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She nodded and played with the sleeves of her oversized band sweatshirt.
“It’s going to be different, but we’ll get through it together, okay? We’re going to be just fine.”
***
Five Years Earlier
Dallas
“You look beautiful.”
I smiled at Pike in the vanity mirror before turning to face him. “Thank you,” I said. I took the flower arrangement he was holding out to me.
“I can’t believe my little girl is all grown up and graduating high school,” he teased. He sniffed dramatically. I was late graduating. I had failed a few classes the year before because of River’s death. I just couldn’t keep up with everything, but Pike had gotten me a tutor and counseling. This year had been much better.
I laughed at his silliness. I knew he was teasing right now, but he’d gotten emotional a few times over the last few days.
“You did it, Bitty. Your brother would be so proud of you.”
His words brought tears to my eyes.
“I hate that nickname.”I was small compared to Pike’s 6’1”, and he had given me the horrible nickname soon after meeting me.
He kissed my forehead before giving me a wink. “I know.”
***
Four Years Earlier
Pike
“I just want to come home. Please?” Dallas begged.
“Bitty, you can always come back home. I don’t care if you’ve decided college isn’t for you or if you want to try again at a college closer to Strickland. I just want you to be happy. I’m leaving now. I’ll be there in about four hours, okay?” I said as I worked to comfort her. “We’ll get you all packed up and you can follow me home in your car.”
“I’m sorry. I know you wanted me to go to college. I’ve tried. I just hate it here.”
“Bitty, I wanted you to have better opportunities than River and I did, but I always want your happiness to come before anything else. If you want to come home, then you can come home. You canalwayscome home."
***
Three Years Earlier
Dallas
I looked up as Pike walked into my room and dumped a pile of chocolate on my bed. I paused my sappy romance movie.
“What are you doing?” I sniffled.
“I’m going to watch this shit show of a movie with you.”
“Why? Don’t you have to work?”
He moved a pile of tissues and pulled me close. “Bitty, you just had your first real heartbreak. There’s no way I’m going to work right now.”
I rested my head on his chest, and he rubbed my back. “Does it help to know he had the biggest forehead I’ve ever seen?”
I smiled despite my mood. “A little. I can't believe he cheated on me."
