Leaving At Last Chapter 05
I took a cab back to the apartment Briar and I shared.
I packed my passport, my IDs, and the rest of my important documents.
After living there for three years, all I took with me was a single small suitcase.
After finding out I’d quit, my parents took time off to be home.
They made a special dinner.
“Sweetheart, whatever you decide to do, we support you.”
After dinner, they handed me a plane ticket.
To Sonoma, California. Leaving tomorrow.
“You’ve been talking about this place for years. Go. Take a break.”
“Stay as long as you want.”
I looked at the ticket, then at their faces.
And just like that, the knot in my chest loosened.
I threw my arms around them and cried for a long time.
That night, I was in my room packing for California.
My phone started vibrating nonstop on the carpet.
Briar must have gotten off work and realized my things were gone.
He sent a string of messages.
[Blair, did you move back to your parents’ place?]
[I brought you cheesecake from Junior’s. Your favorite.]
[Why did you take your passport and IDs?]
[Where are you going?]
I didn’t answer. Then he called.
[Pick up.]
[What’s going on?]
[I’m coming over to your parents’ house.]
I flipped my phone facedown on the table and kept packing.
Just then, I heard a noise from the living room, followed by my mother’s voice.
“Sweetheart, Talia’s here.”