Page 145 of Taking Turns

“How do you figure?” Bric asks.

But I don’t answer. I just walk out. I need to rethink things. Everything.

Chapter Forty-Two - Quin

“Rochelle?” I say into the phone after the beep. She still has voicemail picking up this number, so I’m hoping it’s still one she checks. “I’m sorry. I just found out about… about the abortion. And I’m so fucking sorry. I wish I would’ve been there for you. I really…”

I don’t know what else to say. What can I say? How the hell do you fix something like this?

“I just want to see you again. I’d beg if I thought it would do me any good, but I know you better. You told me once that everyone thinks you’re flighty and stupid because you’re easy-going. But you’re really very decisive, and once you make up your mind and commit to something, you stick it out no matter what.”

I guess that’s why we lasted so long. She was just trying to stick it out. She did, after all, go to Bric with her problem. Not me.

Not me.

“But I just want you to know… I lo—”

Beep. “The voice mailbox you’re trying to reach is full.”

I just look at the phone. Really? This is how it ends? Really?

I throw it across the room and yell.

Chapter Forty-Three - Chella

I sit out on my back courtyard on New Year’s Eve, my hands tucked into my coat pockets, and watch the snow falling down. It’s so thick, it looks like a curtain.

I came home yesterday and found this here. Sitting out in the middle of the snow, covered in flakes, like it’s always been there.

The two ballet children from Matisse’s exhibit.

There was a note attached from Smith.

Dear Chella,

I think this is a better Christmas present for you. I never had the childhood I imagined either, but it was perfect compared to yours. So when you look at this sculpture, think of better times.

Think of us.

Love,

Smith

I’m not sure what to think about it, to be honest. I love the sculpture. A lot. I check my watch and it’s three minutes till midnight. Three minutes and another year is over. But the gift just isn’t enough for me anymore.

I have been considering my options all week and I finally called Bric last night to help me make a decision.

So I sent Smith a note back this morning.

I smile, thinking about my note.

And then I laugh.

“Hey,” Smith says from behind me.

I turn my head to find him standing in my patio doorway, half in, half out, of the house.

“Hey,” I say back.