Chapter Twenty – (Thanksgiving)
BPOV
I wake up with sore eyes and find Alice staring at me. I glace at my radio clock. It's Eleven AM. I'm surprised that Alice even let me sleep in this long, especially considering its thanksgiving. My heart constricts at that thought. I sigh before looking back to her.
"What?" I ask.
"Nothing," she says before getting out of bed. She grabs her clothes and walks out of my room.
I can't help but feel like she's angry with me. I pull my legs up close to my chest, laying my arms across my knees and resting my chin on my arms. I look up at her as she comes back into the room.
"Have I done something wrong?" I ask softly. She looks taken aback for a second before composing herself.
"What makes you think that?"
"Well, you're kind of being blunt with me this morning,"
She runs her hands over her face and lets out a long sigh.
"I'm just concerned about some things," she admits.
"What things?" I ask cautiously.
"Well, about how you really feel about Edward, for one,"
"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask, offended.
"When I told you I think he's in love with you, you pretty much closed up as if you don't want him to be," she says before looking at me expectantly. I look away from her and bite my bottom lip. Edward's right, she is annoyingly perceptive.
"See what I mean?" She asks exasperatedly.
"Alice…"
"Why won't you talk to me?" she asks, hurt creeping into her voice.
"There's nothing to talk about. I'm fine," I give her a smile – doing everything I can to reassure her. She looks at me uncertainly, she sighs before finally giving in and giving me a small smile.
x.X.x
Alice didn't talk to me the whole drive to her house. Once we got there, she walked straight into the house and I followed silently behind her. Everyone was relaxing in the lounge room. When Edward's eyes meet mine, his face automatically lights up, which makes me smile back at him softly. He cocks his head to the side and looks at me quizzically, concern clear in his eyes.
"Whoa, who died?" Emmett says, breaking the awkward silence.
"What?" I ask, confused. I look to Alice; she avoids looking me in the eye and shrugs her shoulders.
I look at Emmett and quirk my brow at him.
"Did something happen between you two?" Edward asks attentively.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Alice says before crossing the room and sitting in Jaspers lap. She gives him a genuine smile before planting a light kiss on his lips.
I stand by myself awkwardly. I look over at Alice until she finally looks me in the eye. It takes all my strength to not run out of that room crying. I try and silently let her know that I'm sorry about making her feel the way she does right now. I think she understands what I'm trying to do as she jumps up out of Jaspers lap and walks over to me, pulling me into a hug. She gives me a small smile before going back to Jasper. I can feel everyone's eyes on me but I'm only looking at Edward. I walk towards him and sit across his lap. I wrap my arms around him and tuck my face into the crook of his neck. I feel his lips on my head.
"What was that about?" he asks quietly.
"Nothing important," I say before breathing him in and sighing contently.
"I missed you," he whispers in my ear.
I lean away from him and lock my eyes with his. I lean in and press my lips to his. Kissing him with as much passion I can, trying to let him know how much I missed him too. I smile against his lips as he wraps his arms around my waist and leans down further into the couch. He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear and cups my cheek with his hand. Emmett clears his throat and Rose and Alice are both laughing. I feel the blush rush into my cheeks. I bury my face in Edward's chest, feeling it vibrate with silent laughter.
We hang out in the lounge room, talking and joking around before Rosalie claims that it's time to get ready.
"I hope you bought plenty of options to wear tonight," she tells me seriously.
"Leave her alone, Rose," Edward scolds. She narrows her eyes at him and flips him the bird before looking back to me. I bite my bottom lip to stop myself from laughing. I quickly pick up my duffel bag before she grabs my hand and drags me out of the room and up the stairs to her room.
x.X.x
Rosalie's room was completely different to Alice's. It had a vibe that had 1930's written all over it. The walls of her bedroom were a dark emerald green that contrasted beautifully with the pearl white furniture. In the right corner of the bedroom, there was a glass-walled hallway that led to Rosalie's bathroom; the windows were decorated with pure white shears and dark emerald green curtains to frame each window. Right before the hallway, there was a large wardrobe nestled in the alcove of a wall and had two body-length mirrors decorating the white doors. Next to the wardrobe sat a beautiful two-drawer dresser that held an array of things on top of it. But everything paled in comparison to the magnificently beautiful bed that vaguely reminded me of something out of Beauty and the Beast. It sat centered against the back wall and was decorated with satin sheets that matched the color theme of her room. There was a rug that sat at the foot of her bed that spread out to cover the majority of the floor area in front of the bed.
