A few days later I sat on the edge of the bed, my fingers nervously twisting together as I glanced over at Noah, who was leaning against the dresser, his phone in hand.
We talked about this decision over the past few days, my uncertainty and hesitation slowly giving way to the thought that maybe, just maybe, reaching out could bring the closure I have been quietly hoping for.
Noah, always calm and steady, held out his phone to me, showing the contact he’d saved a few days ago: Orion.
I took a deep breath, my fingers tracing over the screen, feeling the weight of that name someone who had once been such a big part of my life, and who now felt like a stranger.
“Are you sure?” Noah’s voice was soft, steady. He was giving me one last out, one more chance to put it off if I wanted.
I met his gaze, and for the first time, I felt a sense of calm settle over me.
I nodded. “Yeah. I think… I think I am.”
Noah’s hand rested gently on my shoulder, a quiet reminder that I wasn’t alone in this. “Then let’s do it together.”
I took the phone from him, feeling his presence beside me as I opened the message thread. My hands shook slightly, but Noah placed his hand over my hands, steadying me.
I drew in a deep breath, and together we typed out the message:
Orion, it’s Estella. I think… it might be time to talk. I don’t know what you’re hoping for, but I’m ready to hear you out. Let me know when we could meet, if you still want to.
I paused before hitting send, looking up at Noah, who nodded reassuringly. With a deep breath, I pressed send and set the phone down in my lap, feeling a strange mix of dread and relief. Now, it was up to them.
Minutes passed in silence, and I leaned into Noah, finding comfort in his closeness. Just as I started to relax, a soft ping from Noah’s phone made my heart skip a beat. I looked down, my stomach twisting as I saw Orion’s reply appear on the screen:
Estella… I’m glad you reached out. Let’s talk. Just tell me where and when, and we’ll be there.
I let out a shaky breath, feeling Noah’s arm wrap around me, anchoring me to the moment. Whatever came next, I was ready to face it. Not alone, but with Noah by my side.
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Teen FictionEstella's world shattered when she was six years old, after her father died in a car accident. Her mother turned into an alcoholic, and her brothers abandoned her one by one, leaving her completely alone. Now, 12 years later, her brothers are back a...
