my concern. “If you feel that strongly, then we can find another girl. Your grandmother has several suitable ones to choose from. No need to have a tantrum.”
I put my face in my hands. They’ll never getit.