"Alright, so let's see what you brought," Rosalie says in a series tone. I compose myself before rolling my eyes and shaking my head at her before opening my duffel bag. I pull out my three dress options, laying them on her bed.
"I wanted something nice but still kind of casual," I tell her as I turn back to her. She smiles at me before walking over and looking at the dresses.
"They're all really cute,"
"Thanks. I couldn't choose what one to wear, that's why I asked you to help," I tell her through a sigh. I glance up at her to see that she's pursing her lips, her facial expression filled with concentration as she looks at the dresses. I laugh quietly to myself at her seriousness as to what I'm going to wear. Rose and Alice are insane about fashion sometimes.
She picks up the third option, holding it out in front of her and turning it around in her hands, looking at it in every direction.
"I think this is too light, and something you'd wear to a wedding," she says before folding it carefully and handing it to me. I put it back in the bag.
She picks up the first option and purses her lips again.
"This is cute, but it seems too casual. Like something you'd wear out on a date or something." She looks at me through the corner of her eye and smiles at me politely before handing that dress to me as well.
Finally, she picks up the last option, a smile forming on her lips.
"I'm actually glad you picked that," I tell her.
She turns towards me, placing it against my body.
"It makes your skin look amazing, it's got sparkle, and it looks casual but not too casual. And plus, its midnight blue, which is Edward's favorite color," she says with a sly smile on her lips.
"Oh my god, is that what you're wearing Bella?" Alice asks as she walks into the room. I look over to her to see that she has a huge grin on her face, "you're going to look amazing!" she exclaims.
A smile forms on my lips as a blush creeps into my cheeks.
Alice starts on my hair, she grabs out a similar curling wand to the one she used on me last time, but it's different, it doesn't have grooves on it. I watch her in the mirror and when she pulls my hair from the wand, it's in a soft curl – not in ringlets like last time. I smile at her. She grins back at me.
"Should I put a braid in her hair?" she asks Rosalie.
"Where were you gonna put it?" she asks as she walks out of her bathroom.
"Just from here to here," Alice replies, running her hands from my left temple travelling across to the middle of my head.
"Yeah, do it. That will look really good," She looks at me in the mirror and smiles at me before going back into her bathroom.
I continue to do my make up as Alice works on my hair. That was one of our conditions that I made her agree on; she and Rosalie could pick what I wear, but it had to be mine and they could do my hair, but I got to do my own make up. She made sure I only had a small mirror to work with though, so I wouldn't see my hair until it was done. I keep my make-up simple, having light pink lipstick with dark eyes and a light brown blush. I finish just before Alice finishes my hair.
"Alright, done." she says before pulling the sheet off of the mirror and unplugging the curling wand. I look up into the mirror. My eyes go wide at what I see before me. The braid she decided to do at the last minute really compliments the soft curls she's done.
"Wow, Ali. I love it, thank you," I tell her quietly. She walks forward and leans down; wrapping her arms around my shoulders and hugs me. I place my hands on her arms before looking at her in the mirror and smiling at her.
"Alice, get off her so I can see," Rose says through a laugh. Alice steps out of our embrace and spins the chair around. I stand up and spin around for her.
"That's going to look so fucking awesome with your dress," she says with a grin on her face. "We are so awesome, give me a high five," she adds, putting her hand up in the air towards Alice. Alice closes the distance between them and slaps her hands to Rosalie's enthusiastically.
"Alright, I'm gonna get dressed now," I say through a laugh.
I unbutton my jeans as I walk over to the bed. I pull them off before taking off my shirt and putting on my dress carefully, making sure I don't ruin my hair. I search through my bag and pull out my black stockings and put them on. I sit down on Rose's bed and pull on my black flats that have flexible bands that lace all the way up the front.
"Okay, I'm done," I say before standing and facing them.
They turn around and take in my appearance. Alice's hands fly to her face, her eyes welling up with tears. Confusion covers my face. She see's my reaction and shakes her head at me before grinning at me.
"You just look so beautiful," she says softly. I look down at the ground as a soft smile forms on my lips.
"God, Alice. You're so emotional," Rose says through a laugh before adding, "Your shoes are hot," She smirks at me when I look up at her.
