Playlist

21. "I Found" - Amber Run

It's been three months since Jude passed away. Since then, so much has happened. I found out Aaron is back in Georgia and dating the girl I thought he was cheating on me with when we were together. I guess I wasn't completely wrong. That fucked me up. Not because I miss Aaron or still love him, but because I knew something was going on between him and the girl, and they both lied to me about it My time was wasted. Fucker. Mom and Adam took a vacation for a week. They drove down to Biloxi, Mississippi to play at the casinos. They love the casinos, and Adam thought it would be a good idea to give Mom some time away from everything that's happened. Mom was apprehensive, but from what I understand, the vacation turned out much needed. Aunt Lucy's garden is thriving, and she's been selling her produce at the local farmer's market every Saturday. I'm happy for her. Jacob proposed to Selene, and she said yes. I was pissed about not being a part of that process, but... that's what happens when you live across the continent. Will is now seeing a girl that works at the park with him, and she's really pretty and is also genuinely sweet. He FaceTimed me with the girl next to him. She's definitely the type I imagined Will to be with. He insists he wants to take it slow with her, but I know my brother. Marlow is getting so big, and I feel like a parent watching their child grow up. She still thinks she's a lap dog, though. Luke has been there for me through all of my bullshit, and I can never find the words to tell him how much I appreciate him. I finished a book I was writing, but I haven't told anyone other than Mom and Aunt Lucy. Both of them have insisted on reading it, so I sent them the file to do so. I've told people I've been writing, but I finished it last night and cried. I'm proud of it. It's about my hopes and dreams, but also my fears and worries. My life has been a whirlwind of events, and I created a story to show them without putting myself in it.

It's the week before Christmas. Snow has dusted over Tillamook for the first time today, and it's beautiful. Normally it doesn't snow this early in Tillamook, but it isn't unheard of. As I head downstairs, Aunt Lucy lowers her voice and quickly hangs up the phone. I raise an eyebrow at her as I pour myself a cup of coffee. "Am I supposed to act like that wasn't suspicious?"

"Nothing suspicious," she says, looking at me over her reading glasses. She has her laptop open, and she always has to use her reading glasses. They're probably ten years old and not her prescription anymore, but she uses them regardless.

"Oh yeah?" I offer a small smile at her and sit next to her at the kitchen table.

"Oh, absolutely. Nothing you need to worry about." I know Aunt Lucy's up to something, but if she doesn't want me to know, she won't tell me no matter how hard I press.

"Well anyways, I have to run some errands today. Do you need anything while I'm out?"

"Oh! Good! Really. Not because of anything I'm doing or anything. No, no. Maybe some coffee? I don't need anything. Here, why don't you go shopping? Get some clothes or something." She reaches over and rummages through her wallet and hands me cash.

"You're definitely up to something, and you're trying to keep me out of the house. Inconspicuous, Aunt Lucy." I grin, drink some of my coffee and grab my bag on the way out. When in the car, I call Luke.

"I was just about to call you." Hearing his voice still gives me butterflies, especially in the morning. It's Sunday, so I know he's still wrapped up in bed, a little sleepy and utterly adorable.

"So you are usually in the know about my aunt and her crazy antics. What is she up to?"

"Good morning to you, too," he chuckles, and I hear him rustling around in bed.

"Good morning! But seriously. Do you know what Aunt Lucy is up to?"

"Let's say I did, and she told me not to tell you. How mad would you be? Purely hypothetical."