The Seven Stages of Happily Ever After

Four

While I was disappointed when Luke declared us friends; it's nothing compared to the ache I feel about Wren cheating on me. The pain from this time though has more to do with a ghost settling over me. I can always shove it away, always find a positive through a pain like this: but this time, I let it reside over me, rule my entire life. Wren cheated on me, why would I ever believe I was good enough for Wren Davis? Why would I ever believe he would stay with me when I wouldn't give him what he wanted?

I wasn't good enough for wren, or anyone else. I knew this, yet I'd let myself believe he could love me. I was wrong.

My mom made me cookies for three days straight, but I left them at the door untouched. My Dad slid my favorite candy and movie under the door, but I couldn't leave my bed. Izzy tried to get me to leave the house to go out, but I refused. Nothing made me want to get up from my bed: until a week later when my big brother barged into my room.

"Emma Marie Baker," He grins, pulling me out of the bed and giving me the tightest hug he's ever given me.

"Matthew Clark Baker," I gasp back, unable to return his hug since my arms are squished to my sides. I forgot how strong he is while he's been away at college.

"I have news." He informs me, dropping me back to my feet. I frown as I gain my balance. Matt is taller than me, but that's the only difference between us. Luckily for us, we both look exactly like our Dad; with our sandy brown hair, blue eyes, and pointy chins that gives us our heart shaped faces- the only thing I got from Ellen was her nose.

"You got me ice cream?" I ask, cracking my first smile in the past week. I can't be sad when my big brother is here, after being gone for so long.

"You're coming to South Carolina with me for the summer!" He bursts, grinning ear to ear. "I have this amazing townhouse, and you, Mom and Dad are all coming to stay!"

I smile, feeling light for the first time in a week. "Really?"

"Yes," He confirms, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and steering me toward the door. "So call Izzy and go shopping." He instructs, handing me forty bucks. I smile, leaning up to kiss his cheek before heading to the bathroom to get ready.

I'm excited to spend the summer in Charleston, considering I've always wanted to explore. While I know this is a distraction to get me out of my bed and stop moping- it's the best distraction they could have thought of.

I send a silent prayer asking for this to be the best summer ever.