Calliope's ex-boyfriend, her high school sweetheart, crash-landed back into her life like a rom-com sequel she never ordered, ready to rewrite the script of her existence once again.
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"You...
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"Hey, Aunt Kelly, are you here?"
Today's my last day in Willow Springs, and even though I had planned to go for a walk, I somehow ended up at my aunt's house. It doesn't look like anyone's home right now. Uncle Todd is out with my dad, getting some parts to fix the deck. The girls are spending time with their families, and for the first time on this trip, I don't want to be by myself.
I thought it wouldn't be this difficult because it's been so long since I've been home. I've always believed that the past should stay in the past, but it doesn't feel that way. It's a mixture of memories involving Chase and Marlow, and dealing with all of it alone is becoming too overwhelming. Opening up about the baby took a toll on me and brought up things I wanted to forget. It's as if everything is hitting me all at once, like a wild night of drinking where you remember all the things you did the night before.
I check the first floor and there's no sign of anyone. There's plastic everywhere and paint cans. Surprisingly, the coffee is still warm, so I pour myself a cup before making my way upstairs.
I spot Marlow's door and notice the sign with her name right in the middle. As I step inside, I take a big gulp of coffee and set the cup down. I spin around to take it all in. Everything remains unchanged. The picture wall still hangs beside her bed, the tapestry on the opposite side. It's like she had an obsession with throw pillows because they're still scattered all over the bed, just like before. Also on her bed is our high school yearbook, her obituary, and favorite jacket. She used to wear it every day, and I always gave her so much shit for it.
It's a denim jacket with patchwork made from newspapers. She'd never allow me to wear it, not in a million years. She would've been furious if she caught me in it, but I can't resist. Against her wishes, I slip it on and embrace myself, finding a spot on the bed to sit down. The scent of watermelons and strawberries lingers on the fabric, just like it used to when she wore it. It's as if she's wrapping her arms around me once again, and I struggle to find the words to describe how it feels.
I lay back, sinking into the comfort of her jacket, my gaze fixed on the ceiling. That is, until a picture on the wall steals my attention. It's a snapshot from our very first road trip to Cleveland for a concert. In the photo, Chase and I are peacefully asleep in the back of the van with dicks all over our faces. Everyone had huge smiles, laughing like we didn't know this would be the outcome.
With my finger, I trace the outline of Marlow's face, and then move on to Chase's.
"Oh, God... it's just you, Cal," Aunt Kelly says, making me jump up from my lying position. "Your father tells me to lock the door every day, and I thought someone done broke in. I guess I don't need this, huh?"
I laugh under my breath as she sets the knife on the dresser. At least she has the right idea.
"I'm really sorry. I was looking for you, and when I couldn't find you downstairs, I ended up coming up here," I explain, my words catching in my throat as I reach to take off Marlow's jacket. "I don't know... I just... I had it on for a little while."
