What she left Behind | ONGOING

CHAPTER 12

─────  Derek ─────

The ride back home was exhausting. I wonder if it has to do with the fact that I must return to the routine.

When I got to my apartment, I left my things on one side of the living room, already tired and wanting to just sleep for the rest of the day. I enjoyed this weekend more than I thought I would. At first, I only went there to remember those beautiful moments I'd spent with Savannah. But, then Chloe got there too, and it was like killing two birds with one stone. Not only did I fulfill my goal of reconnecting with the past, but also in some way, improved my relationship with Chloe.

I think what got her to stop hating me that much was understanding that I loved Savannah. Although we began on the wrong foot—well, since a few years back—we finally solved a few things and were able to talk for more than two minutes without wanting to rip each other's head off.

I hop inside the shower and take my time there, knowing that the moment I pick up my phone there will be a ton of messages from my father and other colleagues so I can make some decisions regarding projects. I am so not excited about that.

Once I'm finished, I get out and wrap a towel around my torso. That's when I heard my phone ring. I check the caller ID and see it's Chloe.

That's weird to me, I didn't expect her to ever willingly call me. The one time we spoke on the phone it was because we were both assigned a project together—she was not happy to work with me, obviously. Well, I wasn't thrilled either. I remember she was bossy and that annoyed the living hell out of me.

I answered and when I listened to her talk, I swear I heard so much concerned, it made me feel bad for her. I never once would've thought that a day like this would ever come. I couldn't help myself and without a problem, I said I would help her organize some stuff in Savannah's room. I mean, looking at her things in the room she grew up with wasn't exactly something I planned to ever do. Mostly, because everything is still fresh on my mind. But, I know Chloe isn't as strong and I feel like we're in such a good place. I mean, she must be desperate if she called me.

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While driving to the Prescott's, I took my time with it. I was mentally preparing myself for what I was about to do. It just seems strange to be going to her old room and reliving her past. But I told Chloe I would help her—shocking, I know—so that's exactly what I am going to do.

I pull up to their driveway and let out a heavy sigh. Here I am, already parked and staring at the front door, wanting to leave this place as soon as possible.

I finally get out of my car and begin to walk to the house, trying to steady my breath and my steps because I feel like I'm about to fall. I knock on the door and wait a few minutes before someone opens it. In front of me stood Mrs. Prescott, looking better compared to when I last saw her at the funeral. I haven't seen her since then, which I feel horrible about, obviously. I could only contact her through text messages, not being able to come here to talk to her in person. I guess it could be because she is the livid image of Savannah. Same long brown hair, the same freckles, the same light green eyes, and they even have the same dimpled smile. Mrs. Prescott just looks a bit older with her few wrinkles at the side of her eyes and has of course much more wisdom and experience when you look at her appearance. But it literally seems like she did a copy-and-paste with her daughter.

"Derek, hi! Nice to see you again," she says and pulls in me for an embrace, which I gladly return.

"Mrs. Prescott, nice to see you too. I'm sorry I couldn't come here way before. It's been—"