Stepping Away

Recovery pt. 2

Bobby drove Riley and I back home. My car stayed at the office and probably would for a little bit. I wasn't sure when Bobby planned on taking me back to work. He handed me the aux cord, letting me pick the music.

When I turned on my sad playlist, he looked at me funny. "Really?"

I shrugged, his blanket still wrapped around me. "Have you never done this?"

He raised an eyebrow, his eyes switching from the road to me.

"When you're sad, you listen to sad music." I said lamely. I turned on my side to face him and nestled into the chair. I reached out of the blanket and turned the music up.

He immediately turned it down. "Why would you do that to yourself?" He reached to grab my phone, wanting to turn on my favorite playlist instead.

I didn't fight him. Again I just shrugged. "To get...sadder." I never really understood why I did it, I just always had.

He sighed and shook his head as my favorite song began to play through the speakers. Brother by NEEDTOBREATHE.

He set my phone in the cupholder and offered me a tiny smile before focusing back on the road, his fingers tapping against the wheel.

I wasn't as into this song as I usually was. Usually I was singing along, even lip syncing at most, but now I was just curled in my seat.

We arrived at my apartment building and Bobby stopped the car and opened his door.

"You know I'm a big girl. I can get stuff on my own."

He shook his head and stepped out and walked over to my side. He opened the door for me and offered his hand. "Maybe, but I'm still coming."

I shrugged and took his hand, leaving the blanket in the car. I grabbed Riley with one arm as he helped me out, shutting the door behind me, letting me lead the way up to my room.

I pulled my key from my pocket and pushed open the door. I set Riley on the floor, letting the dog run around while I grabbed my few things that I would need. Most of it was already in my go-bag that I took to work everyday.

I grabbed a duffel bag from my closet and threw in a few shirts, folded a couple nice, work clothes, threw in a couple pairs of athletic shorts and leggings and folded my jeans. I grabbed a couple pairs of shoes and slipped them in as well. I headed to the bathroom and easily slid my arm across the counter, dropping my few makeup products into my bag.

I zipped it up and threw it over my shoulder and headed towards the door. I stole one last look at the bed that we had shared. My chest tightened as I shook my head and continued on my way.

Bobby stood in the living room holding my bat in his hands.

I tilted my head in confusion.

He just offered me another small smile. "You'll see."

I shrugged and wandered into the kitchen. I grabbed what was left of Riley's food as well as his extra leash and food bowl. Bobby started to take my things back down, as well as the kibble.

He returned five minutes later to find me standing in the living room, ready to go. I had a backpack over one shoulder and a duffle bag over the other.


"Ready?" He asked, his voice quiet.

I nodded. I had been biting my lip for the past minute to keep the tears from spilling out of my eyes. Now that I was leaving, everything just felt...real. It wasn't a joke that anybody was trying to pull. It had actually happened. I swallowed, stuck to my spot.