A New Journey (Second Chance #3)

by Christina Escue

  “Are you excited about tonight?” Leslie asked even though she already knew the answer.

  “It’ll be fun.” Karla answered avoiding Leslie’s question.

  “What are you wearing?”

  Karla walked into the bathroom she’d been sharing with Elliot since they’d moved in here and grabbed the outfit she’d picked out for tonight. When she walked back into her room she held it up for Leslie to see.

  “Pretty.” Leslie said when she saw the green, knee-length sweater dress. “Wearing your knee boots with it?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Karla said with a grin. “Mom, what’s up with the twenty questions?”

  “I was just thinking back about your first date with Conner and you were really excited and nervous that night. Today you’re giving off more of a ‘whatever’ vibe so I’m curious about the date and the boy.”

  “His name is Cameron Reese and he is a senior. He just turned eighteen in November and he is really quiet and shy, except when he’s on the soccer field.”

  “Oh, so he’s a jock?”

  “Mom, he’s the star soccer player for the team and he will most likely lead them to state this year. That isn’t all though. He’s at the top of the senior class, behind Daniel, but still close to the top and he has been accepted to Vandy’s pre-med program.”

  “Your Dad will like him.” Leslie said with a smile. “But the main question is, do you like him?”

  “That’s the thing, Mom. I really do like him, as a friend. He’s great to talk to and fun to be around, but so are Travis and Daniel. Cam’s definitely friend material, but I doubt he’ll ever be boyfriend material.”

  “Then why are you going on this date with him?”

  “Because I promised him one date so we could see if spending time alone would change things. He has the same feelings I do though. After a few days of talking at lunch and texting we’ve determined we’ll most likely only ever be friends.”

  “Having good friends is an essential part of life.” Leslie said and grinned when Callie and Rylee walked into the room. “Speaking of good friends, here are two of the best.”

  Karla turned and grinned at her two best friends. “I’m so glad you two came to help.”

  “We are always here to help.” Callie answered and nodded toward Karla’s arm. “Looks like you need all the help you can get.”

  “Karla, please don’t be mad.” Rylee pleaded.

  “Rylee, why would I get mad?” Karla asked in confusion.

  “Because I came with them.” Conner said as he walked into the room and stood behind his sister.

  Karla stood there for a minute and just looked at Conner. He was wearing well-worn jeans and his favorite green hoodie and he looked gorgeous. Karla swallowed past the lump that had formed in her throat before she spoke. “Why would I be mad? With me still in this thing we need all the help we can get.”

  A collective sigh filled the room. “What can I do to help?” Conner asked Leslie.

  “We’ve been boxing up stuff all week so everything is ready to just be carried down to the truck except the beds. Karla probably needs the most help because she can’t really do much with that brace on her arm.” Leslie answered him and he walked further into the room.

  “Karla, what I can do to help you?” Conner asked and locked eyes with her.

  Karla had to swallow hard again before she could answer. “Umm… I just need the boxes carried down. Dad and Bob will get the beds last so they can be taken off the truck first.”

  “Okay.” Conner said and walked toward the stack of boxes in the corner. As he passed Karla he gently touched her arm and she shuddered softly.

  “I’m going to see if Meghan needs any help with Mae. I can’t do much when it comes to moving, but I can watch Mae while everyone else does all the work.” Karla said and quickly left the room.

  “I believe your presence here is getting to her.” Leslie said with a little wink in Conner’s direction.

  “Yeah, but is it in a good way or a bad one?” Conner asked and looked at Leslie hopefully.

  “That is yet to be determined.” Leslie said as she picked up a box and carried it out of the room.

  “Yeah, that helps.” Conner grumbled and followed Leslie out of the room. When he stepped into the family room he was greeted by Karla’s soft laughter and tears formed in his eyes. “Someday you’ll laugh like that for me again.” He said softly before he shook his head and walked out the door and down the stairs.

