Two Mondays before Stardust, I decided to talk to Meredith concerning my thoughts about going home.
At precisely 7:30 AM, I heard her keys opening the door. I took a deep breath as she entered the room. I was waiting for her in Living Room #1, drinking hot chocolate while I was at it. She was a bit startled to see me already awake, as a matter of fact. These past few days, I had stayed up way past 11, and had woken up just after eight in the morning. Today was different. I thought everything would be.
"Phoebe, honey," she exclaimed.
I stood up and went by her side. "Good morning, Mer." I offered to take her coat and I received a thanks from her weary voice.
"C-can I talk to you for a moment?" I asked softly.
She seemed intrigued but nodded. "Of course, sweetheart. What is it?" She set down her things on the couch and settled down. I followed suit and seated myself on the armchair in front of her.
"I think it's time that I go home," I blurted out.
Her eyes widened for a little instance and her brows raised, clearly not anticipating this to come so soon. "You...you're going to leave?" she confirmed.
I nodded. I clasped my hands while saying, "I have to. I've already stayed long enough. I don't want to make things difficult for you."
She didn't say anything yet but after about five seconds she let out, "It's not that I want you to go, but I actually think it's best for you to go back to your family as well. I've talked to Greyson about this, and I only want what can benefit you. And I figured that they are probably missing you a lot."
"I know that. I know I've been such a great burden to you. I came round your house with no proper announcement or warning. I know you never signed up for this. It's like adopting another kid, isn't it?" I felt quite uneasy, to be honest. Now I'm talking to her about how I made stuff hard after I made stuff hard. I should've persisted on not staying in her house right in the very first place. I had a strong feeling that this summer was one of her biggest regrets. To have me around. As usual, I was the odd one out. I was always transforming things way harder than it was normal. Meredith probably didn't show it much, but maybe she was sorry that I had to stay so long. Sorry for herself, for her kids, and for Greyson. Phoebe Howell, everybody. Specializing in provoking.
"At the same time, I also don't want you to leave," she continued.
"What?" Did I hear that right?
"You've grown somewhat a soft spot in my heart, Phoebe. And I'm thankful that you ended up here with us. You've been such a darling. And to see you go or hear you go, for this matter, is a bit of a down for me. I wish you could stay longer, but I don't want to deprive you of what you want to do," she explained kindly.
Apparently, I had over-thought things again and what I thought was right was wrong.
"Oh," I said then let out a small unconvincing smile.
"Is something wrong?" she pressed on, a look of worry evident on her face.
I shook my head. "No. I should thank you. How rude of me."
"It's alright."
"Well, thank you so much, Meredith. I don't know where I would be now if I hadn't agreed to stay. I owe you a lot. And I don't know how could I ever repay you for this."
She scoffed. "Don't be silly, Phoebe. You don't need to give something in return. I just have to know that you will arrive safe in Oklahoma."
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Escaping Lights - A Greyson Chance Fan Fiction
Fanfiction"Lies. All lies. Everything I have ever known has dissolved." Phoebe Howell has spent most of her life trying to please her parents. She has grown up to know an environment full of luxury and ease. But suddenly, that changes. Confusi...
