Page 39 of Choose Us

Holly, where are you?

Beth

You’re scaring me now. PLEASE don’t have been kidnapped.

Beth

Let me know when you get back to the car, so I know you survived the night. Also, super glad you didn’t get kidnapped by her crazy ass dad, because I’ve literally just had a manicure and I wouldn’t want to ruin it by murdering him. FYI—I don’t know if you know, but I’m pregnant, and this kind of stress isn’t good for the baby. I’ll be telling her or him all about this when she or he is older. Bad Auntie. I still loveyou though.

Beth’s message made me laugh out loud. I replied quickly, making her aware I would fill her in on all the details when I arrived home. There were more email notifications than I cared to admit; I muted those straight away. My mum wanted to know if I would bring my dad some sencha and matcha tea home because he’d seen on a travelling programme that Japan considered tea to be sacred, and some spiel about Buddhism and personal fulfilment. Dad was on a new hype, fun.

Paula’s messages were similar to Beth’s until Beth had obviously informed her I had not been kidnapped or eaten alive. She requested I call her tomorrow, which would be today. My phone started ringing like clockwork. I sent it to voicemail. Work could wait. I wason vacation.

“Can I ask you something?” I thought I might as well divestraight in.

“Here we go.” Brooke sighed.

“What doesthat mean?”

“I could tell you wanted to ask back at the campsite. You barely spoke to me on the bus, so go on.What is it?”

Wow, the attitude wasn’t necessary. “Never mind.” I folded my arms.

“Seriously, Holly?”

“It doesn’tmatter now.”

“You’re like a child.” Brooke was visibly annoyed.

“Says you.”

“Are you a Lawyer, or a five-year-old?”

Hurtful.

“That’s rich coming from someone who asks for her father’s permission to stay outovernight.”

“Wow, real nice. How long have you been holding that one in?”

I turned towards the window. Looking into the expanse of trees gave me a distraction, well not really. Out the corner of my eye I could see her gripping the steering wheel so tightly the veins in her hands were visible.

After five minutes she brokethe silence.

“FYI, I don’t ask my dad’s permission, okay. It’s just polite to let him know.He worries.”

“Right.” It sounded all too familiar.

“He wants me to move out. He’s happy I’m starting to stand on my own two feet and live my life.”

“Uh, huh.” You keep protecting him just like you always have, I thought.

“He was the one who suggested it. He said I should move in with Takara. It was his idea.”

“Have you heard yourself?” I snapped.

“What?”

“You do realise I deal with people who are in serious denial everysingle day?”