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Our backs remain to them as they leave the apartment. Once the door slams shut, I lean against Dean and start sobbing hysterically. His body turns to me and he holds me up as I let out whatever tears fall.
I’m unsure how long we stood like that, but sometime later, he’s moved me to the couch and handed me my phone. There was a text message from my sister.
Maddie: I’m sorry. I couldn’t let daddy and mom believe lies of their wonder girl. But I see that I underestimated the relationship that you and Dean DO have. We will stay at the hotel this evening and will be leaving tomorrow as planned. Just in case. I love you, I’m sorry.
Dean was reading over my shoulder as I sit with my back against his chest.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“Not really, but I will be. I just feel numb.”
“I’m sorry this happened. I’m sorry I wasn’t here when this all started. I got held up after the game with my sister.”
“It’s okay. I shouldn’t have made up some ridiculous lie to begin with.”
“Hey. It’s not ridiculous. After all, maybe we would have never known how amazing we are without it. Maybe we would have continued to be friends.”
“And maybe if I didn’t make up this lie, I would still be able to pay my bills and portion of the rent. You heard him, I’m cut off.”
Dean rubs my arms. “Don’t worry about that. I’ve got this covered. We can lease out my room and we’d be set.”
“You mean, you mean you still want to be with me?” I bite my bottom lip.
“Kale. I don’t know if you were listening back there, but I wasn’t just pretending when I told your dad that our relationship is real. Of course I want to be with you. What I don’t want is to be without you.”
“Thank you,” I sniff.
“And besides, what your dad said was wrong. You don’t only get one family. Sure, by blood. But you can also choose who you let in your life, you can choose your own family.”
Chapter Nine
Dean
A few weeks have passed and Kaley has been quiet since her parents left
The way that her family left wasn’t ideal, but she refused to go to their hotel room before they left town. She hasn’t exactly been in a funk, but she’s not exactly herself.
I skipped my morning practice and first class today to lie in bed with her.
“I don’t know how it got this way, I never thought that my sister hated me.” She says against the fabric of the comforter.
“I think it’s different than that. I think that Maddie is jealous that you went against what your parents had planned for you. I don’t think she understands that she has a voice too.”
“I know. I tried to talk to her about it the other night, but she wouldn’t hear me. She was so adamant that she had no choice in the matter about her future.”
“Prove her otherwise.”
“But how?”
“Well, we have Thanksgiving break in a week. The team is done playing for the season after tomorrow, so there’s no reason for me to stay in town. We were originally invited to their house, I think that we should go.”
“No, I don’t think they want us there, no offense, but I see that being a disaster.” She shakes her head.
“Okay, then what about this idea? We have our own Thanksgiving.”
“Huh?” she looks at me confused.
“You heard me. We can have our own Thanksgiving. It would be our first official holiday that we’re hosting as a couple. We can have my sister come maybe her boyfriend if he’s around, my parents, and invite Maddie.”
