Chapter 11
S taring at my phone, I debated whether I should call Island or not. Despite the pain I was feeling, I knew Island was a woman with scars. She never denied it. In fact, she always tried to prepare me for the day they exposed themselves. “I’m scared…” She’d told me that so many times, yet I forgot it when it mattered most. Now that I was seeing clearly, giving up on her didn’t sit right with me because I saw her as more than a woman I adored. I saw Island as a friend. I told Jayce I wanted to help her heal, and it was still true.
Island didn’t need someone who allowed her to push them around depending on her mood. She needed someone who would fight back, who could help her see that, with time, she could heal. She needed patience and understanding because I didn’t know what she was feeling, but I knew she was worth waiting for… fighting for even.
Biting the bullet, I unlocked my phone and went to her contact. I held my breath with each ring until her voicemail came on the line. While waiting for the beep I tried to think of what I was going to say, but when the time came, my mind went completely blank.
“What’s up, Izzy? I’m not going to lie. I haven’t been able to get you off my mind. I’m sorry I left without saying something the last time I saw you… I needed time to process what was happening, and now that I have, I have some shit to say. Losing you is not an option. I told you I was here for you, and I meant it. I respect you ending things, but don’t end our friendship too. You’ve become my person, and I haven’t felt right not talking to you.”
Sighing, I dropped my head into my hand and wiped my mouth.
“Um, I guess all I want you to know is that I am here. I don’t care about you pushing me ’cause I know how to push back. And when you’re ready to face your fears, I’ll be right here holding your hand every step of the way, leading you through the darkness until you remember what it feels like to walk in the light. When you’re ready to stop being a scary ass little girl, I will be here no matter how long it takes. I believe in you, Island. You’re the strongest person I know. There is no battle that can defeat you.” I hesitated then remembered I had nothing to lose. “I love you. Call me back, baby. I miss you, and I want to make sure you’re okay.”
Removing the phone from my ear, I ended the call with a huff. I meant every word I said, and that gave me a sense of peace. It felt good to acknowledge how I felt, even if she never did. Glancing at my little girl playing nearby on the playground, I knew I couldn’t allow heartbreak to harden my heart. Instead, I was going to pour everything I was missing into her, so she’d never have these same bullet holes in her heart.