I decided to call Abby.
“Dustin, why are you calling me this early in the morning?” Abby yawned.
“It’s Riley. I need you to talk to her for me. Please, she just dumped me, and I can’t take off work, or I’ll be fired. Just please talk to her tell her that she made a bad choice. Please, Abby. Go up to her apartment and talk to her for me.” My voice cracked slightly.
“Whoa, whoa, wait, what? She dumped you? How? When? Why? Are you ok? What happened?” She interrogated.
“Please, just ask Riley all those questions. Interrogate her. She came to my work and left Trev a note for me. I guess a couple hours before I got in. This came out of nowhere Abby. Just, please. See if she’s ok.”
“I will. Hang in there, Dustin. I’ll go right now.”
“Thanks, Abby. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime.”
I ended the call and tried to move on with my day. I took my first customer and handed the car over to the mechanic. Easy ticket, just an oil change. Before I could even write the ticket up, Abby called me back.
“Hello?”
“Dustin, oh my god.” She sounded out of breath.
“Oh my god what? Abby what’s wrong? Did something happen to Riley? Abby say something!” I shouted into the phone.
“She’s gone! Riley’s gone! Her apartment is empty the door was unlocked, I walked in, and it was empty! I thought I got the apartment number wrong, but it was right—209—and it’s empty!” She cried.
“What the fuck do you mean it’s empty? It’s got to be the wrong apartment check again, damn it!” I started pacing my office.
“Dustin, she’s gone. I don’t know where she went. How did she move all by herself? Oh my god, why did she leave, Dustin? Where would she go?”
I stared at the wall. I was clueless. The woman I loved, and I didn’t even have the slightest clue where she would go if she did leave. I’m such a horrible boyfriend. Ex boyfriend. I don’t even know what I am anymore. How could she just up and leave?
“I don’t know, Abby. I don’t know.”
“Dustin, what did the letter say?” She shouted at me.
Abby sounded mad, but she sounded frightened, too.
“I don’t want to read it because it can’t be true.”
“I’m coming there right now.” She ended the call.
I couldn’t focus. I’m sure my boss could tell that I was off in my own world. I couldn’t believe he wouldn’t let me go home. I understand I haven’t been in a lot lately, but you’d think he’d understand that staying here isn’t helping me concentrate any better on my work. Thankfully, there were not a lot of appointments today so it should be a slow day. The slower the better, then I could just sit in my office and act busy.
Abby stormed in about a half hour later. Her eyes were red. You could tell she had been crying, a lot. She was in shorts and a tank top, and she looked miserable. You’d think someone died with how bad she looked. She jumped in my arms and continued to cry.
“Shh, stop, we’ll figure this out, ok? Calm down, Abby.” I rubbed her back.
“I want to read the note.” She let out a soft sigh. “She was my best friend, Dustin. I am not going to calm down until I figure this out.”
I grabbed her arms and wanted her to focus just for a second. “Abby, think about it. If her apartment was empty, then that can only mean that this was an intentional move. She intended to leave us, Abby.”
She plopped down in the chair next to my desk. “Something happened, Dustin. She wouldn’t leave unless she had a reason.”
I handed her the note then sat down at my desk. I ran my fingers in my hair as a headache started to pound.
“This note doesn’t make sense, Dustin. She had no reason to leave you like this. Let alone leave town. Something’s not right. Have you tried calling her?”
“I did want to call her, but I don’t think I should. Seems like she needs to have room to breathe.”
“I’m calling her.” She abruptly decided.
She put the call on speaker, and it just rang and rang and nobody answered. This was almost a clear as day sign that she just wanted to be left alone. Abby didn’t want to accept that and decided to leave a voicemail.
“Riley, dear, please call me back. I really want to talk with you. Please, Riley, call me. I promise I won’t get mad at your decisions. I just want to understand them. I love you, Ry!”
Abby looked at me, and she just looked torn. Her best friend, my girlfriend, gone, disappeared, no trace of coming back. It was hard to think about it, and I didn’t even know where she would have gone. Maybe she went back home to Delaware. How would I even find her? Why did she leave? So many questions just rattled my brain, and I’m sure they were the same ones that were bothering Abby, as well. She was the woman I pictured my life with forever. How was I supposed to just move on?
“I can’t believe this is happening. What do we do?” Abby looked at me pained with tears in her eyes.
“I don’t know, Abby. Maybe we just give her what she wants. Maybe wait a while to see if she contacts us?” I looked confused as I paced the office again. Today might just be the hardest day I’ve had to conquer in a long time, and I knew it was only going to get worse not better.
“I’m calling her like ten times a day until she returns my call. I can’t let her off the hook that easy. She can’t just leave without telling me, telling me anything. Something’s wrong, Dustin. Maybe we need to find her and knock some sense into her.”
I took Abby’s arm and brought her in for a hug. I was looking over her shoulder, and noticed Evan standing there. I waved at him then signaled for him to come in.
“I got your voicemail, and I got here as soon as I could, so what’s going on, baby?” Evan walked up to Abby and pulled her into his arms. Abby immediately started whaling on his shoulder as Evan looked at me confused.
