Denying the Wrong (15 page)

Katherine

After helping Alissa pack up what she needed, depression set in. The last week of getting her prepared for her new adventure went by so fast, I hadn’t had time to really consider that she was leaving. I stood next to Dillon as Alissa hugged her parents goodbye. He held onto my hand like the good boyfriend, but I could tell he was also fighting back tears.

Their grandpa closed the trunk to their rental car after stuffing the last bag into the back. “We better get moving if we’re going to have enough time to go through security.”

Dillon looked down at me, rolling his eyes. I almost laughed, knowing they were leaving four hours early and the airport was only twenty minutes away.

Alissa walked up to us, tears streaming down her cheeks. “This isn’t goodbye. It’s ‘see you later.’ You both promised to come visit me, and I’ll come up here and kick your ass if you don’t.” She pulled Dillon in for a hug.

“I’m going to miss you, you pain-in-the-ass,” he said around the lump in his throat.

“Oh, and I’ll miss you, too, and all your smacking me on the head.”

He pulled back and gave her a smile before walking towards the house. He’d seen me cry more times than I’d liked, but it was obvious he didn’t want me to see him let the tears fall.

“You know you’ll always be my best friend, no matter how far away I live,” Alissa said, pulling me in for a hug. I could feel her chest heaving as she cried harder.

“I love you. I miss you already, but we’ll keep in touch. Nothing can keep us apart.”

She pulled away and nodded. We gave each other kisses on the cheek and she hurried to get into the car. As they pulled away, her head stayed down until the last moment before they drove away. Her wave made my chest hurt, and I couldn’t hold back hysterical cries. Her mom came over and gave me a hug, leading me back into the house. Dillon and his dad went straight into the den, while us girls sat on the couch having a cry fest.

I received a text from Alissa a couple hours later saying they were at the gate, waiting for the boarding call. We swapped texts until she was on the plane and forced to turn off her phone. I spent the rest of the evening with Dillon, not talking, and watching a comedy in the game room. I found myself looking towards the door, expecting to see Alissa walk through. She called when they got to Houston. Dillon took me home and made sure I was tucked in tight before leaving, since Mom was staying the night at Doc’s. I’d begged Dillon to stay, but he didn’t want to go against my mom’s wishes of no sleepovers. The moment he left, the tears came back with a vengeance.

~*~

It had been so easy falling back into my best-friend role after Alissa’s accident, as I liked to refer to it. Having her leave my life again was twice as hard. Two weeks of constant texts and phone calls came to a halt after she started her new job. I was so proud of her for making the transition so easily, but I also resented it because I wanted her to come home.

With only two months left before my mom’s wedding, I had to make final decisions on all the details fast. She was busy wrapping things up at work so she could take a leave of absence. Doc wanted her to be able to relax about the wedding and enjoy the honeymoon.

“The invitations went out last week. The Maid of Honor dress has been ordered and I still need to decide on my dress. Anything else I can do right now?” I asked my mom, who was sitting at the kitchen table.

“Um, Kat, there’s something else we need to talk about.”

I didn’t like her tone. I brought my juice with me to the table and sat across from her. “What’s up?”

“We decided to start looking for houses. As you know, the condo he lives in won’t be big enough for all of us, and we certainly can’t move his stuff in here.”

“Wow, houses. That’s fantastic. You’ve always wanted to own a house.”

She looked up at me with her eyebrows together. “I want you to know you can live with us as long as you need to, but we’re looking for places on the other side of town. I know that’s not convenient for you, and it’s a long drive away from Dillon.”

“Oh.” I had no clue how to feel about this news. “I’m going to go call Dillon.” I stood up and left her sitting at the table. It felt like everything around me was changing, and I felt totally lost.

I sat on my bed with my legs crossed and dialed Dillon’s phone. I knew he’d be getting ready for work but I needed to talk to him. He’d been working for a computer company on the second shift. We got to hang out during the day, but not evenings, when I’d needed him most.

“Hey, babe,” he answered.

“I know you’re getting ready for work but I really need to talk to you.” I took a breath and didn’t wait for his reply. “My mom is getting a house on the other side of town, away from school and you. I don’t have a car. I’m freaking out.”

“I’ll figure something out. Don’t worry.”

