Strangely Normal - By Tess Oliver Page 0,53
Jude and then coming home to the drama with Finley’s dad. And now with the news that my parents were moving to some small, college-free town up north, I suddenly came apart at the seams and tears flowed freely.
“Edie, are you crying? Don’t cry, Sweetie. It’ll work itself out.”
“Unless this town you’re moving to builds a college this summer, I don’t see how.”
“Maybe with the money you make and with what your father makes, we can pool our funds and send you to live on campus somewhere.”
“Great, I could live on campus and just not have the actual money for tuition. Never mind, Mom. When are you leaving? I want to see you guys before you go.”
“So this summer job is working out all right? Finley sounds terrific.”
“I really like her, and I think it’s working out fine. But it’s temporary, remember?” And then it dawned on me, eventually I’d be leaving here and Finley . . . and Jude. And now, I’d be living farther away. I wiped at my tears and sniffled loudly into the phone.
“Oh, baby, I didn’t mean to upset you so much.” I had to cool it or she would be blubbering into the phone next and then Sophie and Janie would follow.
“I’m fine, Mom. When should I come see you? I can take the bus.”
“The manager at the resort wants your dad to start right away. We’re leaving the furniture because most of it is junk and the cabin is furnished. This apartment is ours until the end of the month, but we’re going to leave town next Saturday.”
“So soon?”
There was a long pause. “Why don’t you just quit and come with us Eden? It’s really nice up there. We miss you.”
“I miss all of you too, but I need this job, Mom. It’s been good being out on my own.”
“I know.” Her voice sounded shaky as if the tears had started on her end too. “You can’t blame a mom for trying.”
“I’ve got to go, Mom. I don’t want to tie up Finley’s phone any longer. I’ll get out to see you in the next few days. Love you.”
Cole had stretched out on the couch, and Finley was on the rug with Some Pig and the dogs. Jude was having a smoke outside.
“Is everything all right, Eden?” Finley was as in tune with my feelings as I was with hers.
“My parents are moving up north for some job.” I shrugged like it was no big deal. “I’m going to go see them in a few days before they leave— if that’s all right.”
“Of course it’s all right,” Finley said. “Dad’s driver will take you.”
“No, I’ll be fine on a bus. I’ve ridden on them a lot.”
“Don’t be silly,” she insisted, and I wasn’t in the mood to argue the point for now.
Cole sat forward and read a text. “Dad’s going to come home for a few days. His doctor wants to give him a full physical.”
Finley hopped up to her knees. “He is? I can’t wait. When is he coming?”
“As soon as they release him,” Cole said. “It means they’ll have to cancel a few concerts.”
“Good,” Finley said. “I wish they would cancel them all.” Her mood had changed dramatically, and it seemed we would have to peel her off the ceiling soon. Complete and utter elation had replaced uncontrolled despair.
Cole moved his thumb over his phone and shook his head. “The internet is already blowing up with the news.” He laughed. “Here’s a good one. ‘Rock Legend Nicky King near death in a Belgium Hospital’. They couldn’t even get the friggin’ country right.” He put down his phone. “I’m starved.”
“I could make some sandwiches,” I offered. “I’m pretty hungry too.”
Finley winked at me. “Those motorcycle rides can really work up an appetite.”
I countered her cryptic comment with one of my own. “I had no idea how exhilarating it could be.”
“I’ll bet it even left you breathless,” she said.
“Would you two stop already,” Cole said. “So Jude and Eden made out. I’m wasting away here.”
Jude came back inside while I was making sandwiches. He walked into the kitchen. His arm went around my waist and my back pressed against his chest. “Finley said your parents were moving up north.”
“Yeah, I guess I’m going to be living up in the woods with no college degree. I think I’ll take up pine cone collecting or something.” I continued making the sandwiches as he held me against him. I’d hoped the disappointment in my tone wasn’t