ust,

-

arie's

Minnesota i

che, yet nothing is packed, and everything is out on the floor and on the bed, because Maryanne has refused to let me drop her. Although she's fast a

sort through clothes, mentally fighting sleep and exhaustion. I yawn and shake my head to keep f

lose to stare at it – a clear poly bag. It stops my breath, shooting a lump in

from where I've buried it all this time, letting my mind finally travel to that unfort

e pain, I forgave him and admitted to myself that he wasn't to blam

phone ring, answering his call wasn't something I would ever do. He called her over and over again for days, and sent texts

to burn it and bury it with all my pain. Though nameless and without a l

blue gaze. I shut my eyes, will it to go away, and

a labored sigh. Both of my hands cradle my sleeping ba

sucking her lip, still sleeping. I stroke h

steals my attention. I stretch a han

us Mc

itho Core Semiconduc

ster at the other hospital, I returned home and felt the card inside the pocket of the varsity jacket. Diana told me he had to leave when I passed

r late th

. Taking a deep breath, I glance down at Maryann

d the COO of Litho Core. How may I help

a COO

I answer, "Err... Hi..

smates?" He asks with lit

sn't know my name

neral Hospital. Two years ago... You ca

goes dea

to the next as I wait. Maryanne stirs on my lap, and I con

to my ear, and I exh

so softly. "That's yo

I'm slightly disarmed

ince that night... It's so good to

ill glued to m

uldn't divulge any information. There was

. I'm really sorry for not calling ba

y understand. I'm s

at, hating the pity party already

understand... I l

widen. "Oh. I'

een a while. Over a decade. So, I'm good."

it's become hard to crac

ve to s

,

New Jerse

I'm not

his voice. "Don't turn me down

ay q

just in New Jersey for a few days. My little brother had to see a g

neso

Minn

asually utter, "I'll be i

kiest man alive? I'll fl

d. I'm flying with my friends and, um, ..

girls'

ing lik

So, I'll see yo

ve to do once I'm in Minnesota. There'll be barely any

impossible? Why

have a lot to do when I get to Minn

in his voice pushes the heat of embarrassment to my cheek

t only makes things feel weird. "I wanted to take you

he gets it f

you arrive. And his girlfriend and mom– my stepmom are throwing a huge party. I have been mand

birthdays, clubs, and everything meant to be exciting. And all I want to do is turn down this person who seems

," I

re co

I say

t to do," he mumbles sincerely. "All I'm asking for is a few h

pare that... It's the least I can do

in relief. "See you in

u in tw

That's my name.

rcus. See you