“Riley left me, but also packed all her shit and took off. Her apartment is empty, and she’s not answering calls.” I filled him in slightly.
“What? She just left town? Why? Where would this come from?”
“We don’t know, babe, it just happened. I’m going to try my best to get a hold of her.”
“Well, guys, unfortunately, I can’t go anywhere until this custody battle is over. Sabrina will eat me alive if I leave, and I’m told by my lawyer I could not go out of town. If we can just figure out where she is, then maybe we can take it from there.” I added.
“I will find out, Dustin. I’ll make damn sure I figure this out, not just for you, but for me.”
***
The next few weeks were sad. The sadder I got, the madder I seemed to get. I finally read the letter. I didn’t understand it, and I wanted an explanation. I didn’t know what made her think she had to leave to better me. I didn’t understand why she up and hurt Abby, as well. We hadn’t heard from her in three weeks. We had left several messages until the mailbox was full. Now we were really clueless. We had been wracking our brains, but there was no way to find out where she had gone. I had written her ten letters, trying to clear my mind, because I had been a wreck the entire time she had been gone. If I only had a way to get them to her. Abby and Evan had been over to my apartment every other night fixing me dinner, and keeping me occupied. I knew they were just trying to distract me from this heartbreak. I had court next week, and my lawyer thinks it will be continued again. It didn’t seem like this was going to be an easy case.
Riley
“Oh Granny, everything will work out. Please stop worrying about me. I’m right where I need to be.” I had to remind her.
“Riley, your baby needs its daddy. As much as you think it would be complicated.”
“In time. Right now Dustin needs to figure out his life with his daughter. He needs to straighten his mom out, as well. I fear she’ll do as she says. It just has to be this way.” I smiled as I touched her arm offering her comfort.
Seth stepped into the room, “Are you ready to go, baby girl
?”
“Yup! Let’s do this.” I got up off the couch and headed toward my purse. “Bye, Granny, we’ll be back, love you!”
Today I had my first official doctor’s appointment. They were going to check me out and give me an approximate due date. I couldn’t be happier really. I settled into the guesthouse at Granny’s. Seth took me out shopping for some furniture, and we decided we would be decorating the second bedroom to be the nursery within the next month or so. He was so happy to have me back in town, and I was so grateful for all his help. Granny had been a worrywart, but she has been so supportive. Deep down I knew she loved that I would be nearby and even living on her property so I could keep an eye on her and take care of her, as well. She was already looking forward to me getting a job so she could babysit.
I missed Dustin a lot. I missed Abby and Evan, but I knew this was for the best. I couldn’t tell Abby where I was or about the baby, because I knew she couldn’t keep her mouth shut. Just how she was. I might write them soon maybe, and at least tell them I was ok. Every time I think about it though I just wanted to cry because of how much I missed that man. I wondered how his court case went, and when he would have more time to see Molly. I’ll probably never forget him, and the impact he had on my life, not to mention the father of my child. It may not have been a long time, but he made me feel so special. I just wished things could have been different, but I knew his mother made that impossible.
Seth pulled up to the doctors’ office and helped me out of the car. I walked in and made my way to check in. It was scary and surreal all at the same time. My first ultrasound and I was bouncing off the walls excited. I finally would get to see my little sweet pea. I did have to admit, I was a little sad knowing Dustin wouldn’t be here to experience this with me. Just made me wonder if I was truly doing the right thing. My mind told me yes, but I knew my heart missed Dustin every second of the day.
The doctor called me in, and Seth followed. I was so excited that the doctor even commented on it. Seth sat in the seat next to me, and I had to forewarn the doctor that this was not the daddy! Just my best friend. Even though deep down I also wished Abby was here, too. I missed her so much.
The doctor placed some gel on me, and when they warn you it may be cold, they meant it! Holy Moly! My little sweet pea appeared on the screen, even though he or she looked like a little bean, the waterworks started flowing rapidly down my cheeks. This was the moment I’d been waiting for since I had found out I was pregnant. I couldn’t believe I was carrying a living thing inside me! It was such an unreal feeling. After the doctor did all the fun stuff, and I finally stopped crying, he announced my due date would be April 23rd. Perfect spring month for a perfectly healthy baby. Oh Dustin I miss you so. How excited you would be if you could be here with me and see what we made together.
Seth and I drove back to Granny’s to announce the great news! It has been weird for me the last three weeks because I hadn’t been smoking. It didn’t even bother me because I knew I was doing it for my health, and for the newest addition that would be in my life. I was doing everything I could by the book. In fact, I had checked out about ten different books from the library to help me figure out all the dos and don’ts of being pregnant. They have really helped a lot. Even though Mom wasn’t around anymore, I kind of wish she were for this. I think her having a grandchild would have brought us closer. I just hated to think about that, though. Then I would think of Mark who would be so proud of me, too. He had always dreamed of having kids. Now he would be their guardian angel. The thought made me wonder if Dad ever got my letters I sent him. I mailed him a letter informing him about mom’s death. I wrote another letter telling him he’d have a grandchild. I guess Dad is over us because he never responded to either one. I quickly dismissed the thought, as I can’t worry about my father in prison. So many things had happened; it would take a lot for him to explain things to me. I decided to focus my thoughts back to Granny.