I shook my head at his response. “I’m not asking for you to take care of it. I’m freaking out because we don’t see each other very often right now, and it’ll just get worse.”

“I love you and we’ll figure it out. I’m sorry, but I’m about to walk into the building. Call you on my lunch break, okay?”

“Okay,” I replied, still feeling lost. “Love you, too.”

I sat on my bed, looking around, not knowing what to do with myself. I flipped my phone open to call Alissa but someone knocked on my door. “Come in.”

“Sweetie, could you come out here for a moment?” Mom opened the door, waving at me to follow.

I got up slowly and took her extended hand in mine.

“Just a little further,” she said, pulling me to the front door.

“What is it?”

She opened the door and I saw Dillon and Doc standing outside. “What are you two doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” I asked Dillon.

He stood there looking at me with a goofy grin. “I took the night off.”

“What? Why?”

Mom lead me outside, past the boys. We stopped in front of a small car with a huge red bow on top. “What’s this?”

“Well, you’ve been so distracted with Alissa leaving, you forgot your birthday. I took advantage of that so I could surprise you,” she replied.

“Oh my gosh. I did forget. But what is this?”

Doc walked up to us, smiling. Dillon followed and stood behind me with his arms wrapped around my waist.

“This,” the Doctor said, proudly, “is your birthday present. We wanted to get you something good on gas mileage but also safe. Air bags all over the car.”

I looked at him and my mom, my eyes feeling like they would bulge right out of my head. “You bought me a car?”

Mom started jumping up and down. “Yes!”

“Oh my gosh! I have a car!” I ran over to hug them both. “I don’t even have a license, though.”

Dillon laughed. “We’ll take care of that. Now, let’s talk about the other issue.”

“What other issue?” I asked. Mom took my hand and pulled me back towards the apartment.

“Let’s go inside and eat some pizza. You can look at the car after we’re done with the cake,” she said.

“Okay, but will you please tell me what else we need to talk about?” I was getting impatient. My brain was on overload.

Dillon sat down at the table with me while the other two got plates out. “I don’t think you should live in the same house as the newlyweds. It will be loud and uncomfortable.”

“Hey, I heard that,” Mom said.

“Well, it’s true. Anyway, my point is, why don’t you just stay in this apartment?”

I smirked at Dillon. “Yeah, okay, and how am I going to afford that? I haven’t even found a job.”

“I’ll move in with you.”

Mom coughed and gave him a look I didn’t understand.

“Of course, I’ll sleep in the other room, but we can share the expenses.”

I looked back and forth between Dillon and my mom. Both were staring at me, waiting for my response. “Mom, you’re okay with this?”

She looked down. “I’m not thrilled about it but,” she looked back up into my eyes, “but we talked about everything and I’m okay with it so long as you promise not to get pregnant.”

I jumped up from my chair and ran to her. “Really? I can stay here with my new car while you two lovebirds go live your lives?”

She shook her head, “Yes, really. But we are going to have a very long talk.”

I pulled her in for a hug, thanking her over and over again. Finally, I felt like I had some sense of direction.

“What about me?” Dillon asked.

I ran over to him and sat on his lap. “Thank you, thank you.” I kissed his cheek. “I’ll need to get a job ASAP. Oh my gosh, there’s so much to do.”

“One thing at a time, guys. Chillax already,” Doc said.

“Will you stop trying to sound cool already?” Mom said, swatting his butt.

Dillon and I laughed. I looked into his eyes and knew everything would fall into place. Luck was finally on my side.

Katherine

Two and a Half Years Later

I watched Dillon pack up the last box in the kitchen. I’d earned my associate’s degree in liberal arts and was accepted into the journalism program through the University of Rochester. I’d been working at Dillon’s dad’s law firm as a clerk, which gave me the flexibility for classes and a great addition to my resume.

Dillon had been promoted into management at work, which included a hefty pay raise. With his parents’ help, we’d found a small house to buy near the university. I didn’t know how much the house cost but his parents promised our monthly rent check to them would cover the mortgage.

“Are you ready to go to my parents for Christmas Eve dinner?” Dillon wiped the dust off his arms from the boxes.

“Sure, after you take a shower,” I replied, laughing at him. He looked cute, even dirty.

“Give me five and I’ll be ready.”

