Worth the Chance (Watertown University #2)

29. Eliza

Chapter 29

Eliza

I chose to head home for Thanksgiving a day early. Watertown gives us Wednesday off through Thanksgiving weekend so I really am only missing my Tuesday classes since I left after my classes finished on Monday. My mom was surprised when I pulled in the driveway last night but thrilled. I didn’t tell her what happened and she didn’t pry but I know she can tell something is up. We got comfy on the couch watching old baking competition shows on Netflix.

I wake up at six in the morning, still on the couch, covered in a cozy blanket. Sunday night I hadn’t slept at all so it’s not a surprise I didn’t make it up to my room.

“Morning sleepy head.” Dean’s on the other couch with a coffee and his phone in hand, probably reading some news articles.

“Morning Dean.” I stretch my arms above my head, sitting up.

“I’m surprised you're home early.”

“Oh, yeah. My professors canceled classes for today” Dean gives me a pointed look like he knows I’m lying but doesn’t quite care enough to call me out on it .

“Good to have you home kiddo.” He smiles as I make my way upstairs to my old room.

It’s weird to see it so empty. I mean it still has all my furniture and some random knick knacks but all my favorite things are gone, like the throw on the end of my bed, my wall art, and not to mention the closet is practically empty. I plop onto my bed, pulling out my phone which I turned off yesterday after telling Mia what was going on. I didn’t want to be disappointed when Garrett didn’t call. Or to give into the urge to talk to him.

Garrett

Hey. I know you probably want nothing to do with me right now but you’re not home yet and I’m worried.

Garrett

El, please answer. Are you okay?

Mia

Sorry El but he had to know you were safe or else he’d probably burn down the campus or something.

Garrett

Mia says you're safe but I’d feel better if I heard from you.

With a sigh I decide to text back Mia. She could tell something was off in our class yesterday and after my second class I went over to her dorm and cried in her arms for an hour. It feels stupid to cry over a boy I dated for like two weeks but because of our living situation and the whole fake relationship thing it felt like we had been together a lot longer in some ways. It hurts that he ended it before he even gave us a real chance. I know he doesn’t think love is for him or whatever but I never even got to find out why. Though I have a feeling it has something to do with his sister.

Me

Hi Mi. It’s fine that you told him.

I don’t expect her to reply right away considering how early it is but surprisingly a response comes through a few minutes later.

Mia

How are you doing? Call me tonight. Love you

Me

I’m okay. Will do. Love you too.

I lay back on my bed, letting my head flop against the pillow. Despite actually sleeping last night, I’m still exhausted. The emotional highs and lows of the past thirty six hours are weighing on me. Sunday night was rough. After Garrett and I’s conversation, I fled upstairs. I knew the tears were going to come and I didn’t want him to see them. I silently cried for what felt like hours before sleep finally came over me. There wasn't much sleep though and when I woke all I wanted to do was get out of that house. So, I got ready, packed a bag and ran off.

I wake up to a knock on the door and my mom peeking her head in.

“Hi sweetie.”

“Hi mom.” I push up into a sitting position and pat my bed for my mom to come in. She comes and lays beside me and I rest my head on her shoulder. “I’ve missed you.”

“Aw I’ve missed you too my El.” She lightly plays with my hair. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

“What do you mean?”

“I know you better than you think.” She chides. “There’s something going on. I won’t pry too much but I’m happy to lend a listening ear.” How do I tell my mom about the situation? That I started fake dating someone which turned into real dating which turned into breaking off both things because he doesn’t even want to give me, or us a chance.

“What do you do when someone you care about doesn’t believe in love for themselves?” My mom looks stunned at the question.

“Hmm.” She ponders. “Do you know why they feel that way?”

“Not precisely but I think it’s something to do with their family dynamics.”

“Ah. Family dynamics can be tricky. I guess the best thing to do is be patient with them. Reassure them that you’re there.”

“But what if they push you away? Say they could never love you in the way you want them too.”

“Well I guess then it’s up to you to decide what you want. Is it more important to have what they can give or to find the love you always imagined.”

“Which do you think is more important?”

“Oh you know I can’t answer that for you, El Belle.” She shakes her head. “Love is magical but it’s not always what you think. It comes in many forms.” We sit in silence for a few minutes as I absorb her advice. I’ve always been a romantic. Thought I’d have some great sweeping love. I don’t know if I want to change that about myself but maybe the grand gestures and the love you see in the movies isn’t quite what I’m destined for.

“I saw Sam at school.”

“Oh gosh, this better not be about him.” My mom puts a hand over her heart and I break out into a fit of laughter.

“No, no. Not him.”

“Thank goodness.”

“But he is dating Ivy.”

“Oh dear lord. Those two are something.” We both laugh. I’m not sure my mom was ever really a fan of Sam but she never said anything. She let me figure out my relationships on my own. As for Ivy, I know she loved her, for most of my life anyways.

We met in the second grade and we’re inseparable. In high school she started to change, she cared more about popularity than anything else but I thought it was just a phase. I loved her through it since she was my best friend but my mom was more vocal about how she didn’t like what Ivy was doing, such as ditching me to hangout with boys and others who made questionable choices.

Once Ivy went off to college our relationship ceased to exist. I was still living at home and taking classes at the local community college. I texted her and called her often the first month she was away but I barely ever got a response. One day I just stopped trying and I never heard from her again. At the time I felt like no one would want to be my friend because of my issues. If my so-called best friend wasn’t willing to make adjustments to hangout then why would anyone? I’m glad Mia proved me wrong. She has no problems making adjustments for me and doesn’t judge me when I can’t go somewhere.

“C’mon let’s go make some breakfast and figure out what to do with the day.” Mom pushes to her feet and I follow behind her.