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  The rest of the day passed quickly and by the time Cameron showed up to pick Karla up for their date she was more than ready to get away from everyone.

  “You look amazing.” Cameron said as he led Karla down the stairs and out to his car.

  “You don’t look so bad yourself.” Karla said with a small smile. He was wearing pressed khakis and a deep green button down shirt and he looked amazing in it. As she was looking at him, Conner in his faded, well-worn jeans, green hoodie and messy hair popped into her head and she lost all train of thought.

  “Are you moving?” Cameron asked as Andrew emerged from the moving truck and looked at Karla expectantly.

  “Yes. We had a house fire back at the beginning of October and have been living here since then. We’re moving back in this weekend.” Karla explained as she led Cameron over to where Andrew and Bob were standing. “Cameron, this is my Dad, Dr. Andrew Peterson, and my uncle, Bob Jennings. Dad, Uncle Bob, this is Cameron Reese.”

  “Nice to meet you Cameron. Karla told me you’ve been accepted into Vandy’s pre-med program.”

  “Yes, sir. I was accepted at the end of last year and I’m just waiting till graduation to go.”

  “Vandy has the top pre-med program in the state, possibly the country. Your parents must be proud.”

  “My Dad is very proud. My Mom passed away when I was a baby.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. As a Vandy alum, I wish you all the best in the program. It’s tough and requires a lot of hard work, but it makes you a better doctor.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Peterson.” Cameron said with a smile.

  “Cameron, we have to go or we’re not going to have time to eat before the movie.” Karla said and Cameron smiled at her.

  “She’s right, Cameron. We can talk later.” Andrew said and when Cameron smiled he knew he liked the boy. “You two have fun.”

  “Bye, Dad. I’ll be back no later than ten.” Karla said as Cameron led her to his car and held open the door for her.

  “Your Dad is really nice.” Cameron said and Karla grinned. She’d known those two would get along.

  “Thank you. I’m thinking about keeping him.” Karla said and Cameron roared in laughter. As Cameron was backing out of the parking space Karla saw Conner come out the door of the complex. Her smile faded when she saw the look on his face.

  “You alright, Karla?” Cameron asked in concern when he saw the look on her face.

  She mentally shook herself and reminded herself that Conner was dating Alissa and that Cameron was just a friend she was hanging out with. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just tired I guess. I’ve been on baby duty all day because I can’t lift anything yet.”

  “Baby duty?”

  “I was watching baby Mae, my six month old cousin.” Karla explained. When they pulled into the restaurant parking lot she showed Cameron a picture of her, Mae and Harvey that she took today. “They’re great kids.”

  “Those two seem to love you a lot.” Cameron said and grinned. “Ever thought of being a pediatrician?”

  “I have thought about it because I love kids, but I have decided I want to be a juvenile psychologist for children from abusive homes.”

  “Wow. That’s going to be a tough job.”

  “I can handle it.” Karla said in a slightly defensive tone.

  “I don’t doubt that for a second. I was just saying it’ll be tough.” Cameron said as they walked into the restaurant and were seated immediately. “Now, why don’t
you tell me a little more about your family?”

  They spent the meal talking about their families and when they headed to the movies they had already decided that friends were all they would ever be.

  “Wanna call it a night?” Cameron asked after the movie was over.

  “Yeah, I`m exhausted.”

  “Should I take you to the apartment or your house?”

  “I’m not sure. Let me text my Mom and see where they are.”

  “Alright. While you do that I’m going to use the restroom. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  “I’ll be right here.” Karla said with a smile as Cameron walked off.

  As she was sending a text to Leslie a shadow fell over her phone. She looked up and locked eyes with Conner. When she looked over and saw Alissa beside him the smile that had formed on her face faded away.

  “Having a good time, Karla?” Conner asked.

  “We were just leaving.” Cameron answered as he walked up behind Karla. “Ready to get out of here?”

