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“I know you’re trying to change the subject, but if you want to talk, I’m here foryou.”
“I know, thanks. I’m just sick of thinking about it and trying to figure him out. Sometimes I think he enjoys hurtingme.”
“I’m sure that’s not the case. I don’t know what’s going on with him, but I’m sure the last thing he wants is to hurtyou.”
“Well he has, numerous times, and I’ve had enough. It’s going to be me and this baby from now on, and I’m fine with that,” I insisted, although I wasn’t sure if it was myself or Libby I was trying toconvince.
“You’re going to have tons of support, and your baby is going to be so loved.” I nodded, tears forming in my eyes as we finished our drinks in silence before heading back to theranch.
The rest of the week flew by, and thankfully Josh did as I’d asked and stayed away. He had sent me a couple of texts apologizing for what had happened on Sunday, but I never replied, not wanting to face getting into a conversation with him. When I wasn’t at school, I was packing my room up, and before I knew it, the weekend had arrived and the day to move into the cottage dawned. I hadn’t managed to get much sleep the night before and woke up exhausted. I was nervous—nervous to live on my own, and nervous to have this baby on my own. I knew I’d have to put on a brave face for the day if I was going to convince everyone I was fine. A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts and Brody walkedin.
“Hey Sav, you ready for moving day?” he asked, sitting down on the bed next tome.
“Well, I’m all packed,” I replied, gesturing at all the boxes that littered myfloor.
“You have a ton of shit!” he exclaimed, lookingaround.
“Hey! I’m a girl, girls have lots of stuff,” I replied with apout.
He shook his head and laughed. “I asked Josh to help us move the heavy stuff, but he told me to check with you first—why would I need to check with you? What’s going on with youtwo?”
I sighed and climbed out of bed. “Nothing’s going on, that’s the problem,” I replied as I headed to the bathroom. Turning in the doorway, I faced him. “It hurts to be around him Brody. He acts like he has some claim over me, but doesn’t want to be with me. I know he’s your friend, but I can’t be around him right now. Can we do the move withouthim?”
“Of course. I’ll ask Mason to help. I’m sorry you’re hurting Sav. I think I need to have a word withhim.”
“No! Just leave it, please,” I begged him. He nodded, but knowing Brody, he wouldn’t leave it. I just hoped they didn’t come to blows about it; they’d been friends for too long to argue overme.
After a quick breakfast, Mason and Brody began moving my stuff. Brody might have thought I had loads to move, but I didn’t—not really. I had a ton of clothes and shoes, especially cowboy boots, but that was about it. Everything new I had bought for the cottage was already waiting there for me, and the actual moving of furniture didn’t take long. By lunchtime, everything was in its place, and all that was left to do was unpack my bags and boxes. My dad had to work, but my mom was helping me set up the kitchen. I wasn’t the best cook in the world, but I’d stocked up on all the essentials, knowing I’d need to learn, and quickly. Mom, Brody, and Mason made sure I didn’t lift a thing, often sitting me on the sofa or sending me into the kitchen to make them adrink.
By late afternoon, everything was unpacked, and we all headed back to the main house for dinner. Brody had a date, so it was just me and myparents.
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay at the cottage Savannah?” my mom asked as we sat at the table eating the pizza we’d ordered in. “You could always stay here until the baby arrives? You could move outafterward?”
“I’ve already moved out Mom!” I exclaimed. “All my stuff is at thecottage.”
“I know, I know, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come back. This will always be yourhome.”
“Thanks Mom,” I told her, reaching across the table to hold her hand. “I’m nervous about doing this on my own, but it’s something I need to do. I’ll be fine,” I insisted, hoping I was right. The lack of any sleep the previous night had finally caught up with me, and I sat yawning at the dining table. “I think I’m going to head to the cottage, I’mexhausted.”
“Okay sweetheart,” my dad said. “I’ll walk youback.”
“There’s no need Dad, it’s only 200 yards away.” He nodded and pulled me in for a hug. I went willingly, squeezing himtightly.
“You know where we are if you need us sweet pea,” hesaid.
“Thank you, Daddy,” Iwhispered.
After saying goodnight and making a plan to come back for breakfast in the morning, I made the short walk back to the cottage. It was just starting to go dark outside and the night was filled with the sounds of chirping crickets. As the cottage came into view, I dug in my pocket for the front door key, unlocked it, and walked in, noticing that either Josh or Brody had oiled the door, as it no longer squeaked as it opened. I quickly shut it and locked it behind me. Standing in the sitting room, I looked around. There was the sofa on one wall and the fireplace on the other. The small television sat on a stand next to the fireplace, and a matching coffee table was placed in the middle of the room. Thankfully, the furniture my parents had given me fit perfectly in the room. Turning to the window, I saw the glass that had broken had been replaced, and new drapes hung there. I reached up and closed them, enclosing me inside the cozycottage.
It was early, but I was exhausted, and after making sure all the doors and windows were locked, I made my way up to my bedroom. After a quick shower, I climbed into bed, pulling the comforter around me. Having my own bed and furniture made the room feel familiar, but it was still unsettling to know I was there alone. Reaching for my phone, I held it under the comforter, feeling slightly better that it was on hand if I needed it. I knew I was being ridiculous, I was perfectly safe in the cottage, but I supposed it would take time to get used to livingalone.
I must have eventually fallen asleep as I was jolted awake by the sound of my phone ringing. The tune was muffled, and I realized it must have dropped out of my hand after I nodded off. The room was dark and I felt around under the comforter, eventually finding it. Squinting at the display, I groaned—Josh’s name flashed across the screen. What did he want? Checking the time, I saw it was 1:45am. I canceled the call and placed my phone on the nightstand. I wasn’t going to answer; I knew he was probably drunk, and whatever he wanted to say to me, I didn’t want to hear it, especially at that time of night. Rolling over, I closed my eyes and tried to fall back asleep, only to have my phone ring again. Angrily, I snatched it off the side table and once again canceled the call. Almost immediately, it buzzed with an incomingtext.
Josh: This is the bartender at the Brass Hall, I’m going to call back, please pickup.
I stared at the message, quickly rereading it. The bartender? What was he doing with Josh’s phone? My stomach dropped and the panic began to set in—had something happened to him? Was he okay? I may have asked him to stay away, but the thought of something happening to him made me feel sick. My phone rang in my hand and I sat up in bed. Pushing the answer button with a shaky hand, I put it to my ear. “Hello,” I saidanxiously.
“Hi Savannah, it’s Ben from the Brass Hall. I’ve got your boyfriend here, and he’s pretty drunk. I’m sorry to call so late, but yours was the only name I could get out of him. Can you come pick him up? We’re closing in10.”
