Chapter 7 - Andie
Chapter Seven - Andie
Three days pass before I bring myself to do more than think about Charlie’s words.
Three days of work, coming home and texting Charlie that I’m fine and to not come over.
Ending my evenings staring at the walls that hold too many memories.
But something has shifted. The idea of change, terrifying as it is, has planted itself and won’t let go.
Chicago keeps creeping into my thoughts. Months ago, when Maddie first suggested I visit, the idea felt nearly impossible. Leaving meant admitting Cody was really gone. But now
. . . maybe that’s exactly what I need.
The first step toward the new me is getting away from this place. Picking up my phone, I text the only person I know who can help me.
Me
Hey Maddie. I need your help.
Maddie
About damn time, girl! Name it! ??
Me
Wait, what do you mean, about damn time?
Maddie
Ok so don’t be mad... but I’ve been talking with Charlie. The man is WORRIED about you. Tbh I am too. Kept my distance out of respect, but girl, I’m about to hit the tough love stage. I threatened to come kidnap you, but he insisted he’s got this handled ??
Of course, they’ve been conspiring behind my back. Should have seen that coming.
Me
I know you guys are worried. Wait... you’ve been talking with Charlie? How??
Maddie
I may have saved his number when he called me that first day. ?? I knew you wouldn’t reach out, you’ve always been a stubborn bitch, but I had to make sure you’re ok.
Me
Sneaky thief. Ok, but seriously, you’re not wrong. I didn’t want to bother anyone, but I think it’s time I ask for help.
Maddie
So... NAME IT! What can I do?
Me
Let me stay with you for a bit?
Maddie
DONE! Say no more. Pack your shit and get your flight booked. ??
Me
Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude, but I think I need to get out of here.
Maddie
Bitch, I’m sure. Get your shit in order and come to Chicago. Like NOW!
Me
It won’t be long. Maybe a few months.
Maddie
You can stay forever if you want, girl. Get your ass out here. Gotta bounce, but I’ll call you later my fear of his reaction has me justifying getting all my ducks in a row before telling him. So instead of counting sheep, I line up ducks.
The next morning brings a mixture of excitement and terror. The enormity of what I’m planning hits me. I’m not just visiting Chicago. I’m uprooting my entire life for an unknown amount of time.
I spend the whole morning researching travel nursing online. The pay in Chicago is much more appealing than here, but the cost of living makes me cringe. Lucky for me I’ll be able to save up some money living with Maddie.
One of the largest hospitals in downtown Chicago has an opening that looks perfect—a three-month contract with the possibility of extensions or a sign-on bonus if I stay.
My fingers hover over the “Apply” button for a full ten minutes before I finally accept the signs the universe is showing me and click it.
By noon, I’ve made a list of everything that needs to be handled: my house, my job, my things.
The list keeps growing, which makes my head spin.
I called the agency I’ve been working with to give my two weeks’ notice.
She doesn’t sound surprised, probably because I’ve barely been functional since I started.
Two weeks. That gives me my timeline. Two weeks before my sister stays here to watch over the place while I’m gone and for me to tie up my entire life here and start fresh.
We don’t always get along, but she needs a place to stay for a while, and I need a cheap house sitter.
So, it’s the perfect win-win for us. Besides, she’s still my sister, and I love her.
Even with my list of to-dos and the ticking time bomb, my brain still explores ways to get out of telling Charlie.
But ultimately, I decide that even though I’m not ready right now, he needs to know that his words didn’t go unheard, that his feelings matter.
I don’t want to lose him either. If that means I need to pull myself back to the cheerful Andie that he knows and loves, then so be it.
Whipping out my phone, I text Charlie to set up a time to break the news.
Me
Can you come over so we can talk tomorrow?
Charlie
I’ll be there. Goodnight Andie, I love you.
Me
Thanks ??
Me
And Charlie?
Me
I love you too.