After Forever & Ever

Chapter 103

Tessa-Present

After I get Emery in the car. Vance waits so I can give Hardin his birthday present it wasn't ready when we were in Santa Monica so Vance offered to go back and pick it up. So that's what he was doing even though he told Hardin he was looking at places.

I got Hardin a AA symbol pendant for his chain with the date he got clean engraved on the back.

When I am walking back up to the apartment I tell myself I am going to tell him I forgot Emery's pacifier. And just as I am walking in I say it and Savannah is there.

I guess the look I give both of them makes him think I am ready to walk out because he immediately follows with "Tessa please" and has nothing but fear in his eyes.

"I was just leaving." Savannah says and walks past me.

"What was that about?" I ask.

"She was nearby and asked to work on a song, she didn't know my curfew changed." He tells me.

"Do you normally hang out alone?" I ask him.

"Uh yea? We work together." He responds slightly annoyed.

"I know your curfew is in 2 minutes. But I wanted to be able to give you your birthday present." I say and hand him the little bag it's in.

He pulls out the little draw string bag and opens it and turns it upside down letting the pendant slide out into his hand. He moves it through his fingers and looks at what it is.

He realizes what it represents and sees the date. "Wow Tess, thank you. I love it." He says grabbing the back of his chain to unhook it and sliding the pendant on.

"I'm going to go so you don't get in trouble." I tell him and head back towards the door.

"Okay....thank you again for this it means a lot to me." He tells me and hugs me but this time no kiss goodbye. Even though I felt like I was looking up at him forever waiting for one.

"Goodnight Hardin, happy birthday." I tell him.

"Thanks babe goodnight." He replies.

What a whirlwind being here has been. I did not think we would be in this place at all but I am soooo happy we got to a place where I can feel confident that we are going to be alright. I wish tomorrow wasn't my last day. I wish we had more time. But being here is exactly what he needed and I know he can do this.

When I get in the car Vance is a little confused and asks me.... "was that Savannah?"

"....yea he said she stopped by to work on a song." I answer.

"How do you feel about that?" He asks me.

"I trust him...even though we technically aren't together but I don't think he would ever do that." I tell Vance.

"I like what I am seeing from you both this weekend. I know yesterday was rough but I think you getting drugged really brought you guys together." Vance jokes.

"Almost cost him everything but yes your right." I reply.

"Did he like the gift?" Vance asks.

"Yes he loved it." I reply.

"Good it was a really thoughtful gift and I know we are all keeping faith that will be a day we can continue to celebrate." Vance says.

"This time feels different. And I think most of it was his bipolar and with that under control he is like a different person." I tell Vance.

"I agree. I do really want to look at a few places tomorrow. And another office space. What do you think in a few months heading an office here?" He asks me.