“If you need a break I can do that, Sloane. I’d do anything for you.”
She sobs and pulls me into a hug. “I’m sorry, Eden. I’m so, so sorry.”
I’ve only been here for an hour at most, and I hate it, but I’m about to leave. Pulling away, I swipe her hair behind her ears and cup her cheek. “I love you, baby, and I’m here for you however you need. You know I’ll wait for you, Sloane.”
She shakes her head, and bile rises in my throat. “No, don’t, Eden. All you’ve done since we got together is wait for me to sort my shit out. I don’t want to hold you back.”
“Sloane—“
“Please, Eden. I want you to go back to California and enjoy college. I need time to deal with…everything.”
There is nothing about this conversation that I like or want to abide by, but Sloane has her mind set, and I know when she’s in this mind frame I need to back off.
She kisses me sweetly, and then I leave. Broken-hearted.
2
Sloane
“We’re proud of you, honey,” Mom says the second I set my suitcase down in the entry of my family home. Everything feels so familiar and yet completely different.
Four years of living on campus is over with. The same four years that were supposed to be the best time of my life. I think not. If anything, I wish I could rewind to senior year of high school and live that year over and over again. That’s the last time I think I was truly happy.
Sighing, I think back to last night when I officially moved out of my dorm room. I can’t believe I made itthrough college and graduated. If it wasn’t for the support of the school and my father’s influence I’d probably have to go back next year to finish.
“You’re proud that your grown child is back to live in her childhood home?” I don’t know why I’m being snarky, because I’m happy to be home. It’s the first time in a long,longtime I feel safe.
“Sloane.” Mom sighs, rubbing my shoulder.
“I’m sorry.” I groan, leaning into her. “I just need a little time to settle in.”
“There’s no rush, sweetie.”
Mom and Dad have been nothing short of lifesaving. When I blew up my life two years ago by pushing away the one woman I’m convinced was, and still is, my soulmate, Mom and Dad flew out and made sure I ate, showered and generally survived until the pain subsided enough for me to be left alone.
It’s safe to say I’m not the girl who left home four years ago. Sometimes I barely recognize myself, but I’m able to feel snippets of my previous, happy self with the help of my therapist.
“Let’s get you set up,” Dad says, shutting the door behind us. He takes my bag and heads down the hall to the backyard.
“Um, I know it’s been a while but I’m sure I didn’t sleep in the garden when I lived here before.”
Dad chuckles, looking over his shoulder at me. “We have a little surprise for you.”
Stepping outside, I take in the garden and find myself looking forward to a few days of relaxing by the pool. I’ve been told to relax for a while. My therapist says I need to decompress, and I agree. I have four years of anxiety, stress, and heartache to filter out before rebuilding my life. This time, though, I won’t—or I’ll try not to—put so much pressure on myself.
I have my bachelor’s degree in sports therapy, and I’m sure it’ll be useful at some point, but for now I plan on using my privilege for a little longer. My parents are happy I’m home and on the way to being happy again. They’re not bothered if I spend six months or even a year getting back on my feet…mentally.
“We realized you’ve had four years of freedom, and you might not be super happy to be sharing your space with us again.”
“Mom, I’d never say that.”
“You don’t have to, Sloane. You’re twenty-two years old. I remember being that age, and there’s no way I would’ve wanted to share space with your grandmother.”
I chuckle. “Okay, so are you making me sleep by the pool?”
She rolls her eyes and draws me into her side as we continue walking. Dad stops outside of the pool house.
“Welcome home, baby,” he says, placing my bags on the ground. Opening the double doors, he ushers me through. Tears immediately spring to my eyes as I take in the newly refurbished pool house. They’ve had it completely remodeled to function as an open-plan apartment. It’s gorgeous.
