Stick Season (18+)

Chapter 19 - Cherri

I hesitate before following Jericho, knowing he'd probably benefit from getting some space. I had to hold my mom back, too, because she was so worried.

"He's just really not used to having someone so involved in his life," I mutter, feeling some guilt for overwhelming him with this. Though we had good intentions, I can imagine what it's like to feel like someone is taking over for you.

Mom gives me a sympathetic look. "I know, Cher. I remember more about when you guys had first been together. Even the one time we met his dad, I didn't feel any paternal love from the guy."

I nod, lost in thought, then let out a deep breath. "I'm gonna try and find him." She doesn't say anything as I leave the office and go upstairs.

Looking around, I don't see him anywhere on the first floor. I can't sense him anywhere close. Following my instincts and the strongest scent of him, I walk out the front door.

The chill of the air bites at my exposed arms, and I'm somewhat surprised to see sparse snowflakes falling. I didn't realize we'd get any snow today, but it's certainly cold enough.

I don't see Jericho anywhere. After a moment of looking around, I hear a quiet chime coming from across the yard. I lightly jog over toward the sound and find a pile of clothing next to the trees. Definitely Jericho's. I push aside my fear of invading his privacy and fish his phone out of the pocket of his pants.

Brent's name and face flash on the screen. I twist my lips a bit, contemplating if it's a good idea to answer. Jericho's already pissed. I'm not sure picking up a phone call meant for him will help. But maybe Brent has an emergency, or he knows something that could help

I answer the call and bring the phone up to my ear. "Hi."

There's silence on the other end for a second. Finally, Brent's voice questions, "Cherri?"

"Yeah..." I say, sighing a bit. "Sorry. Jericho and I got into a, uh, disagreement, and I guess he went for a run."

He doesn't say anything at first, but when he responds, he sounds tense. "Can I ask what about?"

I shuffle my feet a bit before answering. "I mean, you know about his dad and everything right?" Brent confirms. "Well, I'm trying to help him out with getting the kids somewhere safe, and I think I just went too far."

I'm surprised when Brent chuckles. "Let me guess, you had an idea and he wasn't thrilled about it."

It's not a question. I'm a little confused, but find myself nodding a bit. I guess that summarizes what happened. "Yeah, that's one way to put it."

He snorts a bit. "Sounds like Jericho." He pauses before continuing. "Listen Cherri, you probably didn't do anything wrong. I just think he's going to need time to adjust to the way you do things. Jericho is very independent, if you didn't know. Sometimes too independent."

I roll my eyes. "Tell me about it. I practically have to force him to let me help with anything. He thinks he has to do everything alone."

"You're not wrong. But, and I'm not disagreeing with you, just think for a second. With the way you and your family are, what would it be like if Jericho tried to change your ways?"

He's got a point. I've known Brent for much longer than I've known Jericho. Our families know each other, and I think he has a brother around Sera's age. I sit with what he said.

I'm happy with my family, and though things aren't perfect, I've always felt like they were there for me. Jericho didn't have that privilege for most of his life. Even when his mom was alive, she'd been sick for awhile before she passed. That's when he started having to rely on himself.