Calling Nat-

Pov- Bree

After drying off, I put on a pair of clean shorts and a t-

shirt, and picked up my phone to call my best friend, Natalie.

She’d called me several times since I’d first texted her and told

her I was leaving, and I’d only texted her back. I owed her an

actual phone call.

“Bree?” Nat answered, the sounds of loud chatter in the

background.

“Hey, Nat, is this a bad time?”

“Hold on, I’m going outside.” She put her hand over the

mouthpiece and said something to someone and then came

back on the line. “No, it’s not a bad time! I’ve been dying to

talk to you! I’m at lunch with my mom and my aunt. They can

wait a few minutes. I’ve been worried,” she said, her tone

slightly accusing.

I sighed. “I know, I’m sorry. I’m in Maine.” I had told her

it was where I was heading.

“Bree, you just took off. Geez. Did you even pack

anything?”

“A few things. Enough.”

She huffed out a breath. “Okay. Well, when are you

coming home?”“I don’t know. I thought I might stay here for a little

while. Anyway, Nat, I didn’t mention this, but I’m running low

on money–I just spent a big chunk on a security deposit for my

rental. I need to get a job, at least for a couple months, and

make enough to fund my trip home and a few months of living

expenses once I get back.”

Nat paused. “I didn’t realize it was that bad. But Bree,

honey, you have a college degree. Come home and put it to

use. You don’t need to live like some kind of vagabond in a

town where you don’t know a single person. I already miss

you. Avery and Jordan miss you. Let your friends help you get

back to life–we love you. I can send you some money if it

means getting you home more quickly.”

“No, no, Natalie. Really. I… need this time, okay? I know

you love me. I do,” I said quietly. “I love you too. This is just

something that I need to do.”

She paused again. “Was it because of Jordan?”

I chewed on my lip for a couple seconds. “No, not

entirely. I mean, maybe that was the straw, but no, I’m not

running away from Jordan. It was just kind of the last thing I

needed, you know? Everything just got to be… too much.”

“Oh honey, a person can only take so much.” When I was

quiet, she sighed and said, “So the semi-strange, impromptu

road trip is already helping?” I heard the smile in her voice.

I laughed a quiet laugh. “In some ways, maybe. In other

ways, not just yet.”

“So they haven’t gone away yet?” Natalie asked quietly.

“No, Nat, not yet. But I feel good about this place. I

really do.” I tried to sound chipper.

Nat paused again. “Honey, I don’t think it’s about the

place.”

“That’s not what I mean. I just mean, this feels like a

good place to get away to for a little bit… oh gosh, you’vegotta go. Your mom and aunt are waiting for you. We can talk

about this another time.”

“Okay,” she said, hesitantly. “So you’re safe?”

I paused. I never felt entirely safe. Would I again? “Yes,

and it’s beautiful here. I found a cottage right on the lake.” I

glanced out the window behind me, taking in the beautiful

water view again.

“Can I come visit?”

I smiled. “Let me get settled in. Maybe before I turn back

around?”

“Okay, deal. I really miss you.”

“I miss you too. I’ll call again soon, okay?”

“Okay. Bye, honey.”

“Bye, Nat.”

I hung up the phone and went to the big window and

drew the shades in my new bedroom and climbed into my

freshly made bed. Phoebe settled in at my feet. I fell asleep the

minute my head hit the pillow.

**********

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