Page 97 of Vain

“No, I was making a snack. Is everything okay? We got your note to say where you went but not when you’re coming back.”

“Sorry, I honestly forgot and scrawled it as I headed out the door.”

“You didn’t answer my question. Is everything okay?”

“No. Yes. Maybe.”

“Well, that’s a lot to unpack. I might as well start a batch of cookies while you tell me what’s going on. And start from the beginning.”

“Peanut butter oatmeal raisin cookies?”

“No, because you’re the only one who likes them. I’m making snickerdoodles. But I’ll make you a batch of your favorites when you return.”

“Deal. Okay, where to start? It all began, I guess, when I overheard Aiden and Kellen talking.”

“Kellen? Why does that name sound familiar?”

“He’s the one who was hurt, the one we flew back to see. Well, he came and met us at the studio because he was on a mission.”

I tell him all about what they discussed in the kitchen when they didn’t know I could hear them. I then tell him about the surprise wedding, which he laughs about. And finally, I tell him about Tom and the house.

He says nothing when I’m finished, making my nerves feel frayed.

“Marley?”

“I’m here, Matilda, I’m just processing.”

“Are you mad? I made this monumental decision without talking to any of you first.”

“Oh, sweet girl, you don’t owe us any explanations at all. Truth is, it’s been a long time coming.”

“What?” I whisper, unsure of what I heard.

“You were going to move before, remember? You wanted to spread your wings and fly far from this place that’s brought you more sadness than joy. Then all that ugliness invaded your life and I thought you’d stay locked away in a tower of your own making.”

“And then Aiden came along.”

“Actually, no. It was the movie script that first sparked life into you and the yearning to direct it. That’s what made you brave enough to start putting yourself out there again. You only let Aiden in because you were finally ready to start living again. I was worried that everything would flare up again and that you’d backslide. But you held true, and I’m so proud of you.”

“Marley,” I choke out, feeling tears prick my eyes.

“It’s time. Time for you to be happy. Time for you to be free. There’ll never be either of those things here.”

“I know, but I’m scared.”

“Be scared, Matilda, but also be brave.”

A tear slips over my cheek and drips onto the back of my hand. “Do you think Greyson will understand?”

“Yes. He’ll be sad and worried about all the things a father feels when his kid leaves home. But he’ll be proud too. How could we be anything but happy for you, Matilda? This is all we ever wanted for you.”

I blow out a shaky breath and let his words settle in my bones. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure what to say or how to say it. You guys are the only family I have now. My mom is out of the picture. I don’t want to lose you.”

“Never. We are as much a part of you as you are a part of us. But this is your life. You can’t live it for us. “

“Okay.”

“Okay? So you’re good?”