Stick Season (18+)

Chapter 13 - Cherri

(Picture is Ellie. The actress is Maddie Phillips)

Waking up to my alarm, I struggle to move. Maybe it was how cozy I felt. Maybe it was the large man that had me pinned to my pillow.

Eventually, and without enthusiasm, I wiggled my way out from under Jericho. Once I did, he let out a sound that would best be described as a whimper and curled up tighter. As if it wasn't hard enough to leave him!

I start my routine as usual, trying to stay quiet so he can get as much sleep as possible. I'm sure he's exhausted after the past few days.

Before I head out, I make a possibly bold decision. I leave him what used to be Cory's key. I also write a little note saying that he's welcome to anything in the kitchen if he's hungry. Of course I sign it, dotting my 'i' as usual with a heart.

I've never been one for taking it slow. I'm trying hard this time, because I don't want to burn out whatever he's been feeling for me. I know it's pathetic. Unfortunately every time I find something that makes me happy, it doesn't work out. Jericho stopped wanting me, and I stopped wanting Cory. Despite everything Jericho has said and done recently, I can't help it but still have some reservations.

And yet here I am, trying to ignore that and push through my paranoia. I've lived in fear time and time again— fear of what could happen, and how I'll have to heal from it. But take it from me, there is no point to a life plagued by such doubt.

Reaching that conclusion, I softly kiss Jericho's cheek before I leave. I'm happy to see that his face is already looking better. Well, it's always looked good, but you know what I mean.

Heading to pick up Hattie, I start brainstorming what we could do about his siblings. I know the social worker in me will find a solution. I just want them to all be okay. I want them to finally feel safe. I'll do anything in my power to make that happen.

Soon I'm pulling up to Hattie's house, and I realize this is the perfect opportunity to give her the update about yesterday.

—

As usual, the morning passes fast. There's minimal puking and tears, and my favorite boys, Emmett and Roland, each drew me a picture. I proudly hung them up on my wall.

Out of sympathy, Hattie offers to buy me a panini for lunch. I graciously accept. I haven't had a good ham, sun-dried tomato, and cheese in a long time. I'm surprised how slow and quiet the café is. It's one of the best places in town! And after the other day at the restaurant, now it's one of the few places I can go out to eat.

Hattie and I are chatting by the counter waiting for our orders. A few customers leave, another comes in, but we're mostly minding our own. I check my phone for the first time since my shift started, seeing that Jericho texted, Have a great day beautiful, this morning

"So he's basically living with you?" Hattie sums up, now that I've had the chance to finish up telling her about current events.

I scoff, looking back up at her after responding to his message. "He's not living with me, he's staying with me. There's a difference. Plus, it's only been one night."

"Right," she says like she doesn't believe me. I give her a look. "Jericho might have changed, but-"

Our conversation is then interrupted by a short, shrill laugh. We both turn and suddenly my stomach plummets.

Standing a few feet to our left is a girl named Eleanor, more commonly known as Ellie. Also known as the girl Jericho pretty much left me for almost five years ago.

Not much has changed about her. I haven't seen her in years because she's a bit younger. I believe she's the same age as Jenna and Julie. Why is she listening to our conversation?