  “More than ready.” Karla answered. “Goodnight Conner, Alissa.” Karla said and held her head high as Cameron led her out of the theater.

  “Are you okay?” Cameron asked as he opened his car door for Karla.

  “Not really.” Karla answered as her eyes filled with tears. “I just want to go home.”

  When her phone chimed she saw it was from Leslie so she opened it. “They’re at the house unloading the truck, so you can take me there.”

  “You’ll have to direct me to your house.”

  “I can do that.” Karla said and less than ten minutes later they were pulling in beside the moving truck.

  “This is your house?” Cameron asked in awe.

  “This is home sweet home.” Karla confirmed and grinned at the look on Cameron’s face. “Want to help carry boxes in?”

  “Sure.” Cameron said and followed Karla up the steps and into the family room. When Karla stopped in front of him he bumped into her and she stumbled a little. His hands came down on her shoulders to steady her and she looked back at him.

  “Sorry.” Karla apologized. “Everything just looks so different.”

  “It’ll look the same once we get everything moved back in.” Leslie said as she walked down the stairs. “You must be Cameron.”

  “I am and you must be Karla’s Mom.” Cameron flashed his bright smile and Leslie smiled back. “Nice to meet you Mrs. Peterson.”

  “Nice to meet you too, Cameron. You made quite the impression on my husband.”

  “He made quite an impression on me as well.” Cameron responded. “Karla mentioned something about moving boxes. Could you use an extra set of hands?”

  “We will take all the help we can get.” Andrew said as he entered the room. “Welcome to the moving team.”

  “Thanks.” Cameron said with a smile.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  “Merry Christmas.” Elliot said as Karla walked down the stairs on Christmas morning.

  “Merry Christmas everyone.” Karla said to her family. They were all sitting in the family room together.

  “It is so nice to be back home.” Leslie said as she stood up and walked to Karla. “Want to help me with breakfast? Kiara, Manuel and Rosa will be here in a little while.”

  “Of course I want to help.” Karla said with a smile. “When are Bob, Meghan and the kids getting here?”

  “Around noon.” Andrew answered. “Did you have fun with Callie and Rylee last night?”

  “I did. Thanks for letting me go.” Karla answered with a small smile. Instead of their normal Christmas Eve tradition of meeting at Karla’s house and opening gifts, Callie and Rylee invited Karla out for dinner and then to a Christmas party.

  “Did Conner show up?” Elliot asked hopefully.

  “No, but I sent the gift I got him with Callie. She’s not giving it to him until today though.” Karla answered. “Elliot, Conner and I may not get back together. You know that, right?”

  “I know, but I can still hope you will, right?” Elliot asked.

  “Of course you can. I’m hoping too.” Karla said sadly. When Elliot grinned and walked away Karla turned to Leslie. “Mom, are you still letting me go with Kiara to Puerto Rico tomorrow?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t we?” Leslie answered.

  “I don’t know, but I thought maybe since this didn’t come off last week you’d have changed your mind.” She said and held up her arm to indicate the brace.

  “You’re only going to be gone for five days, honey. You’ll be back in time for your appointment with Dr. Carpenter.”

  “Thanks for letting me go, Mom.” Karla said and hugged Leslie awkwardly.

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart. I felt you needed some time away from here and when Kiara asked I thought it would be the perfect thing to take your mind off of things.”

  “Time on the beach with my sister is exactly what I need.” Karla said and Leslie smiled.

  “Good. Now, what should we fix for breakfast?” Leslie asked and looked at Karla. When she noticed Karla wasn’t wearing the necklace Conner had gotten her for her fifteenth birthday her heart broke a little.

  “I took it off this morning.” Karla said in response to the look on Leslie’s face. “I took the ring off too. They’re both in my jewelry box now. It hurt too much seeing them every day so I decided to stop wearing them, for a while anyway.”

  “Oh, honey, are you okay?”

  “No, but I will be. If anyone knows how to pick up the pieces and move on, it’s me.”

