Chapter 29

The next afternoon, as promised, I was released from the hospital. Eric said for the time being he rented a house for the five of us. The boy's mom and Mama St. Clair agreed that if everyone kept up with their homework online, we could have through Thanksgiving break together. I think the reason Mallory was allowed to stay was because I would need some personal help until I figured out how to do things for myself.

 Unfortunately, I still have not had the chance to meet Mrs. Hendrix yet but we are hoping for her to come out sometime this weekend. We were going to have about a 15-minute drive until we got to The Bluffs Cottage where we would be staying. On our way we would be stopping at a grocery store and a quick stop at Dollar General.

 "Ok so we got everything from the Island but if anything seems to be missing just tell us and someone will go back and look for it for you." Colton said. He was riding with us this trip giving Mallory and Jayden some time alone. Mama St. Clair went ahead to the cottage to get things set up and ready for us as she was worried about the space for me to get through with the crutches.

 "I'm pretty sure as I said when you all left to get everything this morning that you got it all. I'll be fine as long as I have my locket and my sketchbook everything else is replaceable."

 "We are almost to the grocery store Perri do you want to get out?"

 "No thank you, Eric. I'd rather get out at Dollar General and look for a few things to keep me occupied while I'm an invalid for the next few weeks."

 "Hey, we got you, ok? We will keep you busy. Besides whenever Colton is around things are always entertaining." 

"Hey…. that's not funny Eric."

 Although Colton said it, we all ended up laughing as we parked the truck. Eric leaned over and gave me a kiss. Colton pretended to gag in the backseat then they all went inside. Mallory stopped by my window for a minute just to tell me she would stay outside by me, but she figured somebody better go make sure the guys actually by something healthy. I just giggled as she chased after them. I don't know what I would do without her in my life.

 My life has become so complicated. Would I take back what I knew if I had the chance too? Probably not. I would rather fight through the hard stuff than live a life surrounded by lies. I did miss my mom though. Even through all her faults she never hurt me. And she would always have a soft spot in my heart no matter what the outcome of this mess would be.

 In no time at all they were back in the truck, and we were on our way to our next stop. I always loved Dollar General. I could get my art supplies there for a decent price. We all got out at this stop and I headed straight for the art supplies. It was difficult to get around with the crutches, but I was never alone, somebody was always by me. For the most part it was always Eric or Mallory helping me with anything and everything. Not being able to do things for myself was going to get old fast.

 We got our things, checked out, and got back in our vehicles. It was a short drive to the cottage. When we arrived Mama St. Clair was already there waiting for us. This time she was the one to help me down and into the house.

 "Ok now Hun, I talked to the owners, and with their permission I did move a few things around so it would be easier for you to get around without help. We don't need this crew on top of you 24/7 but it is nice to have so many close by that love you and want to take care of you. I do need to get back, but I am only a phone call away if you need anything Perri. Ok? Promise to call me?"

 "I promise Mama St. Clair. Thank you for coming and doing all this for me. I really appreciate it."

 "You're welcome and I did find your phone its in yours and Mallory's room."

"Did you happen to see if there were any missed calls?"

 "No I didn't. I respect your privacy and if there is something there you need to see it for yourself. Letting others do it will make it easy for you, but you won't start feeling better until you face it head on for yourself. We will all be here for you no matter the outcome, but we can only do so much. The rest is up to you."

I gave her a hug and thanked her again for everything. Without Mama St. Clair I would be lost. Yes, I had Mallory and the boys, but it felt nice to have a mother figure around while I'm hurt and scared. I knew she had to get back and yes, I would miss her, but I knew she would only be a phone call away if I were to need her.

We all said our good-byes as Mama St. Clair left to return home. We decided we were going to grill out tonight and enjoy a small fire outside under the stars. The boys made hotdogs, brats, and burgers on the grill while Mallory and I made a potato salad and a fruit salad inside. When we were finished, we went outside with the boys. Colton was closest and helped me down the few stairs so I could join everyone. The stairs were my one big struggle still. After we finished eating, we each took a seat around the fire. The wooden lawn chairs were pretty comfortable, and Eric brought me out a blanket.

"So, Perri, you really want to meet Aunty Miranda and Uncle Anthony?" Colton asked looking at me.

"Yes, I do Colton. I have done a lot of thinking while in the hospital and this accident really hit me. If that tree had fallen a foot higher, it would have been me crushed under it, not just my leg. I was very lucky. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow so while I have the chance, I want them to know I'm alive. That I did have a pretty ok life after we moved from L.A anyway. But I don't want them to go another month or even another year thinking that something horrible happened to me."

"Girl, I understand, and I'm happy for you. I really am. However, you have been holding out on me girl!"

Oh no Mallory had that I'm just messing with you, but you best be honest with every question that comes out of my mouth or you're in trouble look. I knew that look well; she had used it on Jayden quite a bit over the years.

"Ok Mal what's this all about? Because I'm really confused right now."

"How long were you going to keep it from us that the two of you hooked up?"

Looking down where Eric and I were holding hands I realized we had been so caught up with my memories and trying to figure things out I hadn't told Mallory that Eric and I had hooked up. Obviously, she figured it but I could hear the hurt in her voice.

"I'm sorry Mal really, I am but this is a conversation we have tonight. Alone! Ok?"

I asked her while a deep blush covered my face. I couldn't believe she just blurted it out that way in front of everyone. Wait, I take that back it doesn't surprise me this is Mal we are talking about.

 "Uh huh, we all family here girl ain't nothing to be shy about. I'm personally happy for you, best friend. You deserve to be with someone who will always take care of you and look out for you. I think this guy fits that description. But don't go waiting forever when he decides to purpose, I better be one of the first people to know. Deal?"

I swear my blush got even deeper. Mallory has had my back for so long now and I loved her for it. "The day I agree to get married you will most definitely be the first to know. Besides I'll need my maid of honor to help me plan the wedding."

"Aww, Perri. Your gonna make me cry." Mallory replied tearily. 

"I'd come give you a hug but by the time I got to you, you would be over it already." 

We all broke out laughing. Shortly after we all decided to head in as it was getting colder outside. Jayden suggested watching a movie and we all agreed. Just as Eric helped me get comfy his phone started to ring. He looked at it strangely before looking up to me with an expression of doubt on his face as he answered.

"Aunty Miranda, how are you?"

The room went silent. Why was she calling? Did she find out about me?

"I'm ok Aunty. No, I'm not upset that you didn't call me on her birthday. It's a hard day for you every year you shouldn't worry about me."

I realized that they were talking about me. I don't know where I got the courage, but I slowly reached out my hand to Eric.

"May I speak to her?"

"Umm, Aunty I'm not sure how you are going to take this but there is someone here that wants to tell you hi." He paused. "Just hear them out, please?"

He handed me the phone and as I put it to my ear, I could hear her breathing on the other side.

"H-Hello?" I knew I sounded scared as I mustered up the courage to speak to her.

"Hello, who is this?" I knew her voice. I recognized it like I would recognize Mallory or Eric.

"Mom?" 

"Chrissy? Oh my gosh! Chrissy? Is it really you?"

"Yea, mom, it's me."

All I heard from the other side was uncontrollable crying. Her sobs tore at my heart when another voice suddenly came on the line.

"Who is this? What did you say to my wife?"

"Dad? Is she ok?"

I heard a sudden gasp. "Christine? How? Where? When?"

He wasn't making any sense, but I knew what he wanted to ask.

"Eric found me. He never gave up. I'm so sorry I went with her, I didn't know. And she made me forget." At this point I was crying too while Eric and Mallory silently held me.

"Who Chrissy? Who took you?"

"Veronica."