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I can’t fight them, and I refuse to cry in front of him again. I do the only thing I can. Run. I get away from him. I keep running.
When you’re ready, I’ll tell you the whole story.
My mother gave me the ring. She told me it was meant for me. My grandmother wanted me to have it. That was what she said. I almost called my grandmother to ask her why she didn’t give it to me herself. It took me a moment to remember why I couldn’t call her.
“Why can’t you call her?” Noelle asks me.
I ran all the way to Hope House. My safe space. Noelle’s office is where I finally stopped running. I scared her when I burst through her office doors. She’s one of the only ones who has two French doors to enter her office.
You were asked a question. Answer.
That’s right. I note that Noelle’s voice sounded different when she asked me the question.
“I don’t know if she’s forgiven me. I couldn’t bear knowing she’s still angry with me.” Noelle settles back in her seat. A look of disappointment shows on her face for the briefest moment before she nods then smiles. “I know what you’re thinking. You don’t have to pretend with me. I’m avoiding a difficult situation by choosing not to call her. You’re right. Of course, you’re right. Baby steps. I’m back at the company I created. Baby steps.”
She offers me a smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
“Right. Baby steps.”
She scribbles something on her notepad then pulls the sheet from it before looking up at me again.
“Are you alright? You seem upset, frustrated even. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that look on you.”
Noelle waves her hand then stands.
“I’m fine. Did you want to talk about what brought a very sweaty you to my office today?”
She smiles again. This time her usual serene and calm look is in place. Whatever it was, she’s put it away. I wish mine were that easy. If it were then maybe my life wouldn’t be the drama fest it’s become.
You would think.
I don’t know why a trinket has such an effect on me.
“That’s a good question. Did your mother say anything else about it when she gave it to you?”
When you’re ready, I’ll tell you the whole story. You’re not ready yet.
“No, not really, but I guess I could ask her.”
Noelle nods then returns to where she was when I first arrived. She takes a seat at her table then looks at me expectantly.
“Well?”
“Oh. I should do it now?”
“No time like the present.” She writes something on her notepad as I head to the door. “Brooklynn, if you’re going in person, I’d stop home and shower first.”
I look down at my clothes which are still drenched in sweat.
“That would probably be a good idea.”
First home, shower, then head to my mother’s for some answers.
