Leah Mitchell isn't the same shy, poor girl anymore. Now a college student, she is enjoying her life in the city and the freedom she longed for. She works hard and knows her worth. She has it all, but her heart aches for the only person from her pas...
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I keep my hands clasped on my lap for the entirety of the drive to the town where I used to live. It's been a while since I last walked its streets and breathed its air.
"It looks much better now," Dad comments as we drive through the renovated and enhanced downtown area.
"It does," I say quietly, failing to swallow the lump that formed in my throat.
Dad glances over at me. "Nervous?"
"Yeah," I whisper. "Stupid, right?"
Dad shakes his head and gives me a small, encouraging smile. I don't know what to brace myself for. Everything could change after today. I hope Brian and I won't yell at each other — it's his dad's party, after all. Hope is all I have. The rest is uncertain.
I don't know if he feels the same pressure in the chest I do. I have no idea if he also spent last night staring at the ceiling, reminiscing our moments together. My mind decided to replay every minute detail of what made us who we were.
I thought about how he went from being someone who annoyed me to being someone who gave me solace and affection. I remembered our banter and Brian's silly jokes that made me laugh so hard my belly hurt.
I also recalled our more serious, deeper talks. He knew all of me — my weaknesses and flaws, my deeply-rooted insecurities and irrational fears. He knew my soul and my body like nobody else. There could be others, but it wouldn't be the same way with them. It wasn't the same with Nash, although he did try to get to know me.
Dad's car rolls into my former neighborhood. He drives past my mom's house and parks his SUV across the street, opposite Brian's parents' place.
It's early, but the loud music pours from O'Briens' backyard, and several bikes are in the driveway. I could have ridden my Harley too, but Dad offered to drive so that I could take some things of mine I needed.
"Let's go," Dad says, unlocking the driver's door.
I exhale and nod, discreetly wiping my sweaty hands on my red sundress before I get out of the car.
We don't bother knocking on the front door and circle the house, heading to the backyard instead.
The party is already in full swing. The smoke from the grill permeates the already hot July air. People are huddled together, chatting and laughing as they sip something from their cups. My gaze sweeps over the small crowds of guests, looking for Brian.
He's not here, and I can't help worrying.
"Savage!" Dad spots his friend and approaches him. "Congrats on your twenty."
"Twenty, my ass." Brian's Dad chuckles. "But I'm not complaining. I enjoyed each of them."
Dad smiles. Then, Mr. O'Brien sees me. Without hesitation, he takes a step forward and hugs me tightly.
