5. Coraline
5
Coraline
Present Day
Jesse’s been gone for at least forty-five minutes, and I can’t stop pacing. When I decided to move back to Scottsdale, I knew there was a chance Jesse and I would cross paths, but I didn’t expect it to happen this soon.
I can’t believe he acted like he had no idea who Harrison was.
He never replied to or acknowledged my letter all those years ago. I accepted that he didn’t want anything to do with Harrison, and I moved on with my life.
Harrison is so loved. He has been since the moment I found out about him. Once the initial shock of being pregnant out of wedlock wore off, Granna and Pappy, my grandparents who raised me, got excited. They’ve spoiled both of my boys enough to make up for Jesse and his family not being in Harrison's life.
Nash never treated Harrison the same way he treated Michael.
When we first started dating, he was so good about including Harrison in everything we did. But once Michael was born, it was like something changed. I could feel the difference in how he treated them.
Harrison knows that Nash isn’t his real dad. He doesn't fully understand the concept, but he understands as much as a six-year-old can.
Harrison’s always worried about everyone but himself. He has the biggest, kindest heart in the world. I can't wrap my head around why Jesse wouldn’t want to know him. It doesn't make sense to me. Why did he choose to stay out of his life? How could someone do that to a baby that they helped create?
I need to do something to distract myself and take my mind off Jesse. I get up and walk over to the stack of boxes in my room, starting to unpack some more.
The bedroom I’m staying in is decorated with typical cabin-style décor—just like you’d find in a Tennessee vacation cabin. Little black bear prints and figurines are scattered around the room.
The bed has a red and black quilted blanket, with matching plaid pillows. It’s cheesy, but it feels cozy, and I secretly love it.
I pick up a box from the top of the stack and sit it on the bed to open it. I peel back all of the packing tape and rip the cardboard apart. When I finally get the box open, the first thing I see is a picture of me and Jesse.
I think this picture was taken during our junior year of high school. The Scottsdale Eagles had just won the biggest game of the year. I was wearing my full cheerleading outfit with a giant bow in my hair and Jesse was in his football gear.
We were hugging, and I was kissing his cheek. We were young and in love. I used to cherish this picture, remembering how happy we were in it. It was one of the best nights of our lives back then.
How ironic is it that I’d find my box of memories when I was trying so hard not to reminisce? I reach for another picture of us when a soft knock sounds at the door.
“Mommy, there’s someone outside again.”
My heart sinks. I set the picture down on the bed and stand up.
“Okay, I’ll go get it, sweetheart. Why don’t you and Michael go wash up for dinner? The pizza should be done any minute.” I gave him a quick hug before exiting the room.
When I reach the front door, no one's there.
I step out onto the porch and almost trip over a mountain of food.
There's a giant box of cookies, a package of donuts, and three bags of food from local restaurants. They're all addressed to me and my family.
I bend down and inspect the bags. My frown deepens when I notice that there's a receipt attached to one of them.
It has Jesse’s name on it.