"Thanks," I say through a light laugh.
Esme knocks on the door before popping her head around the corner and walking inside. Her eyes go wide and a smile forms on her lips when she sees me.
"You girls look beautiful," she tells us before looking at me. "Bella," would you like to come help me cook?" She asks.
"Oh, yeah. Of course," I answer enthusiastically.
"Do not get anything on your dress," Rose shouts in a warning tone as I walk out of the room with Esme.
x.X.x
Today has been the best thanksgiving I've had in four years, but I can't get rid of this feeling I have, telling me that something is wrong. I can't help but feel guilty about having a good time today when Charlie is probably off somewhere drowning his sorrows with his beers. I shouldn't even be thinking about that right now. I did everything I could to try and make him feel better over the years, but he just ignored me and kept treating me horribly. Blaming me for everything that happened.
I still have horrible nightmares that haunt me, where he says no one will ever love me or when they do I'll screw it up and they'll leave me. That's why I'm so scared of my feelings for Edward. Not only him, but his family as well. I've become so close to all of them. And lately, every time Edward looks at me the way he does and gives me that gorgeous smile of his, I get this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. That smile usually gives me butterflies. But for some reason it hasn't been giving me the normal feeling it usually does. I can't help but feel that my fears are starting to overcome me.
"Are you okay, honey?" Esme asks, pulling me out of my thoughts. I glance at her and smile at her lightly.
"Yeah, sorry."
"It's no problem at all," she assures me before going to the cupboard and pulling out all the ingredients and appliances that we need. I help her prepare the vegetables, make the stuffing for the turkey and make the cherry cobbler. I mash the potatoes while she makes the mixed salad. Esme is packing everything away while I wipe down the bench when she speaks again.
"I'm so glad you came today, Bella."
"I'm glad I came," I reply quietly. I can feel her gaze on me but I don't look up. I don't want her to look into my eyes. My mom always said that everyone could read me like an open book, just because of the emotion in my eyes. Some people would say that's a beautiful thing, but I just find it annoying.
"I'll go tell them we need the tables set," I say quietly before walking out of the kitchen.
I take off the apron and run my hands through my hair before walking into the lounge room. My eyes go straight to Edward. I see his mouth open slightly in awe as he takes in my appearance. I bite my bottom lip as I feel the automatic blush cover my cheeks. I glance over his body; he's wearing black jeans with a white button up shirt. He always takes my breath away. He smirks at me and my smile falls. There's that odd feeling again. He notices my change of expression and cocks his head to the side, looking at me questioningly. I break our gaze and look at everyone else in the room, Emmett is missing but Jasper, Alice and Rose are all here looking between Edward and I with confused expressions on their faces.
"Everything is ready," I tell them.
They all stand and head through the living room and out the back. I wait for Edward to reach me and fall into step with him. He entwines our hands together before leaning down and kissing me on the cheek.
"You look so beautiful," he whispers in my ear.
"You don't look too bad yourself," I reply and take a quick glance at him. A small smile forms on my lips, causing him to laugh lightly.
When we reach the back doors, he slides it open and waits for me to walk through them first. Carlisle is at the barbeque, which shocks me at first. He looks completely different in casual but still formal clothes. I've only ever seen him in his doctor coat or a suit when he's gone into a board meeting. He turns around as me and Edward walks up to the table.
"Bella, I'm so glad you could make it," He says with a smile on his face. He walks over to us and pats Edward on the shoulder before pulling me into his side and giving me a light hug. I look up at him and give him a polite smile.
"Thanks," I reply quietly.
"Can I have my girlfriend back, please?" Edward asks with mock annoyance in his voice.
Carlisle rolls his eyes before releasing me, patting me on the cheek and taking his seat at the table. Edward places his forefinger under my chin and moves my face to look back at him. I can see the concern in his eyes and it almost kills me. He cups my cheek in his hand before leaning down and placing a light kiss to my lips. My mouth automatically turns up into a smile against his lips. He places his hand on my lower back and leads us to our seats – he pulls mine out for me and waits for me to sit before he does.
"Everything looks so good," Emmett says admiringly before glancing at me and giving me his goofy grin.
"Food always looks good to you," Rosalie says through a laugh.
"She's got you there, bro." Jasper says. Alice giggles beside him.
"Whatever," Emmett mumbles.
