by Kait Rose
I hugged Stella tightly and kissed the top of her head. “Thank you.” I felt sad that my mother would tell Stella to stay away from me, but it just gave me more motive to show my mom I was nothing like my dad.
“I know what will cheer you up.” Stella said with a big smile.
“You naked?” I asked, hopeful.
She looked like she was considering it, but ended up saying, “Later. How about I get us some juicy bacon cheeseburgers from Hailey’s Diner?” My girl always had the best ideas. You can never go wrong with delicious food when you are upset.
“And gravy cheese fries?”
“Of course with chocolate milkshakes.” Stella knew how to eat and I was happy she didn’t try hiding it.
“Then I say get to calling baby.” I handed Stella my card, but of course she tried to turn it away.
“It will make me happy if you let me pay.” She squinted her eyes when she realized I got her this time. With an eye roll she grabbed my card and headed to the diner without another word.
As soon as Stella left, I pulled my truck in and got started on working on a tire change to distract me. I couldn’t get my mother out of my head though. Natalie was a spiteful bitch who I honestly can’t ever see myself calling her mom again. I don’t even remember a time where she acted like a mother. All she ever did was spend my father's money and drown herself in booze.
Everything she said, I was going to do the opposite from now on. My father gave up and I am not a quitter. I took out my phone and dialed Dr. Fully. After a few rings he finally picked up, “Hello?”
“Hey Dr. Fully this is Ezra Banks, Madison’s friend, we met at Thanksgiving dinner.”
“Of course, I remember.”
“I hope it’s ok that I’m calling you. Madison gave me your number for when I’m finally able to talk to a professional and I feel like I am.” It felt good finally doing something to better myself.
“I’m happy to hear you making steps in the right direction. Did you want to talk now on the phone or to set up an appointment for a session?”
“If I can talk to you now that would be great, but I also want to set up future appointments.”
“Perfect. What’s going on?”
“To begin with I have a bi-polar disorder, but right now I need to calm down. My mother came by the garage and told Stella what her life could be like if she were to fall for someone like me.”
“Ok we will revisit that in your first session. Now I bet Stella wasn’t having any of that.”
“No she stuck up to my mother. She told her she was not welcomed around me until she acted like a mother should then gracefully kicked her out.”
“How did that make you feel?”
“I honestly felt like I finally had someone on my side that knows who I truly am. Even knowing I’m going to have my bad days sometimes, she is still willing to stay.”
“That Ezra is love.” He was right. When Stella loved she loved hard.
“You’re right and I do love her. I kept my disorder a secret from her and the rest of my friends, but after having an episode they finally learned the truth.”
“That must have been weighing heavily on your shoulders, but like they say the truth will set you free.”
“I do feel like the heaviness is finally lightening up, I just wished my mother would stop treating me like I’m not worth being around.”
“It is unfortunate to have a loved one treat us less than what we deserve. Sometimes though they reflect how they feel unto others. If your mother ever wants to talk I will see her.”
“I don’t think she would ever agree, but I’ll keep that in mind.” I don’t think she would ever want to fix our relationship or herself if she hasn’t by now, but hopefully one day she will.
“Ok, well how about you, when would you like to schedule? We can do video sessions so you don’t need to drive up here every week.”
As soon as I was about to tell him, my phone alerted me that Madison was calling me. “That sounds perfect. Can I call you back later to schedule, Madison is calling me.”
“Very good and tell that little liar that I expect her to call me next now that she has miraculously recovered from her laryngitis that she had a minute ago.” I couldn’t help but laugh and switch to the line Madison was calling me from.
“Hey Madison you may want to call Fully and tell him your voice is back.” I said amused.
“Ezra!” My heart dropped at the sound of Madison in panic.
“Are you and the baby ok?” I asked instantly.
“Yes we’re fine, but Stella!” My heart dropped at the sound of Madison sobbing knowing it was about Stella.
“What happened and where is she!” I shouted, needing to know what was wrong.
“She’s hurt! Now hurry, the ambulance is on their way.” Madison hung up and I screamed, Fuck, when I realized I had the tire off of my truck. Right then I took the keys, locked the door quickly, and ran the fastest I ever had in my life.
One second I finally felt like everything was coming together and the next my world was imploding. I never ran faster than I did right now. I couldn’t even let my mind go to what I would do if I lost Stella. Instead of pushing her away, I should have been holding her close.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Stella
Even though I ordered food to cheer Ezra up, I also needed a fresh breath of air after meeting his mother. It was sickening to realize there are mothers out there that don’t love their children. I was blessed with a mom that cared and it made me sad that Ezra never got to experience that.
I decided to walk down to the diner so I could call my mom. After just one ring she picked up the phone and said, “Hey baby girl.”
“Hi mom.”
“What’s wrong?” My mom could always pick up when I’m upset.
“Nothing really. It’s just I met Ezra’s mother today and it was awful to realize there are moms out there where their kid is better off without them.”
“Sadly that’s true. So Ezra?” Shit. I’ve been so consumed with everything I can’t even remember the last time I called her.