He’d stayed true to his word to my mom that he would keep the other bedroom for himself. He slept in my bed with me, but we didn’t mention that detail.

I changed into my dress and texted my mom that we were on our way. A minute later I received a phone call from Alissa.

“Merry Christmas,” I answered. I hadn’t seen her since the summer. She’d been planning on coming home for Christmas, but had to cancel.

“Merry Christmas,” she replied, sounding as though she was crying.

“What’s wrong?”

“I have some news that I don’t think you’re going to be happy about. You have to swear not to say anything to my parents. I’ll tell them after the holidays,” she said faster than normal.

“Oh my gosh, Alissa, tell me now.”

“I’m pregnant.” Silence.

I took in a deep breath, not sure what to say. “What?”

“I just found out I’m pregnant. Please say something.”

“Alissa! What the hell were you thinking? Are you feeling okay? How far along are you? What are you going to do? Who’s the father?”

She sighed on the other end of the line. “I don’t know yet. I feel okay except when I smell certain foods. I’m twelve weeks. As for the father, he’s not around.”

“What do you mean not around?”

“He’s the grandson of the owners where I work. He doesn’t live here and travels a lot. It just happened one night after closing and bam, I’m pregnant.”

“Bam,” I said, sarcastically. “You know how babies are made. How could you let this happen?”

“Honestly, Kat, I feel okay about it all. I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I love the baby already. I know that sounds weird, but I knew I would keep it the moment I found out.”

“You know I’ll support you in whatever you decide, but I’m really worried about you. I don’t know what else to say,” I said, shaking my head. Knowing her parents, I was sure they would freak. “Are you going to move back here?”

“No. I love my job and the area. I can do this. It’ll be okay. Look, I don’t want to ruin your night but I had to tell you. No one else knows.”

“I won’t say anything, I promise, but you have to tell them soon because I can’t keep something like this from Dillon.”

“I will.” She took a deep breath. “Merry Christmas, Kat. I love you.”

“Love you too, best friend.”

We hung up and I took a moment to clear my head, staring at my empty bedroom.

Dillon walked in, snapping me out of my haze. “Ready?”

I smiled at him, hoping he couldn’t see how I was feeling. “Ready. Let’s go.”

Pulling up to his parent’s house was like traveling into a winter wonderland. The house was sparkling with the same blue lights like when we had our first kiss. The memory made me smile. I grabbed the presents from the trunk and headed toward the front door.

“Wait a second. Put the gifts down by the door. I need to talk to you before we go inside,” Dillon said.

My stomach dropped, thinking maybe he had overheard my conversation with Alissa. I couldn’t lie to him but I promised Alissa I wouldn’t say anything.

He took my hand and led me over to the corner of the porch. “This was the exact spot we shared our first kiss.”

I smiled, happy he remembered. “Yes, it was.”

“The exact spot I knew I was in love with you.”

I stood on my tiptoes to kiss him but he stopped me. “Kat, I have to ask you something.”

Oh, no, here it comes.

He got down on one knee. “Will you marry me?”

I stopped breathing. Looking down at him, my mouth refused to speak any words.

He stood back up and shook me. “Breathe, Kat.”

I sucked in a deep breath and tears began falling down my cheeks. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Well…”

The strength of his sincere gaze snapped me out of my shock. I grabbed his head with my hands and brought his lips down on mine, kissing him with as much desperation as I’d kissed him the first time.

He pulled back, grinning from ear to ear. “So, how about it?”

“Yes! Yes! I would love to marry you!” I screamed it so loud, the front door opened and Dillon’s dad walked out looking confused.

“What is going on out here?” he asked.

“Dillon and I are getting married!” I yelled.

Our moms came running out, looking lost. “What’s with the screaming?” they asked in unison.

“We’re getting married!” I ran over to them, the three of us jumping like school girls.

“Um, Kat?” Dillon interrupted.

I looked back at him. “Yeah?”

“Do you want the ring?” He held up a small, black box, laughing.

My face flushed in embarrassment. “I’m sorry. Of course.”

“Let’s try this again.” He got down on his knee in front of everyone. Holding up the ring, he asked, “Will you marry me?”

I pulled the ring out of the box, placing it on my left hand. “Of course, I’ll marry you.”

It was the perfect beginning to the rest of our lives.