AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I reach for it, holding out hope that it's Steven.
But of course it's not.
It'sFinn.
It's a picture of us from high school, sitting together on the porch swing in his parents' yard and laughing. Finn has paint on his hands and he's put a spot of blue paint on my nose, and we both look like we're laughing so hard we're close to tears. I remember that day vividly--especially how much I wanted him to like me.
Finn:Just found this in my mom's stuff. I mentioned you were back in town and she dug it up for me. Cute, huh?
I stare at the screen. Yeah, Finn is an old friend...but this feels wrong. I should play it safe with him, when I don't know what his intentions are.
I text him back anyway.
Jenny:Yep. We were really cute.
I put the phone back with the screen facing down, willing myself to ignore it when Finn texts back. And I manage to do that...but it almost makes it worse when I go to sleep.
Because I spend the whole night imagining what he might have sent.
Imagining what he would say and do if he was here.
And as I drift off, it's Finn's arms I imagine holding me.
Chapter five
Jenny
Stevenwassupposedtoshow up in Fern Hollow for Sam's wedding, but obviously he's not going to do that.
So I'm going solo with an engagement ring on my finger.
Not exactly the nicest circumstances, but I'll make it work. I'll be distracted enough being in the wedding party.
My mom comes up to my old room to help me get ready, knocking softly on the door before letting herself in. She smiles widely when she steps through, taking in the sight of me in a pretty dress.
I'm sure she's imagining what it'll be like whenIget married--which makes me feel more dread than it should.
"Jenny, you look beautiful," she says. "Here--let me help you with your hair."
She comes over to stand behind me, and I take a seat in the old chair at my vanity. Her hands find the thick, dark strands of my straight hair, and she begins to twine them together in an intricate braid.
"Just like prom," I smile, looking up at her in the mirror. "Remember that?"
She laughs. "You wanted to wear your hair down. You were so angry that I insisted on braiding it for you."
"I hope I've grown up a bit since then," I say, then go silent as she keeps working. She focuses on her work, her eyes lowered to my hair, humming softly to herself.
I can't help it.
I have to ask.
"Mom?" I say.
"Yes?"
"Did you love dad when you married him?"
She exhales thoughtfully, her brow furrowing. "It was different back home."
