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“I’m going to apply at a few other local hospitals. I just don’t think it will work out here at Freedom Valley Memorial,” she says with frustration and sadness.
“Why?”
“There’s just so much drama with Thad and my parents at the hospital. I got called into HR today to talk about everything. That doesn’t make for a good impression for getting the contract to work full time.”
“Then they don’t deserve you.” I shake my head. “There are other hospitals where you can work.”
“I know. I’m officially not in contact with my parents anymore. I can’t do this anymore.” I search her face as she says this, and she’s calm.
“Are you sure that’s what you really want?”
“Yes,” she says firmly. “It’s done.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?” She searches my face.
“We’re family, Callie. I’ll support you in whatever you want to do.”
Her face softens. “Okay.”
“Just a warning, though. Nobody messes with my family.” I run my fingers down her braid. “Do we need to file a complaint with the hospital? What do you want me to do to make sure your parents stay away from you?”
“I’ve already filed two complaints with HR about Thad and a police report. It’s his word against mine, and he’s been there for a long time. Ramie saw him assault me, so that helps.”
My jaw tightens with the reminder of him putting his hands on her.
“You’re a great doctor, Callie. They see what kind of person he is. Plus, after they realize he was the driver who hit Bear and Sam, I doubt he’ll have a job there much longer, anyway.”
“It’ll be hard to prove. He has friends at the hospital and the town chief of police. Plus, no one can locate the car.”
“He’ll be handled, Callie. This is my dad and Bear. And I can’t have him putting his hands on you. It’s not safe for you to work there until he’s gone.”
“I know,” she says softly, laying her head on my shoulder. She breathes in deeply.
“Did you just smell me?” I tease.
“Yeah,” she sighs. “You smell good.”
“What do I smell like?”
“Like home.”
I smile and pull her in closer to me. “Welcome home.”
twenty-nine
Callie
Then
“Home is not where you were born; home is where all your attempts to escape cease.”
Naguib Mahfouz
“One more week until graduation!”I say excitedly to SJ.
He smiles at me, but his smile doesn’t reach his eyes. I’ve been really worried about him. He’s been distant for the past week. I know it’s probably just graduation stress.
