Chapter 2

We have come so far in such a brief time. My parents visited a week ago and made me feel like I’ve finally found my place in life. Now I’ve regained their trust, love, and things are looking up. Leila hates that I have moved here permanently, but she is warming to it, and my frequent trips home mean she can forgive me for it. She refuses to come to the city to see me though. Apparently, leaving this life behind to marry Daniel means she has an aversion to ever leaving home.

“Oh, shit, Sophs, is that today? I can’t, it’s Mark’s birthday, and I promised him I would meet him at lunch.” Jenny’s big eyes and wobbling lip dismiss any urge to be mad at her. Her boyfriend works crazy shifts, and she barely sees him. I know they have been having a rough time together lately. Well, truth be told, she never seems happy when it comes to him. I can’t be mad for her wanting to see him on his birthday, over my nothing lunch.

“It’s okay, as long as Chris doesn’t bail too.” I lift my bro