“Ah yeah, we’re dating.” I bit the bullet and just told the truth. I felt weird bringing up that I have a boyfriend. Girls my age who dated before probably don’t care, but it was different telling your mom about the first guy you are serious with.
“Well that’s news. He is a sweet boy so I’m happy for you, just don’t let him treat you any less than you deserve.” My mom has always been protective of me and at times it was annoying, but now I have a new appreciation for it.
“Of course and he really is amazing.” I felt my mood shifting to being more happy after just thinking of Ezra.
“I bet but I have to ask, how is Knox taking you two being together?” My mom sounded worried because Knox wasn’t his fun goofy self like he was before Madison almost died.
“He said he’s happy for us and I believe it, but he seems gloomy all the time especially now.”
“What happened now?” My mom asked worried.
I should ask Madison if it was ok to tell my mom, but soon everyone will know when she visits in the summer. “Madison is pregnant.”
“By your brother!” My mom screamed in shock.
“No! Jude is the father. Remember I was telling you they met as kids in the same foster home and were still in love with each other.”
“Oh yes I remember now. Their story is definitely one for the books.” My mom was a romance junkie like me and we loved when two people beat the odds and ended up together.
“It definitely is, but mom I have to go. I'm picking up food at Hailey’s.”
“Ok, we will see you at the graduation. I love you sweets.” It never gets old hearing her call me sweets and it just makes me miss her more. I really needed to remember to visit more often.
“I love you too mom.” We hung up and while checking my text messages, I didn’t see Lola and Brad right in front of me until I bumped into Lola.
; “Watch where you're going! Oh of course it would be you.” Lola said disgusted while Brad put his arm around her. If he really thought that would make me jealous, I felt sorry for him.
After Ezra’s mom’s visit, I was in no mood for anymore confrontation today. All I wanted to do was get my food and go have dinner with Ezra, so I kept my mouth shut and stepped around them. I was surprised they didn’t say another word and I was able to get my food in peace, but that didn’t last long.
As soon as I came back out with a bag of burgers and a carrier holding our shakes, I was tripped by Lola. I fell into the dirt parking lot, milkshakes splattering, and blood on my knees from scraping them. “Finally she gets on her knees.” Brad said loud enough for their whole group to hear. Some laughed while others just shook their heads
“Maybe if you didn’t have a small dick, I would have for you.” I wanted to mentally slap myself for going to his level, but I was filthy, bloody, and fed up.
“Ooohhh.” His friends said back while Brad was fuming. I’m starting to believe his nice guy act was fake and he truly was a douchebag.
“Maybe if you weren’t some obsessed virgin freak he would have let you.” Lola said with a shit eating smirk.
“I think you're mistaking me for you.” I wiped the dirt off me and grabbed the bag of food off the ground ready to leave, but Brad wasn’t done yet.
“Stop lying Stella. Guys, you know this little whore was the worst lay I ever had. I thought virgin pussies where suppose to be amazing, but it was like fucking a…” Before Brad could finish telling his lies, Declan punched him in his face with all he had.
“Say one more fucking lie Bradford and I’ll embarrass you in front of your friends.” Declan stood over Brad who was currently lying on the ground with blood dripping from his mouth.
“How’s Abby? Do you like my sloppy seconds?” Brad smiled wickedly with blood all over his teeth. In that moment Declan went from the goofy friend to someone who looked ready to murder somebody.
In a snap of a finger Brad and Declan were in a scuffle. Punches were being thrown left and right, but it looked like Declan had the upper hand until Brad’s friends held Declan by his arms. He tried to break out of their hold, but with three other guys holding him it was making it difficult to. As soon as Brad went to swing I jumped on his back to prevent him. It was the worst mistake I could have made because the next thing I know I’m being thrown to the ground. Lola with all her weight jumped as hard as she could on my arm. The pain was excruciating and I knew she definitely had to break it.
I screamed in agony, but that didn’t stop Lola. She kicked and kicked until I was curled in a ball. I felt stickiness around my head and my ears started to ring. I looked over to see Declan laying on the ground with all the guys on top of him. He was trying to get them off him while screaming for Lola to stop. In the distance it looked like Maddison was running over, but before I could be sure the darkness succumbed me.
More than ever do I wish I could tell Ezra one more time that I love him.
Chapter Twenty Eight
Stella
It was the next morning waking up in the hospital and my mind was foggy. I remember Ezra’s mom visiting, going to Hailey’s Diner to pick up our food, and running into Brad and Lola. I can even remember Declan and Brad arguing, but the rest is just tiny pieces here and there.
“Good morning beautiful.” Ezra said through a yawn in the chair next to my bed.
“You could have slept next to me instead of in that uncomfortable chair.”
“I tried, but you kept trying having sex with me with your mom right there.” Ezra pointed a finger over at my mom sleeping on the couch.
“Oh my god!” I whispered yelled. I felt so embarrassed that I felt my cheeks turning red.
Ezra started to laugh while saying, “It’s ok I like that frisky side of you, just not in front of Mama Ryan.”
“Mama Ryan?” I never heard anyone call her that, only Mrs. Ryan.
