Illuminate

Chapter 34- Eva

THREE DAYS LATER-

Thursday 4:00 PM

After seeing Blake, I struggled a lot emotionally. I went back and forth on how I felt because one part of me felt bad for him whereas the other was still furious. My parents decided to push back me going to stay with Uncle Josh until Thursday (which was today), which I was okay with. I had cried pretty much the whole day Monday and was able to talk a little bit more Tuesday. By Wednesday, I was still in no way okay, but at least I was pulled together. Enough to handle a little more change. Part of the reason they still wanted me going so soon was because of the therapy, I needed it and I knew it. 

I felt better today, still hurting, but better. Good enough to go, Josh would be here any minute to pick me up. I had no idea what to expect, would he be harsh with me knowing what I had put my family through or would he be kind knowing everything I had faced. I wouldn't be surprised if he was cold, he cared about Mom so much and I knew seeing her hurting would be like his worst nightmare. There was a slight knock at my door.

"Come on in," I called and Colton entered my bedroom.

"Hey, Mom wanted me to tell you Uncle Josh is here," he said. 

"Alright, coming," I replied, standing up from my bed. Without warning, Colton came up and hugged me.

"I'm going to miss you," he said.

"I'll miss you too," I agreed.

"You better text me every day."

"I think the point of me leaving is to give you guys some space."

"I don't care, you're still my best friend," he told me, releasing me from the hug.

"You're my best friend too. I love you so much," I said, squeezing his hand.

"I love you too," he replied giving me a smile as we left the room. We went down the stairs and Mom, Dad, and Austin were all talking with Uncle Josh.

"There she is!" he said, coming up to give me a hug. "How's a goin' kiddo?"

"Alright, how about you?" I asked.

"Good!" he exclaimed. "I'm going to bring these last bags to the car if you want to say your goodbyes, Aunt Hadley is making dinner and we don't want to miss it." I nodded as he grabbed my final bags.

"Sounds good," I said and he gave me an approving smile, starting out to the car. I looked at my parents and I could tell my mom was trying to hold back tears. 

"We'll see you soon, okay honey?" she said, pulling me into her arms. "I made Josh promise if things aren't working out to send you home right away, we'll figure it out alright?"

"I know, I love you, Mom," I said, holding her tight. 

"I love you too, sweetheart. This is a good thing, the sooner it's over, the sooner things can go back to normal," she said and I nodded, leaving her arms and giving her an approving smile. I went into Colton and Austin's arms at the same time, hugging them tightly.

"Hey, have fun, take advantage of this fresh start, okay?" Austin offered.

"I will. Love you both so much," I said.

"We love you too, Eva Girl," Colton added.

"So much," Austin agreed as I retreated. My dad was just staring at me and I hugged him right away.

"Listen, we're doing this because we love you and we want you to drop this stuff that we know isn't you," he whispered.

"I know, I get it I promise," I told him.