Falling Apart

Chapter 11

This past weekend was mostly okay, despite David worrying about me, but it seems as if I start every week off by hoping for the best. I wake up early and give my aunt Caroline a call, spend a few hours in school, then the rest of the day is filled with worry. I started this year off wanting to not be that girl anymore, the one who has to overthink every single thing, but it feels like I've done it more here than back home. This week will be my fresh start, my do over.

I send Jenna a text, telling her that I'm sorry for leaving last night and for the way David acted around Ian. After washing my face and throwing on an outfit, I walk to the coffeehouse, grab an iced mocha and walk to my first class.

"Ms. Willick." my teacher greets me as I step into the classroom.

"Mr. Wood." I nod and go to my seat.

The rest of the class fills in the empty seats and we all open our textbooks. Mr. Wood instructs us to read an article on "Abort Abortions", to edit the mistakes and turn it in at the end of class. Halfway through my reading, there's a knock at the wooden door and I'm distracted by my teacher telling whomever it is to exit the building. After a few seconds, the entire class is watching Mr. Wood attempt to get the man at the door to leave.

"Okay, okay." his hands fly up and he backs away. A woman steps into the room and my heart drops at the familiar face; Caroline. My feet bring me to her and she hugs me, spinning me around as if showing off to the class.

"What are you doing here?"

"Ms. Willick, please discontinue from disturbing my class or exit the room immediately. Thank you." Mr. Wood's grim gaze on us is frightening to say the least; I grab my bag and books and tell him I'll have the assignment done by tomorrow. Caroline takes my hand and brings me outside, all the while laughing.

"What are you doing in Charleston? And why are you laughing?" I giggle.

"Your teacher is ridiculous! I had to tell him to let me in before I'd turn his balls inside out just to get to see you." she cackles, tears dotting in the crease of her eyes.

I gasp. "No you did not!" I find myself bending over laughing with her and we sit down on the nearest bench.

"Anyway," she wipes her cheeks, "I came here to check up on my girl!" I get nudged in the arm and I smile, remembering how she'd always do that back home. "I haven't gotten any calls from you since Thursday. Explain." her laughing disappears as she tries to act motherly.

"I met some friends and we were busy." I lie, "But Care, you didn't have to drive all the way up here to just check on me. A simple text would suffice." I say and her grin returns.

"I could say the same to you. So when will I meet these friends?"

"Probably not today, they're all enrolled in some science thing and are away today." I lie again and scratch my leg.

"Ah, well. What are the chances?" she rolls her eyes and stands up. "Lets go get something to eat. I'm starving and since I'm paying for everything you do here, lets go to the cafeteria and check out that buffet. I'm surprised you haven't gained 10 pounds already. I did when I started college." she jokes and we walk to the building next door.

After deciding on a salad and some chicken and rice, I take a seat. Caroline returns minutes later, with various foods spread among her three different trays. "You weren't kidding when you said you were hungry." I laugh and we dig in.

We talk about my 'new friends' and it takes everything in me to admit I'm lying. I just don't want to sadden her with what happened last weekend and frankly, I just don't want to relive it again. I've finally gotten that constant memory out of my head and I'd like to think that Ian and I have had closure on the subject. I tell her about how I might be seeing someone but it isn't official yet and of course, she gushes and wants every detail.