"Do we all want to go around the table and say what we're thankful for?" Carlisle asks.
Crap. I forgot about that part. Edward notices my body freeze and places his hand over mine, squeezing it lightly before entwining his fingers through mine.
"Who wants to go first?" Esme asks.
"I'll go first!" Alice says enthusiastically.
"I'm thankful for fashion, I'm thankful for sunny days especially now we live in Forks where there are hardly any, I'm thankful for my family, for Rose and Jazz coming into our lives, for finding my soul mate," she glances at Jasper. He takes her hand in his as she continues. "I'm thankful for Edward having us when he needed someone. And most recently, I'm thankful for Bella," my eyes go wide and she smiles at me softly. "I'm thankful for her accepting me as her friend, I'm thankful for her being so strong and not letting people bring her down, I'm thankful for her being a great friend to me."
Everyone is silent and continue to stare at her.
"What? I'm finished," she says through a giggle.
"Guess it's my turn," Jasper says before looking around the table. "I'm thankful for having a strong and brave sister; she made it possible for us to survive. I'm thankful for Esme and Carlisle for taking us in, I'm thankful for Alice and Emmett accepting us, and then Edward. I'm thankful for Alice falling in love with me when I fell in love with her, I'm thankful for having a loving family," he glances at me before adding "and great new friends,"
"Well, considering we're twins, I'm pretty much thankful for all the same stuff," says Rose.
"Rose," Carlisle addresses her, "It's thanksgiving, come on." He adds.
She rolls her eyes and sighs. "Fine. I'm thankful for Jasper; truth is, he saved my life, not the other way around. I'm thankful for surviving the shit family I had. It made me stronger. I'm thankful for finding you guys, and finding Emmett. I don't think I could have found anyone better than him for me. I'm thankful for Bella coming into our lives and making this town at least a bit more interesting than it was the first few weeks we were here," She crosses her arms across her chest and leans further down into her seat before smiling at me softly and looking at Emmett.
"I'm thankful for food." Rosalie hits him on the arm and he gives her an annoyed look. "Owe. Excuse me, I wasn't finished. I'm thankful for dad being a doctor, that's pretty awesome, if you ask me. I'm thankful for my mom being the paternal woman she is and taking in Jazz and Rose because I got an awesome brother out of it and a beautiful girlfriend who I wouldn't trade for the world." He leans down and kisses her on the cheek, a small smile forms on her lips. He grins and continues. "I'm thankful for Edward asking to be officially adopted, we were always close when we were little but it was like we were meant to be brothers. And I'm thankful for that little fire cracker over there, for not letting anyone bring her down. You just keep kicking their asses if they're assholes to you, okay?" he says with a grin on his face. Everyone laughs and I can't hold back the laughter either. Esme is the next one to speak.
"I'm thankful for my beautiful healthy children, I'm thankful for my husband who is always supportive of me. And especially today, I'm thankful for Bella; I don't think I would have been able to do all of this without her. She has become a close friend of my children and even closer to my nephew – well, son – Edward, who deserves to find happiness after everything that has happened in his life."
She doesn't take her eyes off mine. I can feel my eyes begin to sting and force myself to not cry. Why are they all thankful for me? What have I ever done that's so special? Edward clears his throat and I turn my head to him. I don't look in his eyes but I can feel his gaze on me.
"I'm thankful for my family, for being taken in by the most amazing people in the world, I'm thankful for Jazz being the mellow fucker he is –"
"Really, Edward? Is that necessary?" Carlisle says through a sigh, cutting him off.
"Shit, sorry. I'm thankful for Rose being a tough bitch, ah, I mean, and putting my ass into place when it needs to be," I look over to Rose and see that she's wearing an amused expression on her face. I look at Edward to see he's smirking at her. "I'm thankful for Alice and Emmett for accepting me and being there during the tough times in my life. I'm thankful for Carlisle encouraging me and supporting me and just always being there whenever I've needed to talk." Edward takes my hand in his. I can feel his eyes on me. I look up at him and he smiles at me softly before continuing. "I'm thankful for Bella. I'm thankful for her being real and beautiful and strong. I've never felt this way about anyone before in my life. I'm thankful for her giving into my persistence and giving me a chance,"
I lose my composure and feel the tears fall down my cheeks. He places his hands on my cheeks and wipes away my tears. He kisses me lightly on the lips.
