I sat at the table, still trying to wrap my head around everything that happened last night. My boss has a copy of my novel between the dream with Chris and the bombshell. My nerves are entirely shot. Mom and Dad haven't tried asking if anything was wrong; they know too well that when I'm like this, to leave me alone until my brain has returned from its orbit in space. The last time I was like this was when I was told I was a salutatorian. I didn't know my grades were high enough to be in the top ten, let alone second in my class. My body felt heavy, and the day felt like it was flying by. I'd stare at the computer screen, not sure if I should continue editing my book or if I should leave it as is. Mom came in, sat a glass of wine on my desk, and asked, "What's wrong, Sophia?" I looked at the glass, then at her. I'm not sure if it was the stress of everything or the fact that I have the best mother in the world, but the tears poured from my eyes as I clung to her. Mom stroked my ha

I went to the living room, where I heard my mother talking to someone. I saw Mom sitting on the couch; beside her sat Chris. I stopped in the hallway, “What are you doing here?” I asked him; he was about to answer when Mom answered for him, “I invited him.” I was about to turn back towards my room and walk away when Mom shouted, “Sophia Joyce Brooks, come back here right now.” I froze and cursed myself. Mom taught me that if she says my full name, I better come here or she’s gonna whoop my ass. I walked about into the room, arms crossed across my chest. “Now, you two will talk this out and makeup. Is that understood?” She asked us, “Yes, ma’am,” Chris told her; I groaned under my breath, “Fine.” Mom got up and motioned for me to sit in her spot. I heaved a heavy sigh, went to where she sat, and sat down. “Now,” she said as she started towards the kitchen, “talk.” We looked at each other, but I turned away from him, “Come on, Soph.” Chris said, “Let’s talk this out.” I trie

With Christmas just a few days away, I decided it was time to do some shopping. I got Mom’s gift earlier in the year, but now we have Dad, Chris, and Elizabeth. I still wasn’t answering Jesse’s calls or texts, but I know I need to at some point; I just need to figure things out. I have some money in savings, but it would only last me, maybe a month if I’m lucky. I brushed the worrying feeling off and focused on what was happening now. I’m home for the holidays, and I might get published, so maybe things will work out better. Once I was done shopping, I walked the square to the tree. It looked so beautiful. I always loved Evergreen Heights, but my love for writing and my dream of being an author was what drew me to New York. The thought of leaving home for a second time seems almost impossible. Maybe I could move back if worse came to worse, not that moving home would be the worst thing in the world. I’d be close to my family, my boyfriend, and the wonderful community I grew up with.

I walked into the diner with Chris on my arm; we met our parents to tell them what I’d decided to do. We see our moms at the back of the diner in the giant booth, and we hurry over to join them, “Eliza, it’s good to see you.” I said to Chris’s mother; she smiled, “It’s good to see you too.” She said, hugging me almost as tight as my mother did when I returned home, “I’ve missed you so much.” “I’ve missed you too.” Chris and I sat together when Dad walked into the diner, waving at us, “Hello, everyone!” He said excitedly. I chuckled a bit, “You’re awfully cheerful today,” Chris said, “How can I not be?” Dad asked, “I have my beautiful girlfriend beside me, my lovely daughter, and my future in-laws. Today couldn’t get any better.” Dad kissed Mom’s cheek. Chris and I smiled at each other, then turned to the others, “Actually, Sophia has some news that might make it even better,” Chris stated; all attention was on me now. I smiled and said, “I’m moving back home.” Mom’s f