That Summer | Aaron Carpenter

thirty nine

About two weeks later and we were in Colorado. I sat on the back porch of the house we were staying in. My phone was pressed against my ear.

“So wait, you haven’t told Aaron?” Jacob asked me.

“I can’t!” I said. “Jack was drunk and I don’t want him to think that I cheated again.”

“But you didn’t.”

“No, I didn’t cheat on him.” I said. “I wouldn’t do that again.”

“What if he finds out through Jack?”

“Jack was drunk off his ass and hasn’t mentioned so I don’t think he remembers.”

“I feel like you should definetly tell him.”

“Not happening.” I said. “Anyway, I called to talk about you not me.”

“Nothing has really happened.” He said. “We’re still trying to get used to the situation.”

“How’s Malory?”

“She sleeps more than she used to.”

“It’s probably a stress reliever.” I said.

“Yeah.” He said.

“Well, I need to call my mom so I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay, bye.” He said and hung up.
I called my mom and let the phone ring until I heard her voice.

“Hallie!” She said. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t call.”

“Sorry, I was on the phone with a friend.”

“Listen, your step father and I are in Denver and would love to see you again.”

“I’m in the springs mom.” I said. “I can’t just drive up there. Plus we’ll be up there in two days.”

“You promise to come see me?”

“I’ll try my best.”

“You always say that.” She said. “You’re my daughter and I want to see you.”

“Mom, I have priorities and unfortunately you’re not one.” 

“Hallie!”

“It’s true mom. You went years without calling and ignoring me when I called and now you want to see me every other week.”

“Because I miss you.”

“You didn’t before and honestly I liked it that way.” I said.

“Hallie…”

“Bye mom.” I said and hung up.

I got up and went inside. I saw my brother, Aaron and Bart on the couch.

“Are you okay?” Aaron asked.

“Just my mom.” I said.

“She wants to see you again?” Taylor asked. “You just saw her in Dallas.”

“She’s following us.” I said. “She doesn’t want to admit it but she is.”

The doorbell rang, “Did you guys order food?”

Bart shook his head. I walked over to the door and pulled it open. I saw the Dolan Twins.

“Grayson? Ethan?” I asked.

“We’re back!” They smiled.

I laughed and let them in.

“You boys are already here?” Bart asked.