"Honey, are you okay?" Esme asks concerned.
"Yeah, I'm just overwhelmed; that was all really nice of you," I reply quietly. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. "I guess it's my turn." I say through a shaky laugh.
I look around the table and see that everyone's eyes are on me.
"I don't really know what to say… I haven't done this in a while. I guess I'm mainly just thankful for you guys moving here. I've been alone for a fairly long time. I'm thankful for Alice not giving up on me, I'm thankful for Rose always having my back." I look up into Edward's eyes and see that he's watching me intently. I don't take my eyes of his as I continue. "I'm thankful for you, Edward. For being so kind and sweet to me. For treating me like I'm perfect the way I am. Thank you."
I bite my bottom lip and look away from him. I play with the hem of my shirt. Edward turns his chair around to face me. I look up to see that everyone has left the table. He places his hands over mine.
"Come sit on the picnic table with me?" he asks softly before standing up, keeping his hands over mine. I stand with him and entwine our hands. He wraps one of his arms around my shoulders as we walk to the end of his back yard, down to the picnic table. He sits on top of the table with both his legs hanging on either side of the table. I sit in front of him – he pulls me closer and untangles my legs, wrapping them around his waist. I wrap my arms around him and rest my head on his chest.
"Talk to me," he whispers.
"About what?"
"What's wrong, Bella. I can tell something's bothering you,"
"I'm fine," I reassure him.
He sighs and wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer to him. He leans his head down so his cheek is resting against mine. He turns his head to place a kiss on my cheek, then my jaw, making his way to my lips. I lift my head to kiss him back. The kiss is slow and passionate. I keep my eyes closed after he pulls away.
"Why won't you talk to me?" he asks. I feel his hands gently cup my face. "Look at me," he whispers.
I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly before opening my eyes and meeting his gaze. There's something in his eyes that I just can't describe.
"What's wrong, baby?" he asks again.
"Thanksgiving has a lot of bad memories for me," I tell him.
"Because of your mom?"
I stay silent but nod my head
"What happened?"
"I don't want to talk about it," I say quietly but firmly.
"Well I need to tell you something, anyway."
My head snaps up and I look into his eyes. He has a confident smile on his face.
"Bella. I've been thinking a lot lately, about us. And, well, I spoke to Jasper about it and, and I just want you to know how much I care about you, I've never felt like this about anyone before in my life. You're beautiful, inside and out."
He keeps his gaze locked with mine and I can't look away from him, even though I desperately want to. He can't be going where I think he is.
"What I'm trying to say, is that I love you." My eyes go wide at his confession. Did he just say what I think he did?
"What?" I ask through a whisper.
"I love you so much baby. And I don't want you to ever doubt that. I want you to always remember that you're my girl, no matter what. I'll never leave you." He says confidentially.
I smile at him softly, a lone tear falling down my cheek as the weird feeling of Dejavu hits me. He brings his hands up to my face and wipes it away before leaning down and softly planting his lips to mine.
My mind finally falls into place and I remember where I've heard those words before. From my mother – No, no, no. This can't be happening. I think to myself. Not again, I can't handle this.
I pull away from him quickly before reluctantly looking into his eyes. His face falls when he takes in my expression. "Do you feel the same?" he asks uncertainly.
"I- Yes, wait. No, I don't know." I ramble before climbing off of the table, putting distance between us. I look up at him and see that he looks crushed. What have I done? What has he done? Why did he have to tell me he loves me? Why?
"I'm sorry, I can't do this," I whisper before turning and walking away. I can hear him follow after me.
"Bella, wait. What just happened?" he asks, confused.
"I can't go through this again, I can't." I rant as I begin to pick up my pace, he catches up to me and grabs my arm, pulling me to an abrupt stop.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm not letting myself get hurt again," I say before trying to pull my arm out of his grasp.
"I'd never hurt you, Bella." He says, shock lacing the tone of his voice.
"Edward, let me go." I tell him quietly as I continue to pull my arm out of his grasp. I look up at him. He looks so hurt and confused, but I have to this. I have to. If he loves me, he'll end up hurting me. He'll end up leaving me. Just like Charlie said. I feel my eyes begin to sting. He goes to wipe my tears but I flinch away from him. He closes the distance between us and wraps his arms around me.
