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In less than nine months, I won’t be, but until then, it appears I’m my only ally and friend.
When my parents show up the next morning, they’re not alone. A flood of people enters my apartment carrying a variety of furniture, setting things up as they see fit. Three hours later, I’m putting sheets on my new bed and my father is placing my new cell phone onto the charging station.
“We have to head back home, Chloe. Your mother’s started to make arrangements for Carmen. She’ll be here within a few weeks to help you with anything you need. In the meantime, you have a doctor’s appointment next week. Your mother will be back to take you.
“While she’s here, she’s going to help you get set up for classes. Carmen will bring your car when she comes down. If you need anything in the meantime, all you have to do is call.”
“Right. Sounds great, Joseph.”
“What have I told you about calling me that?”
Rolling my eyes, I don’t bother to answer him. He pulls me in for a hug, promising that everything is going to be okay. What the hell does he know about it? He’s not the one being abandoned right now.
“We’ll call you when we get home.”
Watching out the window, I count to ten before I rush to my new phone and dial the first number that comes to mind. It took all night, but I was finally able to remember the last four digits.
Garrett’s Auto.
My phone makes a strange beeping noise.
“Your call cannot be completed as dialed. Please hang up and try again.”
Okay, maybe I dialed wrong. Ten attempts later tell me that I haven’t dialed wrong.
A quick Google search gives me the number for Fairview Tavern. The beeping noise continues to haunt me as I try to call any place in Fairview that I can find a number to.
This has to be my parent’s handy work. Can they actually block me from being able to call an entire town?
Sliding to the floor, I count the number of people that I can talk to on one hand.
The number of people who know about my situation, that are privy to be a part of it. These are the only people that are in my circle. For now.
They’re also the only numbers programmed into my new phone.
Mom, Dad, and Carmen.
I will tell someone. Someday.
Someone I trust. Someone who will listen to me vent.
My goal is to make that number four. I need at least one person on my side.
Takingthe same seat I use to occupy at family dinner, I place my napkin in my lap and wait for my parents to be served. No one speaks until after my father says grace. There are some things I’ll never forget.
“Amen,” my father breathes heavily. That was the longest prayer I’ve ever hear him speak. He thanked God for everyone in his life, for bringing me home safely, and asked for clear skies for the party.
I really doubt God is going to go out of his way to grant him good weather, but whatever.
“So, Chloe. When are Lola and Carmen going to be arriving?” my mother asks as she delicately cuts her chicken breast.
“They should be here tomorrow, early afternoon probably. Carmen is planning on leaving after breakfast.”
“That’s perfect,” she chimes. “We have brunch plans with the Hanson’s tomorrow, so we should be home when they arrive. Did you bring the dress I sent you?”
The soft pink sundress that looks like it was meant for a teenager? No, I didn’t bring the dress she sent me. I even told her that I didn’t like it and was planning on returning it.
“I took it back to the store last week, Mother.”
