Temptation 2: Forgiving You ✔️

23: Fresh Start

AFTER THE PARTY

The party was spectacular. I don't think I've ever been this happy since I've been back here. My friends, all in one place having fun, and my family was whole again. I don't think I had hope that it would be like that again. As much as I want to be home and in my own bed, there's a lot of catching up that I need to do, so I'll be staying at Damons' place for a little bit. He promised me he'd catch me up, and help me get used to being back, and honestly, It would feel nice to be around him a little bit longer.

Somehow, it was usually him who talked some sense into me or pulled me out of some trouble that I was in. Hell, he risked his life for me. Everyone pitched in trying to get this place clean. Diane and Lincoln were so kind enough to open their home up to us today for this, so we figured trying to make this place spotless as it was before would be a good idea.

I made my way into the kitchen, deciding to clean straighten it up. As a teenager, this was my chore. It brought back a few memories from when I was younger with my brothers. They constantly gave me shit, sprayed me with the sink sprayer, then when mom came home mom usually took away some of our privileges. 

The good ole days when it was all of us.

Washing the dishes, and spaced out, I turn my head seeing Mr. Lincoln beside me. "Let me help you with these. The least I can do is place them in the dishwasher for you given your condition." He obliged.

 I shake my head, "Oh no it's okay. My doctor told me I needed to move around anyway, getting used to walking again. Plus as for the dishes, I don't mind." I flash him a genuine smile. "You guys threw this party for me, and let us use your house. Trust me cleaning the kitchen is the least I can do." I say with a cheesy grin before continuing. 

He chuckles, "Well when we heard about you getting out of the hospital, we figured you'd want something to make you have a good first week back, pass me the ones you finish please." Mr. Lincoln says. He was right. Truly I felt like it would be a lot more depressing. My mind still felt empty, and well, I miss a few years of my life so I'd say this depression point of my life was meant to happen.

"Thank you," I say passing him the dishes before continuing to wash the others. "You know my parents have probably been going through hell. Trying to pay medical bills, stressing over when I was gonna wake up, and the void of not having their daughter around. It must've sucked." A frown points itself onto my lips. I couldn't imagine all of the shitty things they had to go through throughout these years, and when I try to picture it, I blame myself. 

"It was hard for them," Mr. Lincoln places his hand onto the back of my shoulder. "But they got through it all. Now you're back, and I've never seen them as happy as they are now since they got the news you were comatose." He explains to me. The smile returns to my face, and I hand him the last of the silverware. "You know my parents never told me about you guys. Here I thought I knew all their friends." I try to joke with him with my terrible humor. 

His happy expression tones down, before he shows me an awkward smile. "Well uh, we're old friends. Diane and I have been around your parents for as long as you've been born, we were always just distant. Busy and all you know?" He clarified. I nodded. Given their living status, they probably do some serious work. "Hey," A knock on the wall appoints my direction over to Damon as he's leaned against the wall. "You ready to go? I got the car ready outside." 

"Yeah, I'll be out on a second. Just finishing up here." I tell him. He gives me a head bob before turning away and making his out of my vision. I turn my body back towards Mr. Lincoln, finishing up in the kitchen before placing the towel onto the sink head. "Thank you for the hospitality and the comforting conversation, Mr. Lincoln," I say. "You as well, Leah. And if you ever need anything, feel free to contact me anytime. Diane and I would be very happy to help with whatever." 

I smile, before giving him a hug, truly needing this moment. I rest my head into his shirt for a moment before pulling away. "Actually, how about coffee on Monday morning? I can send you the address and maybe we can talk about what we can do to help you get back on your feet. I'm assuming you haven't figured any of that out yet right?" 

Coffee. Getting out of the house. School. Yeah, that part worries me. All of my friends have probably already graduated, and here I am, still at the start of my year. This should go well. "That sounds perfect. I've been more focused on getting my memories back if I'm being real with you. But other than that you're right." I admit. I just really want things to go back to normal for me. Even if college isn't in my future anymore, I need to get on my feet again. 

"Great, I'll see you then." He smiles at me before helping me out of the kitchen. 

After saying the sad farewells to my parents, we were finally leaving. Damon made sure all of my things were packed in his car so that I wouldn't have to do any heavy lifting. I wouldn't be surprised if he had me on bed rest the entire time I'm at his place. "So, are you still at the same place you were at?" I ask him, truly doubting he is. "Nah. I moved away a few weeks after your incident to New York. Remember?" He reminds me. I try to but there isn't any luck. 

I shake my head no. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. What if my memories don't recover? I don't want to forget all the important chapters of my life. "Don't worry. Hopefully, you being here helps you out. I happen to be a mastermind in dealing with people such as yourself." He said with a grin. I let out a breath, turning my gaze to the window. "Let's hope."

-

Dear, Readers.

All I'm going to say is, these final chapters are gonna be amazing! I have a lot that I planned for the ending of this book. Romance, tears, A LOT. Ahaha. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I'm putting a lot of effort into finishing this, and honestly, I'm pretty motivated. Love you all, and have a good week! 

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