  “You’ll get through this, sweetheart. I know that break-ups are hard, but we’ve all been through them. You dad and I broke up for about six months before we got married.”

  “Really? You and Dad have like, the perfect love.”

  “We do now, but there was a time I didn’t think we would end up together. I was a sophomore and he was a senior and it just seemed like we had nothing in common. He started acting like I was a piece of property instead of a person so I broke up with him. He held my heart, but I wasn’t going to let him control my life. About a month after we broke up he started dating a girl named Melody. She was a Performing Arts major and was a little out there, but she seemed to be really into him. They dated for about a month before I started dating a guy named Marcus. He was quarterback of the football team. About two weeks after we started dating we ran into Andrew and Melody at a frat party.”

  “Oh my gosh. What happened?” Karla asked. This was a very insightful story.

  “Well, your Dad was a bit of a hothead back then.” Leslie paused when Karla snorted. “Okay, he’s still a bit of a hothead now, but anyway, he had been drinking and thought he was ten feet tall and bullet proof so he got up in Marcus’ face. It wasn’t pretty. Marcus only hit him once, but once was all it took to knock some sense into him. A couple weeks later Marcus and I decided we’d be better off as just friends, but we still hung out all the time. Right before graduation your Dad came to me and told me that he loved me and that he’d never stopped loving me. He apologized for everything and asked me for another chance, which of course I gave him. Even through all of that I never once stopped loving him.”

  “I haven’t stopped loving Conner. I doubt I ever will, but the constant reminder of what we had, and may never have again, was just too much.”

  “I can understand that. I just wanted to let you know that it’s okay to hold onto hope. Maybe someday you’ll be telling your own daughter about this in hopes that it’ll help her in the same way.”

  “Thank you, Mom.” Karla said and hugged Leslie. “Now, I’m thinking we should have omelets and bacon for breakfast.”

  “Sounds yummy.” Leslie said and started pulling things from the fridge.

  Just as Karla was placing the bacon on a plate to drain Manuel, Kiara and Rosa came in and Karla’s thoughts focused on her family.

  The rest of the day passed quickly and was filled with love and laughter.

  When Karla climbed into bed t
hat night she felt better than she had in weeks.

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  “Call me the minute you get off the plane.” Leslie said as she hugged Karla tightly.

  “I will, Mom, and I promise to call you at least once a day while we’re there.” Karla promised.

  “You better.” Leslie said as she let her go. “Have a safe flight.”

  “I love you, both.” Karla said to Leslie and Elliot before she turned and walked to the security station.

  “Think she’ll be alright?” Elliot asked as he and Leslie walked back to where the car was parked.

  “I know she will be.” Leslie answered.

  The drive home was quiet as they were both lost in their thoughts. When Leslie pulled into the driveway Elliot’s thoughts fled when he saw Conner’s car. “What’s he doing here?”

  “I don’t know, but why don’t we find out?” Leslie answered as she stopped the car and turned it off. Elliot was out before she had the key out of the ignition and was walking toward where Conner sat on the steps.

  “What are you doing here?” Elliot asked when he stopped in front of Conner.

  “I came to see Karla. I have to talk to her.”

  “She isn’t here, Conner.” Leslie told him as she walked up to them. “She won’t be back until Monday.”

  “What?” Conner said as he got to his feet. “Where is she?”

  “She’s on her way to Puerto Rico with Kiara. Their plane leaves in about ten minutes.”

  “No.” Conner said in a whisper as he sank back down on the steps.

  “You waited this long to say whatever you have to say, so it won’t hurt to wait a few more days.” Elliot told him. As much as he wanted Karla and Conner back together he was still upset with Conner.

  “Elliot, that wasn’t very nice.” Leslie scolded.

  “It’s alright, Mrs. Peterson. I deserve that and a lot more.”

  “You could always try calling Karla after she gets there.” Leslie said, choosing to ignore Conner’s comment.