Page 2 of Objection

Serenity

S niffling, Serenity wiped her leaking eyes.

She pulled in a deep breath. The last time she hid herself in the bathroom to cry, it was because her boyfriend of two years had cheated on her and gotten another woman pregnant.

The current moment was a happier occasion.

She should have been smiling and releasing happy tears.

Unfortunately, the weight of leaving her family was a bittersweet one.

One that had sadness and anxiety filling her temporarily.

Not only was she leaving the safety and security of her family, but she was also leaving her small town home of Jasper Lane. Going to a big city was a huge feat on its own, but going, finding her dream job, and settling into the new way of life was altogether different.

Regardless of how much Serenity told herself she was making the right choice, small pieces of doubt caused by comfort and familiarity made her question herself.

But this was right. This was the first step for her to regain control of her life, and Serenity wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world—not even the comfort of her old life and home.

After wiping her eyes again, she splashed water on her face and pulled in several deep breaths.

Once composed, Serenity made her way out of the bathroom.

Her family was just as she’d left them. Her mom, Yolanda, was keeping busy fretting over things that were already clean in the kitchen.

Her father, Walter, was stubbornly sitting in his favorite recliner with a frown on his face and his arms crossed over his chest. Her sister, Taylor, was in her own world with her head buried in her phone.

The rest of her family and friends were scattered around the house for her going away party.

“I’m so proud of you,” her grandmother said, wrapping Serenity up in a side hug.

If no one else was, Serenity could count on her mother’s mother to be proud of and happy for her.

It was because of Diana that Serenity even had the courage to leave their small town.

She’d fallen into a depressed rut and wanted more for her life.

More than Jasper Lane could offer. While her mother suggested she pick up a new hobby, her father offered her more hours at their family restaurant.

It was her grandmother who coached her through her thoughts and feelings until Serenity realized for herself what she wanted, and to her father’s displeasure, that was leaving Jasper Lane.

“Thank you, Granny. Your son-in-law has been ignoring me all day. I don’t think he feels the same.”

Diana sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes, making Serenity laugh.

“Oh, don’t worry about him. You’re his baby girl, so of course he’s going to be upset that you’re leaving him.

Plus, it doesn’t help that he has to find a replacement for you at the restaurant and grocery store.

You know he hates change. Don’t take it personal.

” After giving Serenity a kiss on the cheek, Diana joined Yolanda in the kitchen.

The music shifted to something they could dance to, and for a brief moment, the room was filled with laughter and good vibes.

Once the moment passed, Serenity made her way over to the couch next to her sister and plopped down.

Taylor looked at her and rolled her eyes with a pout.

The gesture made Serenity smile as her eyes watered.

Tossing her arm over Taylor’s shoulders, Serenity almost cooed, “You’re still mad at me, boo?”

“Duh.” Taylor shoved Serenity’s arm from around her. “You’re leaving me here with our parents and putting a target on my back. Daddy is about to drive me crazy now.”

“I told you that you could come to Rose Valley Hills with me.”

Taylor’s head shook. “Nah. You’re the one with big city dreams.”

“I wouldn’t say I have big city dreams,” Serenity countered with a smile.

“I just . . . want more for myself. I’ve literally done everything I feel like I can do here, and I want to be more than just a waitress and cashier at our family businesses.

I have two degrees that I’m not even putting to use. Why is that such a bad thing?”

With a sigh, Taylor’s expression softened as she took Serenity’s hand into hers. “It’s not a bad thing, Sissy. I know I might not act like it, but I’m happy you’re moving if that’s what you really want. I’m just going to miss you.”

“I’m going to come home and visit, and you can visit me whenever you want, so you won’t even have to.”

Taylor smiled and pulled Serenity in for a hug.

Pleased with the conversation with her sister, Serenity looked around the room in search for her father.

When she couldn’t find him, she went to the kitchen to talk to her mother.

The hushed tone of the conversation she was having with Serenity’s father slowed her steps.

At the sight of Serenity, Yolanda snapped her mouth shut.

Walter looked back at her, and his shoulders immediately slouched as he released a hard breath.

Serenity took small steps in their direction, hopeful that time Walter would hear her heart, not just her words, and understand she wasn’t leaving him. She wasn’t abandoning him and the family businesses. She was simply moving to another city for the next phase of her life.

“Hi,” Serenity spoke softly, looking from her mom to her dad. While Yolanda gave her a warm smile, Walter avoided her eyes. “Um, I just wanted to say thanks again for the party. It’s been fun seeing everyone before I leave in the morning.”

“Of course, baby,” Yolanda replied. “You know we wouldn’t send you off without a proper goodbye.”

They both looked at Walter to see if he’d engage, but he didn’t. Huffing, Yolanda rolled her eyes.

“Daddy, I—”

Not bothering to listen to what she had to say, Walter turned and headed out of the back door.

Serenity’s eyes watered, and her hand wrapped around her neck to stifle her cry.

A part of her hoped her father would say something to her before she left, but it didn’t look like that would be the case.

Though Serenity hated the wedge her leaving had put between her and her father, that wasn’t reason enough for her to stay.

If she did, she’d only resent Walter because she wanted to leave.

All she could do was pray one day soon he’d accept her choice and not take it as a personal rejection.

“He’ll be okay,” Yolanda assured her, pulling Serenity into her arms for a much needed embrace.

“He may be, but I’m not.”

“Any time you do what’s best for you, you’re doing the right thing.

Sometimes that means hurting someone you love.

You did it in the gentlest way possible, with no ill intent, so I don’t want you to feel bad about this.

He’ll come around. In the meantime, I want you to go forth and soar.

There’s a whole new world of experiences out there for you, baby.

Take full advantage of every single one. ”

Serenity didn’t realize how much she needed her mother’s encouragement until she received it. She weakened in Yolanda’s embrace, gaining her strength, hoping her mother was right.