"I'm not letting you go until you talk to me,"
"Edward, please. Just let me go," I sob as I struggle in his arms. "Just let me go!" I yell as I continue to push him away from me. As soon as his hold on me loosens, I turn on my heel and run as fast as I can, with tears falling down my face.
I forget to watch where I'm going and I get knocked on my feet after colliding with something. Which actually turns out to be someone.
"Whoa, Bella. Slow down," Alice says before looking down at me. "Oh my god, are you crying?"
"I need to go home,"
"Did you and Edward have a fight? I heard yelling. Bella, what's going on?" she asks concerned. I stand up and brush down my dress.
"Hey, guys. Whoa, what happened to you?" Rosalie says, shock thick in her voice.
"I just need to go home, now!" I plead through a loud sob.
"Okay, okay. Come on." Alice says softly, wrapping her arm around my shoulders.
"Alright, I'm just gonna go find Edward," Rose says in an annoyed voice.
"Tell him I'm sorry," I tell her.
"About what? What the fuck is happening?" she asks exasperatedly.
"Please just tell him," I whisper in a pleading voice.
Alice leads us to her yellow porch, and helps me into the seat. She stays quiet on the ride home until we pull into my drive way.
"Bella, what happened? Please talk to me, I'm really worried."
"I'm so sorry. I didn't want this to happen. Why did this have to happen? You're my best friend. You know that right? Please know that I love you. I love you guys so much. Your family means more to me than anything. But I just couldn't go through it again, Alice. I just couldn't." I wipe at my eyes as tears continue to fall down my face.
"Please tell Edward I'm sorry, and that I do love him. So much, but I just can't do it,"
I begin to unbuckle my seatbelt. I look up at her one last time to see concern and fear clear in her eyes.
"Bella, wait–"
I jump out of the car and run up my driveway before she can continue. I grab the spare key out of the pot plant, unlock the door. I slam the door shut and slide down it once I'm inside. I take deep breaths, trying to get my breathing under control. It's not long before Alice begins banging on the door and yelling out for me to talk to her. I crawl to my feet and quickly turn the lock before running up the stairs and into my room. Did that seriously just happen? I knew something was going to go wrong today. I could feel it. Why did he have to tell me he loves me? I love him too. So much, but I hoped to god that he didn't feel the same because the people who love you are the ones who end up hurting you the most.
My phone begins to ring. I left it here because I didn't want to get distracted when I was at Edward's. Even though anyone that would distract me was in the same house as me. I go over to the bedside table and see that it's Edward. I cancel the call, seconds later it begins to ring again. I watch my phone screen as it continues to light up. Alice begins to ring as well, and then even Rosalie starts to call. It's then that I realize I have to leave. He's going to come over here; I know what he's like. I know he'll do it. And if he doesn't, then Alice or Rose will. If I stay here with them, they'll probably just end up leaving me anyway, everyone always does. I'm not good enough to stay with. I'll do something to screw it up and they'll leave. Look at me now; I've already begun to screw shit up because of my stupid insecurities and defense mechanisms. I can't handle them leaving me. Not after everything that's already happened to me. I'm finally happy again, but that can easily get crushed in a second. Especially when the ones who brought you out of your darkness are the ones who can easily put you back there.
I grab my overnight bags out from under my desk and chuck them on top of my bed. I get changed into a fresh pair of clothes and shove my dress and shoes into the bag before rummaging through my closet, grabbing all of my clothes and shoving them into one of the bags. I collect all my books, cd's, jewelry box, my box of all my special things and put them into the second bag. I grab my radio clock and put that in there too – I go into the bathroom and pull out all my toiletries, putting them into my overnight toiletry bag. I go back into my room and notice my desk drawer is open. I look inside and see my old photo album. I pick it up, and that's when I notice all my framed photos of Edward, Alice, Rose, Jasper and Emmet on my desk. Tears automatically well up in my eyes as I grab them and put them in the other bag.
I grab my bags and descend the stairs and go into the kitchen. I go through the cupboards and grab some things to take on the road with me so I don't have to stop anywhere. I go to the money can and chuck all of the notes and coins into a plastic zip bag. I write Charlie a short note; not that he'll even care that I'm gone.
I head to the door and take one last look around. I've always wanted to get out of this town, but I never thought I'd be leaving this way. I feel more tears fall from my eyes as I walk out the door, climb into my truck, and drive away from the town I grew up in.