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She squeezed it. “You want to go get some food before we head to the apartment?”
I shook my head. “No. I’m ready for this. We can unload everything, get the furniture arranged, and order something in.”
“Mmm, I haven’t done that in ages. How do you feel about Thai?”
I grinned. “Sounds like a plan.”
My stepmom drove away from the house, and with every piece of distance I felt the last of the weight lift off my shoulders. Peace overcame me so intensely it pushed tears to my eyes. I didn’t try to mask them, either. As Cecilia held my hand, I let them fall down my cheek. I let the memories assault my mind. I let myself feel the pain I’d been experiencing my entire life.
And she sat there, silently. Driving us to our new home.
Without an ounce of judgment in her form.
I wanted this. As much as it hurt, I wanted this more than anything in my life. I wanted a new chapter in my world. I wanted to start the part of my life where I made things right. Where I made good choices. Where I surrounded myself with good people instead of toxic people. I wanted kindness in my life. People like Rae and Allison and Michael. And Cecilia. I wanted to surround myself with people who were healing, too. Healing from abuse and hurt they couldn't always control, like Luciana.
“You okay, Clinton?”
I sniffled. “I am.”
“Are you sure?”
I nodded slowly. “I’m ready, Ma.”
She paused. “What did you call me?”
I smiled as I looked over at her.
“Is that okay? If I call you that?”
She smiled brightly. “You can call me whatever you want, son.”
“Thanks… Ma.”
“Is there anything else you want to do before we get there? Any place you want to stop?”
I shook my head slowly as we came to a stoplight. Right by the school. Only five minutes away from our new home.
“I just want to get the hell away from that house.”
And with a snicker, she nodded.
“Then, allow me to speed as quickly as I can to the apartment.”
I smiled. “Sounds good to me.”
38
Raelynn
Michael pulled to a stop. “I think this is it.”
I looked at the apartment building number. “Yep. 1824.”
“You going to take pictures for me?”
I snickered. “I’m sure you and Allison will get the tour soon enough.”
“So that’s a yes?”
