That Pivotal Moment

Chapter 30

February 10th...3 Days Before the Cabin Trip

Gabby

The past few weeks have been running through my mind all day. Ever since Hayden got cleared of the assault charge, he's been ecstatic. He's been taking me out, having me and Alex over for dinner with him and his mom. 

It's honestly been amazing. I couldn't count the number of times he would look at me with such...love and affection. It was like the world stopped when he did that. In that moment, nothing was around us. 

When we made love, I felt him giving a little more of himself to me each time. He was trying so hard to move us forward, in the right direction. But something was still holding me back. Alex tried talking to me about it so many times. He tried to help me understand. 

It was like I had no control over my thought process. I was still having the nightmares of...that night. Still woke up in a sweat, worried my father was behind me. I could still hear his voice in my head, yelling at me to do what he says.

I went to my dresser, looking at myself in the mirror. My eyes went to the gold necklace that once belonged to my mother. Hayden had it fixed for me for Christmas and I've worn it ever since. 

I clutched it in my hand, closing my eyes, trying to feel my mother's presence. How do I get past this, Mom? Unfortunately, like all the other times I've done this, there wasn't a response. Just silence. 

I looked to the duffle bag I had packed on the bed. We were supposed to leave on our trip to Tennessee in three days. I knew this was coming, and I thought I had it all figured out. However, even as I'm standing here, thinking about these past seven months, I don't have a clue. 

I jumped when my cell phone in my pocket vibrated. I didn't need to look to know it was from Alex. He's been on my case all week.

Hey, Gabby. You okay?

He always seemed to know when there was something wrong with me. It was like a sixth sense he had or something. 

Hey, I'm fine. Stop worrying about me and enjoy yourself. I love you.

You, too. Was his reply. He was out to a movie with a girl from school. Ryssa, I think her name was. He never really had an interest in girls, thanks to our father. That seemed to change after the 'event' happened. 

I grabbed my duffle and looked around the room for a minute. This really was home, now. A real one. Jenny was a godsend and I was so grateful to her for taking care of us, especially Alex. 

Flipping the switch, I walked to the kitchen. Jenny was standing at the stove making some soup. "Hey, sweetie. Where are you off to?"

When I first came here with my memories returned, a question like that made me tense up. I had a hard time opening up to her and was always on the defensive. Now, I know she was asking because she cared about me. 

"I'm going to meet Hayden. We're getting ready for our trip."

"Oh, that sounds like fun. Well, dinner will be here when you get back," she said, turning to me with a warm smile. 

I held back my emotions as I hugged her tight. Her surprise was expected since I only hugged her once before. After a moment, she returned the hug, wrapping her arms around me. 

"Thank you," I said. "For everything."

I turned and walked straight to the front door. I knew if she saw my face, truth was out. I got to my car and hesitated before I put the key in the lock.