Page 128 of The Lucky One
Finally, he said, “I just got back from the police station.”
I tensed. I had spilled everything to Humphrey. Not just the threats against Paul, but everything that’s been etched in my memory since I was fourteen. Once Humphrey’s skepticism eased and he decided to listen, I couldn’t shut up. Being heard was a rare thing for me—especially from him.
He hadn’t exactly kept me updated on their progress, only saying it might take a couple of days until they could make an arrest.
“They told you to come in?” I asked.
“Yeah. He’s... a dick. I understand why you hate him.”
I nodded.
Another silence.
“You knew this whole time, huh?” Paul said, though without heat. It sounded more like disappointment, and dealing with that was more annoying.
“I messed up, man. I know.”
“Big time,” he agreed, shifting his weight on the swing.
“I should’ve gone to the police right away, but everything seemed so... normal for once.”
I puffed on my cigarette. For a few weeks, I was able to give Little German everything she deserved. I was selfishly holding on to that, worried that if I dumped another pack of problems on her, she’d realize that I could never be a good boyfriend.
“Normal?” Paul stopped the motion of his swing. “You didn’t even talk to me, dude. That’s not normal. We were best friends, and shit—you left me hanging.”
I gritted my teeth. “When you called me at New Year’s... you were right about what you said. I wasn’t ready to give Emily what you could’ve given her. And then you found me, despite the shit I’d pulled.” I looked out at the daisies. “Fuck, I was ashamed—and that made the cravings more intense. Every time I saw you, I was tempted to use again.”
I spoke from a place I hated to visit, a place I’d invited only Emily into until now. At meetings I was always just listening, never sharing. But I had to suck it up and get it out. I needed my damn best friend back.
Paul flicked his cigarette away. “You should’ve said that in the first place, dickhead,” he said, and I couldn’t help but smile. “I was fucking hurt that you stole—fuck, I don’t like that word—whatever, that you dated my girlfriend, but I’m over it now.”
My eyes widened. “How?” I couldn’t fathom getting over Emily. It seemed impossible.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love her. But just because I love her doesn’t mean I’m meant to be with her.” His features were calm, radiating peace. “You, though, bro...” He shook his head and looked up at the sky. “Ah, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but fuck—” He looked back at me. “You’re meant to be with her. So go get your girl back. I know it’s not too late.”
Those words gave me newfound strength. I stood up and so did he, and we hugged like we never had in all our years of friendship. I had my bro back. And this time I wouldn’t mess it up again.
“There’s something else I need to tell you,” I said as we pulled apart.
The fresh smile on his face vanished as I started talking.
Growing Wings
Emily
After snapping countless group pictures, the girls gathered their stuff and headed home to show off their final looks to their parents. Or, in Breana’s case, to Madison. I found myself in the living room with Henry, Gena and Zack, along with his girlfriend Helen curled up in his lap.
“You’re so beautiful,” Gena told me. “You look like one of those girls from magazines.”
“I agree,” Henry said, putting his arm around Gena. “You’re turning into a stunning young woman.”
“Yeah, you look okay.” Zack laughed. Helen gave an approving thumbs-up.
“Thank you, guys.” I blinked rapidly, doing my best to hold back tears and avoid ruining my makeup. Thankfully, my phone rang. “It’s Mama,” I said, and walked out to the porch.
“Mama?” I closed the door behind me and descended the steps into the backyard.
“Emi, I got your picture. You look beautiful, lovely. And so happy! I wish I could be there with you.”