“So what did the doctor say? When is the beautiful baby being welcomed into this world?” Granny opened her arms to give me a huge hug.
“April 23rd! I can’t wait, Gram, it’s going to be wonderful!” I cheered and wiggled my body in excitement.
“How was the doc, was he nice?” She rubbed my back.
“He was. I think he was a good choice. Besides, you and Seth will be there to help me, and that’s all I need.”
“Oh, and possibly Galena.” Granny looked away with a smirk on her face.
I looked at her and gently punched her arm, “What?”
“I called her, and told her about you being pregnant and all, and living back home, and she was ecstatic. She said she’d be heading home to help out in the next few weeks. She wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
I looked at Granny and then back to Seth. Really? Was this really happening? My sister was going to come and help me with my baby? I knew we bonded well when I saw her not long ago, but she was willing to come and help? I’m flattered.
“Wow, I wouldn’t expect Galena to leave her rock star lifestyle following Guilty Tendencies. I’m flattered. It’s actually exciting she’ll be an auntie!” I chuckled slightly at the thought of her becoming an aunt.
“I’m so proud and excited for you, sugar.” Granny let out some tears as it melted my heart.
“Oh Granny, I’m so excited, too.”
Seth and I decided to head back to the guesthouse and paint a little bit. This place was nicely done for a tenant, but I liked to have my own taste spread over everything. I was just glad I had Seth to help me. He took off the lid from the paint bucket revealing a nice light green color.
“It’s perfect!” I shouted.
“It is a nice color, you sure you want this in the kitchen?” Seth checked over my decision.
“Yup!” I smiled a cheerful teeth-showing smile.
Seth continued painting the kitchen while I went through some designing books on thoughts and ideas for the nursery. I was so excited. I didn’t know if I wanted to know what the baby was yet. I kept going back and forth with my decision. It would help knowing, so I knew what kind of color I should pick for the room. At the same time though, neutral was probably best.
The mailbox on my cell phone was full. I could only imagine who all the messages were from. I just didn’t know what to say to them. I missed them terribly, but I knew it was for the best here. I didn’t have to worry about Mrs. Boyd, and her plans on destroying my life if I stayed with Dustin. It just worked out by being here. I was starting to be settled, and Seth had been my rock helping me with everything. Granny was super excited for the baby to come. She was even clearing out a bedroom for the baby in her house. Getting her house baby proofed. This was my family, and even Galena was coming to help. I was just shocked how everyone was coming together for me. Except for the one person I really wanted. The insurance money from my mom passing was really helping out, and I was sure she would have been happy knowing it was going toward my baby and its future.
Five months later
Dustin
Now that I had finally been awarded shared custody, I could ease my mind a little bit. I was so glad that I was able to see Molly more often. It sucked that it took five long whopping months to get this settled in court, but it was worth it. I was finally about to see my daughter, and I was able to see her every week. I was so thrilled to know that I got to spend more time with her and watch her grow.
Now that it was all over with, and things in my life were finally getting back together, I needed to move on, for the sake of Molly. I had decided, after all these months, I needed to find time to speak with my mother. After all, she was Molly’s grandparent, and I didn’t want Molly to be excluded from them. Sabrina and I were not so good. Well, more Sabrina not being good than anything. She wasn’t expecting me to win this case, and I didn’t think she wanted to share Molly as often. However, as everyone knows— shit happens.
I was going over to my parents’ house to cool the air with Mom today. I was sure I w
ould have to do the same with Carla, too. One at a time though. Sabrina has Molly for two weeks since she was taking her on vacation. I was excited for Christmas, and getting to spend it with my baby. I won’t lie, I missed Riley every day, but I had come to realize life must go on without her. She left me, and she had her reasons whether I was able to understand them or not. I needed to focus on Molly now. I needed to get her bedroom set up, and buy her some furniture. My job had about had it with me, so I needed to make sure I did something about finding another job soon.
I pulled up to my parents’ house, and thought to myself that this had better go over well. If she wanted to see her granddaughter, she had better find a way to make me want to stay and talk.
She opened the door wide, smiling from ear to ear. “Come on in, honey.” She gestured with her hand to come in.
“Hi, Mom,” I said blandly.
“Come. Sit.” She followed behind me into the living room.
I sat on the couch and looked around at how literally nothing had changed in this house since I was a kid. Richly decorated with sculptures and huge paintings on the walls. It was so formal, and there was no personal touch to it. No pictures of the family, nothing like that. It almost made me sad.
“So, what’s on your mind, Dustin?” She smiled, but it almost had evil written across it.
“I’m sure you know I’ve got Molly now every week. We switch the days on and off, but I’m just happy I get to see her more.” I sighed, “I want you and dad to be a part of her life, but I want you to support me and my decisions, not for me to do just what you want me to do. I’m a grown man, and I can handle my life on my own.”
A Tattered Love Page 21
