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“So, this is your childhood bedroom.”
Crooked posters remain taped to the light gray walls. Photo booth strips of Ivy and I are still tucked into the sides of the mirror. The pale pink duvet still covers my queen size bed. Even the clothes I left behind are right where I left them, hanging in the closet.
“This is it.”
He grins and pulls me toward him. “I like it. It’s very, you.” A feeling of warmth spreads through me as he kisses my cheek. “I’m going to go ask your dad where I can put the boxes.”
With one last embrace, he disappears down the stairs. My eyes drift to the picture on my nightstand. I pick it up and use my sleeve to wipe the dust off. It was taken at the beach. I’m standing in the middle of two familiar guys; my brother and him. Both their arms are around me as we all smile brightly. My hair was a lighter brown than usual, the summer sun lightening it as it does every year. The jade in my eyes seemed to be especially bright that day. The dull ache in my chest builds as my eyes focus on the right side of the photo. His wet hair looks like he just ran his fingers through it to keep it out of his eyes - the oceanic pools that glisten in the sunlight. It’s something I was glad got captured in the picture. I glide my finger over his hair and down the side of his face, remembering how the feeling of him all too well.
“He asks about you all the time, you know.”
At the sound of my mother’s voice, I startle and drop the picture. It falls to the floor and the glass instantly cracks into pieces. Sighing in frustration, I pick up the damaged frame and put it back in its place.
“Don’t.” It’s meant to sound strong but it comes out as more like a plea.
She gives me a sad smile and hands me
the drink I requested. “Okay, okay. I won’t mention him again. I just hope one day you’ll tell me what happened between the two of you.”
Despite our close relationship, the idea of telling my mom the events that lead to my heart being shattered triggers a flight instinct in my brain. I do my best not to let it show and return to looking around the room.
“I can’t believe you kept everything the way I left it.”
“Why wouldn’t we? As far as I’m concerned, this is your bedroom.”
I give her a knowing look. “Is Maverick’s still the same, too?”
“That’s different.” She waves dismissively. “His only became a guest room when he moved all of his stuff out and into his own house. You should see the place. He’s really done well for himself.”
The thought of my brother makes me smile. Being three years older than me, he was always my protector growing up. We fought like siblings usually do but loved each other all the same. I’ve missed him a lot. Only getting to see him over Christmas break is not nearly enough time.
“Yeah, I’m meeting with Tatum tomorrow.” Referring to his long-term girlfriend. “I spoke to Parker about hiring her to plan the wedding and he’s completely onboard.”
“That’s great, honey. I’m sure she’s thrilled.” After the room goes silent, my mom exhales. “Could you do me a favor and go a little easier on your dad? I hate to see how distant you two have become.”
“Mom.” I whine. “I don’t know if I can. Every time I look at him, I see that woman. He hurt you. I don’t think I could ever forgive him for that.”
“But I chose to stay with him. Don’t let yourself believe I let him get away with it without repercussions. He’s done a lot of work to earn my trust back. We’re finally in a good place again.”
“And I’m happy for you, I am.” When I don’t say anything else, she gives me a look that causes me to groan. “I’ll try, but I make no promises.”
“That’s all I ask.” She stands from my bed and walks to the door. “I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re ready to come down.”
As soon as she’s gone, I throw myself backwards onto my bed. The memory of the last time I slept here is in the front of my mind but I do my best to ignore it. I was eighteen and a completely different person. I’m stronger now.
THE VOICE OF ONE of my favorite people booms into the house. My smile lights up when Ivy comes into the room, looking just as gorgeous as ever. Her blonde hair cascades over her shoulders and down just a few inches. The amount of poise that she possesses has always been something I admire. That girl can own a room like nothing I’ve ever seen.
“Missed me?” She smirks.
I jump out of my chair, running over and barreling into her. Her arms wrap around me as she chuckles softly. Every part of me that has been on edge since I got here calms in an instant. I can’t remember a time where she wasn’t able to pull me from the verge of a mental break down. She’s my better half and I’m so thankful for her.
“Hardly.” I joke.
“I can tell.”
My mother gets up from her seat and gives my best friend a hug. “Did you give your mother the cookies we baked last week?”
“I did. She loved them, as always.”
