Holding Onto Forever

31

Peyton

Telling my parents I needed to return to California immediately wasn’t easy without causing an array of alarms to go off. After the few hours Noah and I had spent together, I had to get out of Beaumont. He was going to marry Dessie, and despite him begging me to tell him not to, I couldn’t. There was no way I’d be able to live with the burden of him walking away from his child to be with me.

In hindsight, I should’ve told him. I should’ve yelled from the top of my lungs, but I didn’t, and he’s since called the wedding off. I thought my parents would tell me why, but I’m not sure they even know, and if they do, they’re not saying anything. Not that I would expect them to. They probably figure Noah has told me himself since we’re best friends and all.

But he hasn’t, and I haven’t heard from him and I’ve lost track of time. I stopped counting the hours, which turned into days. I had hoped he would’ve called, but if he’s with Dessie, I’m going to be the furthest person from his mind. I imagine she’s not very happy with him. As long as she doesn’t blame me, I’m good.

Currently, I’m sitting on the couch while my mother runs around crazily packing. The band is going on a mini-tour. It’s really not for them, but for an up and coming band called Little Queens who recently signed under the same label. The record company thought it would be nice if 4225 West accompanied them on tour. The funny thing is, they’re opening for Little Queens. My dad, Liam and Jimmy were all eager to help out. Plus dad says that being the headline act is too stressful and now they get to go out and just play for forty-five minutes.

Mom almost stayed home, but I told her to go, and she finally agreed to be away for a few weeks and then come home to check on me. While I’m not fully recovered, I have a driver to take me to therapy, an aunt and uncle who will come if I need them and a beach to stare at. Besides, I plan to call Quinn and ask him to come down to take me surfing. I figure he could do the same as our dad did, but this time I won’t have to worry about getting wet. Even though I miss Chicago, I have to admit, being here during the winter has been very nice. I can’t imagine trying to get around in the snow right now.

Honestly, I’m looking forward to the break from my parents. It’ll give me time to relax, get my homework done and just be free without them hovering. Well, Mom hovers. Dad, he’s just there, waiting in the wings for when I need him, and he always seems to know when that is.

My parents hug and kiss me goodbye, making me promise to call them if there’s an emergency or if I need anything. I jokingly asked if pizza was included in the aforementioned category. Mom rolled her eyes and waved me off. Dad smiled and said to call him for anything. I’ll likely take him up on that.

I wait for their car to pull away before yelling, “Freedom!” If I were crazy, I’d try some ridiculous stunt with my Rollator, but the idea of getting hurt doesn’t sound too appealing. Calling my parents seconds after they left would defeat the purpose of having the house to myself.

Also defeating the purpose of is whoever is at my gate right now and pressing the button incessantly. “Hello, who’s there?” I ask, even though I can see them on the video camera. It’s Kyle and he’s waving like crazy.

“I heard you were back in town.”

I press the buzzer that unlocks our gate and open the door. He scoops me up into a hug and carries me into my living room while I desperately hold onto my cane. The hug is awkward and a bit over friendly. I thought I’ve been fairly clear about my feelings. Noah and I may not have ever been together, but for a brief glimmer, I thought we had a chance. And knowing Noah’s in love with me, well, I don’t know when I’ll be ready to move past him.

“I missed you,” he says as he reaches toward my face. I sidestep him as much as I can and hobble toward the kitchen.

“I wasn’t gone very long. I actually came home a few days earlier.”

“Oh yeah, why?” Kyle sits down on one of our bar stools. From where he is and the counter, there’s more than enough space between us.

I shrug. “Not my scene. You know the ‘whole go back to your hometown’ thing. Besides, all my friends are away at school, and as much as I love my grandpa, hanging with him and his poker playing buddies isn’t my idea of a good time.”