Best Kept Secret (Best Kept #1)

Chapter 22: Twisted Around Your Pretty Little Finger

Song: Easier To Run by Linkin Park

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On New Year's Eve, my mom woke me up early. She told me I had a phone call waiting for me downstairs. It was weird, but I got out of bed and followed my mom sleepily while rubbing my eyes. We walked into the kitchen and she handed me the phone. "Hello?" I answered and ran my free hand through my hair.

"Lucy," Zoe's voice said softly. "Hey."

My eyes opened wider and I straightened slightly. "Zoe, hey, how are you?"

"Okay," She replied. "How are you?"

"Good," I answered and sat down at the kitchen table. My mom gave me a reassuring smile before she walked out and left me alone.

Zoe was quiet for a moment. "How was your Christmas?"

"It was pretty good." I nervously picked at my bottom lip. "Mom bought me a lot of clothes and a new case for my computer. Dad just gave me an amazon gift card."

Zoe laughed.

She actually laughed and the sound was music to my ears. "Sounds like Dad. He never did know what to get anyone. Except Jason, of course."

I laughed too. "Yeah, that's true."

Zoe was quiet again for a few seconds. "Hey, listen, I called to apologize for last week," She said softly. "I shouldn't have treated you that way. My doctor said he'd set up an appointment for us to talk. Mom said you just wanted it to be me and you."

My heart stuttered. "R-really? You want to talk?"

"Yeah, Lucy." Her tone was still quiet. "I think it's time. And...I miss you. A lot. I'd like us to talk. I want to come home."

My eyes stung with happy tears. "Yeah, okay. I'll be there Monday morning."

"Could you stay for a couple of days?"

The hope in her voice made my chest ache. "Definitely."

"Thank you." I heard her sniffle and then laugh lightly. "Mom told me about your boyfriend. Do you know how weird that sounds?"

I had to laugh too. "I know. The baby of the family has a boyfriend."

Zoe laughed again. "Will you tell me about him when you visit?"

My heart did that thing again and I felt myself smiling. "Yeah, I will."

There were other voices echoing behind Zoe and I heard her let out an annoyed sigh. "I gotta go, but I'll see you Monday, Lucy."

"See you then, Zoe."

She said bye quickly and then the line went dead. I sat there and stared at the phone for a couple of seconds. Was all this really happening? In a matter of a week, everything seemed to turn around. It was like a secret wish was granted for me. It's all I want...my family to be together again. I want Zoe to come home and talking to her will hopefully help. I'm nervous, but also excited.

Anxious.

Mom came into the kitchen and I hung the phone up. Dad followed her and they both looked at me curiously. "Well?" Dad pushed.

"Um, Zoe wants me to visit her on Monday. I'm going to stay up there for a couple of days."

My mom piped in quickly. "Oh, we'll go with you—"