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Dots appear on the screen and he replies.
Eric
See you then, sweetheart.
Locking my phone and grasping it tightly, I press the top of it against my quivering chin. Tears are welling up, threatening to overflow, and I carefully place my phone down, fearing I might let it slip from my trembling grip. The tears break free, tracing a path down my face, mingling with the running stream.
My body convulses with sobs. My arm instinctively wraps around my stomach, as if trying to hold myself together, while my hand clings desperately to my quivering lips, trying to contain the anguish that’s threatening to erupt in a guttural cry.
The door opens and Scar rushes in, kneeling down and turning the water off. Not caring that she’s fully dressed when she gets in with me, she sits down and grabs my head with one hand, pulling me into a hug with her free arm and resting her chin on my head.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Saturday rolls around fasterthan I hoped. I roll out of bed and head to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Looking into the mirror, I notice my eyes are baggier than ever. I grab the face wash and begin to wash, rinse, and apply my moisturizer. I pull out the concealer and begin dabbing some with my ring finger on the dark circles appearing.
“You okay?” Scarlett asks, while leaning against the bathroom door.
I look at her through the mirror and nod. “No, not really.”
Putting the concealer back, I grab my mascara and go over my lashes as quickly and gently as possible, careful not to make a mess on my eyelids.
“Sorry about the past week. Thank you for being there,” I say while zipping the makeup bag up and turning to face her.
“Don’t be. You’re dealing with a lot. I’m here, always.” She squeezes my shoulder. “I’m going to take a shower in the downstairs bathroom. Take the time you need to get ready.”
Can today be over already?
* * *
I slipinto my dress and shoes and grab a black scrunchie, tying my hair up in a high ponytail. My cell says eleven, which means it’s time to leave to meet my mom.
It’s been an hour since Scarlett said she was going to shower. “Scar, are you ready?” I holler.
“Yes, do you have your charger? I can’t find mine.”
I look around and unplug the USB cord from the charging brick on the wall, carrying it with me down the stairs. “Here,” I say, handing it to her.
“Thanks.”
“Let’s go,” she says, and we walk out of the house and settle into the car.
* * *
Thirty minutes later,we arrive at the cemetery. Scarlett parks next to my mom’s silver sedan in the gravel lot. With a shaky breath, I say, “I just want to sit here for a bit before I get out.”
“Okay, I’ll stay right here with you.”
“No, don’t worry, go meet Mom, please.”
“You sure?” she asks with a concerned tone.
“Yes, just tell her I’m taking a moment.”
“Okay.” She unbuckles her seatbelt and opens the car door. “See you in there.”
* * *
Some family membersare already here. Family friends of his that I’m also close with are beginning to arrive. I look at the road and notice a dark gray pickup truck pulling in. It’s Eric. He’s ten minutes early. I smile and grab my purse from the floor and step out of the car while he steps out of his truck.
