After getting in my car, I immediately put my keys in the ignition and drove off before anyone could run after me. I can't stay there, not if she is. She doesn't get to choose when she wants to be a parent, I won't give her that option. Not anymore.

Saying all of those words was harder for me than I thought it would be. Even though every single one was true. I never imagined her returning from home would go bad, I guess a part of me never wanted to think about that.

Each minute I drive makes it harder for me to blink back the tears. None of it is making sense, how could she be back after all this time? I know her saying the reason was me is a lie. If that were true, what was stopping her from coming back last year? Or even last week?

I wipe my cheeks quickly as tears start to fall. Shit.

I can't turn back around but where will I go? Natalie isn't speaking to me, so I guess my only option is Jessica's.

My life is a complete and total mess.

Once I arrive at Jessica's I run over to the door and begin to knock. I hear footsteps walk closer to the door and hope to God it isn't Mason. The door swings open and luckily for me, Jessica is on the other side of it.

Right when I see her, my emotions run free. I let everything go, and stand there as tears start to pour from my eyes.

"Elle?" She asks, I walk towards her and immediately wrap my arms around her, bringing her into a hug that was very much needed.

"Elle, what happened?"

❀

"She's back?" Jessica asks me. It's been about thirty minutes since I've arrived here at her house. At first it took me a while to calm down, but once I did I told Jessica everything, and she was just as shocked as I was.

I nod my head as I wrap my fingers tighter around the purple mug filled with chamomile tea Jessica made me to help calm me down. I bring the cup to my lips and take a sip.

"I can't believe it..."

"Imagine how I feel." I say jokingly, and Jessica looks over at me with an apologetic look on her face.

There's that look- the look on people's face when they feel sorry for you. That's the look I've been dreading. I take my eyes off Jessica's and sulk deeper into her chair, tightening my grip on the blanket around me.

"It just doesn't make sense..." I continue. "Why now? I mean why not on my birthday? Or Prom or any of the other important days she missed out on because she was too busy doing God knows what. Why today?" I bite my lip to keep more tears from coming.

I feel Jessica's hand rest on my knee, and bring myself back to her.

"You know I'm here for you right? Always." Her words form a small smile on my face and I'm grateful. "And if you need anything- anything at all-"

"-Actually," I interrupt. "There is something."

"Okay, name it and it's yours."

"Well... Do you mind if I stay here for a bit? Just until things settle down."

I watch as Jessica's face lights up and she claps her hands in excitement.

"I thought you'd never ask."