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“You didn’t have to pay for my things.” Piper finally found the words to speak.
“I know, but I wanted to. Now I have to get to an appointment. Will you please let me know when you decide about dinner? Even if the answer is ‘no,’ I want to know, okay?”
“Okay.” She nodded. “Thank you for the umm… gift?” She guessed it was considered a gift. She may have picked it all out but Catherine had paid. That had to qualify as a gift, right?
“You’re very welcome. You have a good afternoon, okay? I’ll be waiting to hear from you,” she said as they walked out of the store and parted ways.
Well, Catherine parted, she just kind of stood there and looked around like a lost little puppy.
CHAPTER SEVEN
“Piper! Hi!” Sadie yelled as she skipped over to her. “What were you doing with Ms. Cat?”
“I…” What was she doing with her? “I don’t really know. We just met in there.” She pointed at the store unnecessarily.
“Ohh, did you buy fun stuff?”
Piper nodded. “I got some new socks. I like to wear colorful socks.” To illustrate her point, she lifted the hem of her jeans slightly so Sadie could see her mismatched socks.
“That is so fun! I love that they don’t match. It's like a little secret only for you to know.”
“Well, now you know too.” Piper told her.
“It’s true! I do! But I’m a really good secret keeper. You wouldn’t believe how many secrets I have in my head. It’s like a vault.”
Piper smiled. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. What are you gonna do now? Do you wanna come to my last class with me?”
Why were complete strangers all of a sudden inviting her to everything?
“I was thinking about taking another 101 class.” She kind of fibbed. The one she had gone to that morning had been too overwhelming and she’d gotten up and walked out within the first five minutes.
“Oh, which one?” Sadie prodded.
“I really have no idea.” She relented, realizing Sadie wasn’t going to go away with her half-cocked answers. “Truth is, I went to one this morning after meeting with Master Derek and I didn’t really feel like I belonged there. I’m kind of having an identity crisis it seems.”
Sadie nodded in understanding. “I think we all go through that from time to time. The Ranch is a great place to find yourself, though. You’ll never be judged or pressured or anything like that and there are so many options to seek support if you need it.”
“I don’t need therapy.” Piper suddenly remembered her interaction with Catherine and unease filled her gut.
Sadie shook her head. “I didn’t say you did and there are lots more ways to support someone than through therapy.”
Piper took a deep breath. She needed to do something because she was driving herself a little nuts in her head. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I just am so far out of my element and everything, even conversations like this are really uncomfortable. I spent so many years hiding in the shadows that the light is almost painful.
“Can I give you a hug?” Sadie asked.
“Yes, please.” Piper nodded and hugged a stranger for the second time that day.
“I know you’re struggling, but you got here and that is honestly the hardest part. I’m proud of you for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Now, all you have to do is say ‘yes’ to new experiences and maybe the light will stop hurting so much.”
Piper stayed quiet, letting Sadie’s words sink in. She couldn’t remember the last time someone said they were proud of her. It struck a nerve and she realized she should be proud of herself as well. The epiphany almost instantly gave her a surge of bravery she didn’t even think was possible.
They released each other from the hug and Piper smiled genuinely. “Thank you. I really needed to hear all of that. I think I would like to join you for class if that's still okay? I just need to run up to my room for a few minutes.”
“Sure! Want company?”
“Afraid I will change my mind?” Piper giggled.
