35. Chapter 35 #2
“I don’t know how much traveling we’ll be up for this summer anyways,” Peter agreed.
Annie worried her hands, thinking of how rough Molly’s first trimester might be. “But won’t you need my help?”
“Petey will be so incredibly, disgustingly doting that it’ll make me sick. We’ve got plenty of hands from happy, anxious grandparents. ”
After the miscarriage, Annie had promised herself that she’d stick by her friends, rooting them on every minute of their journey, regardless of how hard it would be. Did they really not need her after all?
Peter said, “Annie, you’re not leaving us forever.”
Molly nodded sleepily. The dark circles under her eyes grew more pronounced.
“I know distant communication doesn’t replace in-person visits…
but the last thing I want is for you to either be my live-in nurse, or depressed in an apartment alone.
You’ve cooked. You’ve cleaned. You helped me not go stir-crazy this year.
” Molly laughed to herself. “My well-being isn’t your responsibility, but you’ve earned every bit of a bright future. ”
Of course, Annie wanted to stay near her friends, but Molly’s points were undeniable. Her life was her own, and she needed nobody’s permission to live it. Nobody chaining her to their ankle. Nobody sowing chaos and doubt.
“You’d be watching the cabin for us,” Peter said, breaking into her thoughts. “It’d be a big favor.”
The corners of Annie’s mouth turned up. “You’re sure–”
“Yes!” Molly exclaimed.
“Thank you.” She swiped a thumb under her eye as she teared up. “This is gonna help a lot... I should go talk to Julian. But I can’t leave you.”
Molly rested her head against her pillow, smiling. “Go. We will be fine even if you go home.”
“Thank you both.” Annie gave her friends a hug and left the room. It was probably close to the end of her allotted visiting time, and everybody deserved a nap. As she walked down the hospital hallway, she felt airy and full-up with joy. Can’t wait for them to go home.
Back in the waiting room, Annie was surprised to find Julian missing. Looking around, she wondered where he’d gone. She pulled out her phone. Deciding to stay put, she grabbed a chair.
The last twelve hours were a blur. After shooting off a quick text to Julian, she leaned back in her chair. With a yawn, she crossed her arms over chest.
She fell asleep right away. Her eyelids were heavy, and the waiting room was quiet, which soothed her. Lost in the blankness of sleep, Annie came back to the world when a hand touched her shoulder.
“Annie, is everything okay?”
Her body was in no hurry to wake up, but she stretched and forced her eyes open. “I finished visiting, and you weren’t here.”
“Went to get this coffee.” Julian chuckled, sitting down in the chair next to her. He held out the paper cup to her. “I don’t want to say it’s amazing… but…”
“Is it?”
He shook his head. “I won’t call it amazing.”
While they shared the bitter drink — she learned he liked his coffee as black as a Labrador’s fur — she gushed about how excited she was for Molly. Julian listened, a smile on his face, as they passed the coffee back and forth.
“I’m glad they’re getting what they’ve been dreaming of,” he said.
Tears of relief threatened to run down Annie’s face again. “Molly’s not out of the woods yet, but she’s stable and going to be just fine,” she said.
Julian kissed her forehead, and a blush at once went to her cheeks. “Stability is good after so much uncertainty.”
“And speaking of stability…” Annie licked her lips.
Suddenly, she was struck by nerves. Would he appreciate her good news?
Her leg bounced. They could finally be together.
But, they’d only barely begun to actually date.
“Molly and Peter, er, will let me rent their cabin. They’ll let me be there. They want me there to watch it.”
Julian’s eyes widened, and his mouth opened slightly.
Annie looked at her hands in her lap, flustered by his gaze. She nodded. “I hope this news isn't too fast... I’ll have my own place, but we’ll be much closer.”
“Do you think it’s too fast?”
Annie looked back up. Her excitement faltered until she saw the smile in his eyes.
Julian grinned, opening his arms. “I’d love to have you for a neighbor.”
“You’re sure?”
“Of course! Are you?”
Annie nodded. “I can’t think of any other place I’d rather live right now. I know with your dad getting out… I’ve… It worries me a little. I want to be there for you.”
“That’s not for you to worry about,” he murmured. He hugged her tightly, rubbing her back. “I’m relieved you’ll be close. Anyone who wants to bother you will have to go through me first.” He kissed her cheek and held her tight.
There probably was no reason to worry about Clive’s homecoming; but some things, especially when dealing with the dark history of a family, were hard wounds to heal.
Despite this, happiness streaked through her like a comet, its tail bright and vibrant, gleaming with hope and delight. I haven't been this happy in ages.
“It’s always beautiful when the lovebirds finally get together, isn’t it Aerin?” Serene Hallowbrew said to her crow before going silent again.
Annie nuzzled Julian’s neck. With visiting time over at the hospital, she looked forward to spending the rest of the day with her new boyfriend — and neighbor. “Why don’t we go get some real lunch?”
Julian released her from their hug and smiled. “I’d love that.”