Chapter 47
<Callie Stevens>
"Why do we have to move?" Luciana pouts as Julio tries to get her to pack her dolls into a moving box.
"Daddy and Mommy got new jobs. We're gonna live in a big house." Julio says and picks up Luciana from the couch.
"But I want to stay with Auntie Callie." Luciana crosses her arms and turns away from her dad.
"We'll still see Auntie Callie, baby. We'll have her over for dinner and you can show her your new room."
I smile at Julio as I gather Luciana's toys into a moving box. Vanessa comes out of the bedroom with the last of their things and piles them next to the door. She takes Luciana from Julio and puts on her teddy bear coat with a lot of struggle and protest from Luciana. I pull a lollipop out of my purse and hold it just out of Luciana's reach, promising that she can have it if she cooperates with her mom. When the coat is zipped up tight, I hand Luciana the lollipop and Vanessa sets her on the ground with a sigh.
"Is that the last of it?" I smile as I lean against the counter.
"Yeah, it should all fit in our car." Vanessa nods as she comes to stand next to me.
"I'm excited for you guys. You deserve a fresh start."
"We couldn't have done it without you, Callie." Julio pats my shoulder as he goes to stand on the other side of me. "Are you sure you're going to be okay here?"
"Eventually," I brush something from the corner of my eye as I look around the half-empty apartment.
"You're welcome in our house any time." Julio assures as he pulls me into a hug.
"It'll take time but I have to get used to life without him. I don't want you guys to be constantly worried about me."
"We care about you, Callie, and if it isn't going to be good for you to live by yourself then we want to do anything we can to help you out." Vanessa rubs my shoulder comfortingly.
"I didn't think I would make it through the first month without him but it's been almost four and I'm getting better." I smile at her, trying to project more confidence than I feel.
"No one would blame you if you wanted a new start too." Vanessa tilts her head, concern etched into her expression. "You wouldn't be leaving him behind."
"I'm not ready to leave this all behind yet."
Vanessa nods and peels away from the counter. She tells Luciana to pick up her box of toys as she and Julio begin to grab the other boxes. I follow them down with the last box, stepping into the chilly sunshine to load up their car. Everything fits in the trunk, piling in much quicker than I would have liked. Vanessa buckles Luciana into her car seat and I lean in to give Luciana a hug goodbye, promising to stop by as soon as I can to see her new room.
"Thank you again, Callie, you took us in when no one else would, you let us be a family again. We are eternally grateful for you. Anything you need, please don't hesitate to call us." Vanessa pulls me into a hug and kisses my cheek.
When we release, she takes the driver's seat, leaving Julio and I to say our goodbyes.
"Make sure you check out the farmer's market in Everington, the flowers can't be beat." I smile and let out a small laugh.
"It'll be the first thing we do; help brighten up the house."
I nod and tuck my hands into the pockets of my jeans.
"I'm sorry for all the changes. Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"You don't have to keep apologizing," I smile softly. "I'll be okay. It's just an adjustment."
YOU ARE READING
A Girl Named Callie
Spiritual*sequel to A Boy Named Jasper* ~~~~~ When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6) ~~~~~~ Jasper has been in L.A. for almost five years. Not a day w...
