Page 10 of Her Wicked Plan

Don’t get me wrong, I have a great relationship with my parents and sister, but the importance of my job and how often the patients need me have made it more difficult to keep that relationship strong.

After Myles and I said our final goodbyes, I shoved my suitcase into the Uber trunk and sat in the back. The driver is an older guy; I’m unsure if he has any hair hiding under the trucker hat he is wearing.

It’s weird, though. He is the last type of person I’d ever find behind the wheel of an Uber.

The radio is country music, loud enough for me to understand the words but soft enough that it isn’t overbearing. The tip of my finger taps against my slacks, a nervous tick I can’t get rid of as the city disappears behind us.

My phone sits in my lap, the screen black, urging me to call my mother. Now’s a good time to reach out and get her updated on my life. Maybe talking to her will calm my nerves. It always used to help when I was younger.

If I ever felt anxious, she would take my mind off anything troubling me by reading my favorite story or singing my favorite song. Sometimes, we would garden or hike in our backyard, surrounded by massive trees. It was like our own personal state park.

The phone rings three times before she answers. “Sweetie! I was just thinking about you!”

“Hey, mom.” The tapping of my finger picks up its pace.

“My sweet Leo, how are you? And don’t you dare lie to me. I can hear it in your voice that something is bothering you.” Her voice goes from cheerful to stern in a matter of seconds.

“That’s not the reason I called you.” I attempt to assure her of my intentions for the phone call, but I’m only lying to both of us. “I miss you.”

“And I miss you, but if you called me because something is wrong, then spit it out. You could call me to tell me the sky is blue, or you murdered someone⁠—”

“Mom!” My tone is hushed as the word comes through clenched teeth. The driver peeks at me through the review mirror and then focuses his eyes on the road.

“Oh, honey, all I’m saying is that I don’t care about the reason for your call. Hearing your voice is the only thing I care about.” Guilt sinks into my chest. I should call her more than once every few months. “What’s going on, Leo?”

“I won’t be coming home for Christmas.” I rush the words out, my face pinching in agony as I await her response. Before she utters a single word, I announce, “I got a new job.”

“That’s great! Not that you won’t be making it to Christmas, but that you got a new job! You aren’t working at that fancy doctor's office anymore? I thought you loved it there.”

“I loved it there. My boss believed I was destined for bigger and better things, so without telling me, he sent my resume to...” I check to see if the driver is paying attention. Even if he was listening in, it’s not like I have to hide what my new job is. I mean, he knows he is driving me to the asylum. “Another place where a patient needs my help more.”

“I’m not sure if I should be mad at your boss or not. He shouldn’t have gone behind your back, but it is good that you will help a patient. And that they believe you can help this person is amazing!” I can envision her proud smile on her face. “This seems like a great opportunity, Leo. Why are you worried about the change?”

“This patient differs from those I’ve worked with at the office. The place they are sending me to has high-risk patients, and it could be dangerous.”

“Should I be worried?”

“No, everything will be all right.” I repeat the words Myles spoke yesterday, even if I don’t believe them.

“Honey, I know this situation you are going into is scary. It’s brand new territory and all new experiences. Change can be difficult, but you will power through it like you do everything else. Your boss was right. You are destined to do great things. That’s how your father and I raised you. We wanted you to learn that nothing is outside of your reach and that you can do anything you set your brilliant mind to. This new place is fortunate to have you on their team. Don’t let the situation you are set in go to your mind, sweetheart.”

Exhaling a deep breath, my head falls back to the headrest. “I needed to hear that.”

“I know you did. That’s why you called.” She chuckles. “Call me whenever you need to. Your father and I miss you so much. As do your sister and nephew.”

“I miss you guys, too. I promise to call more often, and I’m sorry about Christmas. I really am. Tell Carter I am going to bring him the best present ever.” I intend to keep that promise.

“I’m not sure you can compete with Santa, Leo. According to Carter, Santa brings the best presents.”

“It looks like I will have to outshine the jolly old man.” I say with a genuine laugh. “I’ll keep you updated on the new job.”

“I can’t wait to hear all about it.” Pride lives in her voice. “Now, I’ll let you go, but don’t wallow in the thoughts running around in your mind, okay? And reach out to your sister. She misses you, too.”

“Okay, I will. I love you.”

“I love you too, Leo. More than all the stars in the universe.” Sadness litters her voice as she speaks the last few words, and it breaks my heart. The first time she said that to me flashes into my mind.

We are lying on a blanket in the grass—one of the quilted blankets Mom had made with her crafting friends. Our backyard is perfect for stargazing. With the back porch lights off and the lack of streetlights, you can see almost every star in the dark sky.