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I give it twenty-four hours before you run back home in tears.
That’s not going to happen.
I make a mental checklist of everything I’ve packed for the weekend—clothes, pajamas, toiletries, laptop, tablet, phone, multiple chargers, and my meds. I’ll switch out my insulin pump before we leave and pack an extra one in case I need it before I get back. I even pack some apple juice boxes and a few other snacks in case I have a sugar low. I think I’ve thought of everything.
I place everything I need into a large rolling suitcase and set it outside my bedroom door. Jason steps out of his room with his duffle bag slung over his shoulder. “Ready to go?”
Grinning, I nod. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
After we take our things to his car, we go back inside to say goodbye to my parents.
My dad has a stoic expression on his face as he hugs me tightly and whispers, “Have fun and be safe, young lady. Call if you need anything.”
The smile on my mom’s face is belied by the tears glittering in her eyes. When she hugs me goodbye for the longest time, I’m afraid she’s not going to let me go. “I know you need to do this,” she says. “We get it. We really do. Just remember your dad and I will always be here for you.”
“It’s just for the weekend, Mom,” I remind her. But we both know this is the first step on a life-long journey. First a weekend, and then hopefully soon after that we’ll move to Jason’s apartment full-time.
My parents surprise me when they each hug Jason as well.
It’s surreal as we head out to the car. Jason opens my door, and I climb inside.
My parents are standing at the back door, and they wave as we pull out of the parking area and head down the alley.
It’s dark now and the rain falls in a light drizzle. The windshield wipers sweep lazily across the glass, pushing the water droplets aside. The dark pavement ahead of us is shiny wet, and the oncoming car lights flicker through the rain.
I’m simultaneously nervous and excited. I’ve never done anything remotely like this in my life. I never had a sleepover with anyone. I never went to camp. Other than hospitalizations and trips with my family, this will be the first time I’ve slept away from home.
Jason pulls into an underground parking garage, parks, and turns off the engine. “I don’t have many supplies in my apartment right now. We’ll have to go grocery shopping.”
“Sure, that’s fine.” I try to sound nonchalant, but the truth is I’ve never been to a grocery store. Margaret and André do all the household shopping.
Bringing our luggage with us, we take the elevator up to Jason’s floor. It’s a long ride up. The car glides to a smooth stop, and the doors open. I step out into the hallway.
“To the left,” Jason reminds me. “Last unit on the right.”
Oh, yes. Now I remember. When we arrive at his door, he hands me the key. I’m so nervous, my hands are shaking, but I manage to unlock the door and push it open.
As soon as we step inside, Jason starts turning on lights. “Let’s get some fresh air in here.” He slides open a glass patio door and immediately a breeze sweeps into the room, bringing with it the faint scent of lake water.
I join him at the door and look out at Lake Michigan. “What a wonderful view.”
“That’s why I picked this unit.”
A moment later, there’s a light knock on the door.
“I’ll get it,” Jason says. He opens the door, and a cute brunette with blue eyes and dimples sticks her head inside and smiles.
“Hi, I’m Erin. You must be Layla. Welcome to the building.”
Chapter 36
Layla Alexander
The girl at the door smiles at me, her blue eyes crinkling at the corners. She points down the hall. “I live with my boyfriend in last apartment on the left.”
She’s just sucking up to you.
No, she’s not.
