Midnight Serenade

Chapter 22

Unfortunately, no one seemed to want to waste any time. Even before we left the meeting, Sawyer's parents cornered me and told me that I'd be moving. They weren't exactly happy about it either, but I knew any attempt to convince them to change anyone's mind would be wasted. They agreed with my family about Sawyer and I living together.

So when we got back to their house, my things were packed up, and I was taken over to my aunt and uncle's home. The upside was that I would have my own room. It wasn't really worth the trade-off of being forced to move, but staying on the Peterson's couch was starting to feel a little weird. And at least I wouldn't have to share with Ashley.

By the time all was said and done, it was pretty late in the day, and I had to prepare to really separate myself from Sawyer for the first time since we met. His parents had hugged me and said goodbye, and then they waited outside while Sawyer held me in the front hallway.

"I won't be far," he said quietly as I clung to him. "I can be here in ten minutes if you need me."

He meant to comfort me, but his words just emphasized that we would be apart. I wouldn't be able to stay up late with him, watching movies, and I wouldn't see him first thing in the morning. Seeing him now would have to be intentional and planned, not just a normal part of the day.

I willed myself not to cry, and when I felt confident that I had my emotions under control, I let him go.

"Okay?" he asked tentatively.

I nodded. "I'll be fine." Or I'd appear fine anyway.

Sawyer knew I was full of it. He smiled sadly and kissed me before moving toward the door. "Good night," he said before stepping outside and leaving me on my own.

Aunt Nora was on the couch when I walked the short distance to the living room. She patted the spot beside her, and I obliged, glad that everyone else was occupied elsewhere in the house.

When I sat beside her, she gave me a side hug. "I know this is hard for you," she said. "But you understand why we want you two to get some space, right?"

"Yeah."  I understood it, but I didn't have to like it.

She gave me a sympathetic smile. "I know this is going to be an adjustment for you, and you've already had to deal with too much, but I do think it'll be good for you. Staying here will give you more normalcy and stability. I know the Petersons loved having you stay with them, but sleeping on their couch was never a permanent solution."

"I know." I hadn't wanted to think about it too much, but that was true. Jess probably would have been willing to share her room with me, but I wouldn't have felt right asking her to.

"And we're really happy to have you live here."

I turned and smiled at my aunt. That was the real reason I couldn't fight them on this. I couldn't suggest to my family, who clearly loved me so much, that I didn't want to live with them.

"Are you hungry?" she asked. "We didn't really have a normal dinner."

"I'm just tired," I said. "I don't think I got that much sleep last night."

"Do you need any help unpacking or anything?"

"No, I'm okay. thanks."

"Alright," she said. "Let me know if you change your mind."

I nodded and stood to go upstairs.

"And be thinking about what you want to do with your room."

"Do with it?" I looked at her curiously.