Leah Mitchell isn't the same shy, poor girl anymore. Now a college student, she is enjoying her life in the city and the freedom she longed for. She works hard and knows her worth. She has it all, but her heart aches for the only person from her pas...
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Our living room is full of balloons. There's cake, champagne, and fruit. It's nobody's birthday, but the occasion isn't less important—Mackenzie is coming home after almost three months in rehab.
"Do I look okay?" Annie walks out of her bedroom and twirls in front of me. Her slim body is clad in a short, red dress, and she took forever straightening her long, blond hair. She looks pretty, but the real beauty is in her eyes—they shine for the first time since the accident.
"Sexy." I smile. "Your guy will lose his mind."
Annie lets out a soft giggle. "God, I hope so. It's been so long I am ridiculously nervous."
"It's gonna be amazing, you'll see. We'll have some cake, and then I'll leave you two alone so you can give your boyfriend his welcome home present."
"Leah, I feel bad about it." Annie groans. "It's your place, too. You don't have to go anywhere."
"It's a small place, and the two of you need some privacy. I told you I have things to do. I'll be back in the evening. Don't make a big deal out of it, okay?"
Annie squeals and wraps her arms around me. "Thank you. You're the best."
I kiss her cheek and return the hug. "Go pick up your guy. I'll be waiting for the two of you with some cold champagne."
"Deal." Annie grins. She shoves her feet in a pair of high heels and puts on her coat before blowing me a kiss and exiting the apartment.
I am alone once again. Leaning against the back of the couch, I close my eyes.
I've been tired for a while. My degree is demanding. I love it, and my classes, but not getting enough sleep starts to take its toll.
I'm doing my best. It's my first year, but I refuse to be an average student. I didn't move all the way here to waste the opportunity I'd been given.
The grants cover my tuition, and Dad insisted on paying for my apartment. He said I had to focus on schoolwork and wanted to give me money, but I didn't accept it and got a job at the college library instead.
Finding my dad and bonding with him is one of the very few good things about the last three months of my life. It feels good to have him think and worry about me. We meet for lunch at least once a week and text almost daily. He's doing everything he can to be in my life, and I know he cares.
I struggle to stay awake for the next half an hour. The sound of Annie's key turning in the lock makes me jolt upright and jump off the couch. I rush to the hallway and smile at the sight of Mackenzie with his arm around his flustered but happy girlfriend.
Mac lets go of Annie and hugs me tightly. He kisses my cheek, smiling. "Thanks for taking care of Annie for me."
"Anytime, but make sure you don't have to be apart anymore."