“Yeah she told me how right before the diner, you were on the phone telling her how we are practically married.” I felt my face pale at the thought he really thinks I say that.
“I swear I never said that!” As soon as I yelled, my mom began to stir.
“Shh I’m just joking! We just got along really good yesterday.” That made my heart happy.
“Thank god!” My mom said while hurrying over to my side.
“Hi mom.” I hugged my mother back.
“What were you thinking trying to break up a fight between two grown men?” She said in her, you’re in trouble mom voice.
“I couldn’t just stick back while watching my best friend get hit.” Declan definitely wore on me through the year.
“Well promise me you won’t do that again, no more fights.” My mom said sternly. All I could do was shrug, if only she knew I punched Chanel a few months ago.
“Stella?” My mom’s eyes challenged me back.
“Don’t worry Mama Ryan, she won’t.” Ezra reassured my mom and I knew he was serious too.
My mom walked back to the couch for her purse while saying,“I knew I always liked you. I’m going down to Buddy’s Cafe to grab us all breakfast, I’ll be right back.”
“You’re the bomb!” Ezra was always excited when it came to food just like Declan.
“Ezra no one says that anymore.” My mom said while shaking her head laughing.
When my mom finally left, I had one question that was burning in my head. “What is going to happen to Lola and the rest of them?”
“They are all in trouble, but Lola is getting the worst of it for breaking your arm and striking you repeatedly when you were done.”
“Good, they need to learn a lesson. Hopefully they will reevaluate themselves and change.” I do hope they do because we need less toxic people in this world.
“I hope so too. I do have bad news though.” Ezra said seriously and I knew he wasn’t joking around.
“What?”
“Declan got charged to since he threw the first punch. Rem is down there picking him up.”
“Oh my god I feel so awful! This is all my fault.” I threw my head back in my pillow and concentrated on the ceiling so I wouldn’t cry. I have no idea how this could affect his scholarship now. His life really could be ruined over this.
“Sweetheart.” Ezra grabbed my hand and I looked over at him when he continued to say, “The charges were dropped when Hailey went down to say Brad was harassing you and got in Declan’s space. The school won’t find out or affect his scholarship.
I punched Ezra in the arm with my good arm and said, “You ass! You should have said that in the beginning. I felt terrible that I ruined his life.”
“You can never ruin anybody’s life, just only if you weren’t in it.” I blushed and looked down at my cast when I noticed he wrote something on it.
“Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow?”
“One day you will find out.” He was being cryptic and any other day I would be asking a million questions to figure it out, but something else was taking the space up in my head.
“Hey, what is going on in that head of yours?” Ezra must have known my mind was somewhere else.
“What will happen with us? I still have another two years left here and you’ll be moving back to Bellingham to start your new job, so are we going to do long distance or will we be over at the end of the summer?”
“There will never be an end to us unless you say so. I’m all in Stella so that is why I am staying.”
Everything he said is what I wanted to hear, but I couldn’t let him give up opportunities because of me. “Good because I’m all in, so that is why I can’t let you stay. I don’t want you to regret this because of me. We can do long distance, it’s only a few hours away.
“Stella, the only thing I would regret is if I didn’t give us my all. Right next to you is where I am supposed to be. Anyways I turned down the job when I got a great offer here starting next week.”
I snuggled i
n closer to him and asked,“You did?”
He smiled and said, “You know how Rem’s family is involved in real estate and investments?” I nodded my head yes. I didn’t know much about Rem’s family besides that and how filthy rich they are. “Well I talked to Rem and we wanted to start a business. We bought an old resort about a half hour from where we live, in the country next to a lake. We want to remodel it and start our own resort to promote clearing your mind and relaxing.” That sounded perfect for Ezra to do.
“That sounds amazing! What will you be doing?” Ezra was in school for management so it was the perfect start to his career.
“I will be running the resort while Rem does all the financial work. We even got Dr. Fully to agree to work part time offering therapy sessions, but there is just one problem.” He smiled which had me confused because he just said there was a problem.
“What’s the problem?”
“I need an interior designer. Now before you say anything this will all be done in the summer before your classes and I think it will look great on your resume.” He said excitingly.
“I’m only a student though. Wouldn’t you guys prefer someone who has more experience?” I would love to do it, but this was his first business and I didn’t want to disappoint him or Rem.
“We prefer someone we trust. Don’t doubt yourself, you are so creative and driven that we know you are the best choice for this. Does it help if I tell you there is also a house on the property that I would love for you to move into with me?” His eyes were wide with hope and I wasn’t one to disappoint.
“You sold me, but under one condition.”
“Shoot.” He said eagerly.
“You give me a walk through of the property. We have a meeting with Rem to discuss your’s and his’ visions, and then I will pitch you both my ideas. I want honesty, if you two hate it then I want you to find someone more experienced.” I didn’t want a free hand out, I wanted to earn it.
“You amaze me Stella Ryan. That sounds great, but what about moving in with me alone? I know it’s soon, but…” I kissed him quickly to stop him from his nervous rambling.
