Chapter 4: Homecomings and Second Chances

The next day was a day off. I barely slept.

I got up early, dressed neatly, and took a bus back home with a bouquet of flowers. The bus ride was long, the scenery rolling by in a blur. I stared out the window, lost in thought.

"Savannah, you’re back!" Aunt Carol’s voice was a warm hug. I melted into it.

"Yes, Aunt Carol. Where’s Mom?" My voice was hopeful.

"She’s in the kitchen making mac and cheese. She knew you were coming, so she made your favorite!" Aunt Carol took my bag, her eyes kind. I felt the weight lift.

I ran to the kitchen, the smell of cheese and butter filling the air. It felt like home.

"Savannah, how’s the new job? Go wash your hands, lunch is almost ready!" Mom’s voice was bright, stronger than I remembered. Relief flooded me.

I hugged my mom from behind, breathing in her familiar scent, finally feeling at peace. The world felt right for a moment. I wanted to freeze time.

Thank goodness—not everything was bad. There was still good left.

"Hey, I’m making mac and cheese here! Don’t get your clothes dirty." She laughed, nudging me away with her elbow. I grinned.

"I just want to hug you, Mom." I squeezed her tighter, grateful for the moment. I didn’t want to let go.

She laughed, stirring the pot and asking about work and life, just like when I was a kid. The kitchen was full of love. I soaked it in.

That year, my mom was diagnosed with kidney failure and needed a transplant. The world tilted.

It felt like the sky was falling, but Aunt Carol stayed by our side. She was our rock. I clung to her strength.

I canceled my plans to go abroad, using my mom’s savings and money borrowed from Aunt Carol for her surgery. I did what I had to.

But for her illness, it was a drop in the bucket. The bills kept coming. The stress never let up.

So we left Chicago and went home. Our big city dreams packed away in boxes. Reality settled in.

I started working multiple jobs, anything that paid quickly, just to afford her meds. I waited tables, designed flyers, took on anything I could. I hustled.

Thankfully, with Aunt Carol’s help, my mom pulled through. We made it, somehow. I exhaled for the first time in months.

Once she was stable, I tried to pick up my dreams in Chicago again. The city called to me, even after all the pain. I couldn’t stay away.

In the afternoon, Mom walked me to the bus station. We strolled down the block, arm in arm. I wished the walk would last forever.

As we reached the street corner, I saw someone leaning against a car under the maples by the road. My heart skipped.

"Is that Julian?" Mom’s voice was curious, but gentle. She squeezed my hand.

I nodded, stunned. My heart skipped a beat. My breath caught.

"Savannah, it’s all in the past. Live your life the way you want—don’t feel pressured. Just be yourself." Her words settled over me like a blanket.

"I just want you to be happy." She squeezed my hand, her eyes soft. I felt tears prick my eyes.

She patted my head, then smiled. "Looks like you don’t need me to see you off. I’m heading back—Carol and I have to go to Zumba!" She winked, and I laughed. The tension eased.

I laughed. "Thanks, Mom." My voice was thick with gratitude.

But he already had a girlfriend. It was too late. My chest ached.

Not that I told Mom—I didn’t want her to worry. Some burdens are better carried alone. I kept it to myself.

After she left, I stood still. The wind rustled the leaves, and I felt the weight of the moment. The world paused.

He crossed the street and took my hand to warm me up. His touch was gentle, familiar. I almost melted.

"Aren’t you cold? You should’ve worn something thicker." His concern was real.

"Why are you here?" My voice was soft, almost afraid. I couldn’t meet his eyes.

"Yeah, I followed you. But I’m not a stalker—I just didn’t want you to disappear again." He smiled, but there was pain in his eyes. I saw it all.

He lowered his head, looking so aggrieved it was almost comical. He was trying to be brave, but I could see through him. My heart squeezed.

That’s when I noticed he was still wearing yesterday’s clothes, even smelling faintly of whiskey. Had he been waiting all night? My stomach twisted.

He hadn’t gone home all night? Stayed outside my place? I was stunned.

He pulled me into the back seat, handing me a cup of hot cocoa. The cup was warm, the gesture warmer. My hands stopped shaking.

I quietly thanked him, sipping slowly, feeling warmth return to my body. My fingers finally stopped shaking. I felt safe, for once.

"Julian, I—" My words caught.

"Savannah, let me go first." He looked determined, like he’d rehearsed this. I braced myself.

I blinked at him. He sat up straight, grabbing my hand. His grip was steady.

"I’m sorry, Savannah. Three years ago, I was too young and too proud, and that’s how I lost you." His voice trembled.

"After what you said last night, I realized what a jerk I was." He looked down, ashamed.

"When you needed me most, I wasn’t there. I sulked, misunderstood you. I was an idiot!" He shook his head, frustrated.

"About Tara—I figured it out last night. It really was a misunderstanding. I was telling her to stay away from me. I didn’t want you to get the wrong idea or get hurt. She almost tripped and grabbed my arm, and that’s when you saw us. You thought I was hugging her, but I wasn’t!" His voice was desperate, pleading for understanding.

He waved his hands like a kid, desperate to explain. "All these years, I’ve been looking for you. You always said you wanted to work at ELITE, so I joined ELITE, hoping I’d see you here. And finally, I did!" His eyes were bright with hope.

"I love you, Savannah Carter. Please, have mercy on this little puppy. Can we get back together?" His eyes were wet, and for a moment I felt dazed. My heart fluttered.

"I’m sorry, Julian. I can’t be with you." The words tasted bitter. I hated saying them.

He looked devastated, tears welling up. "Savannah, why? What will it take for you to forgive me? I want to take care of you forever." His voice broke.

I said coldly, "You already have a girlfriend. I won’t be the other woman." My words were ice.

"Just be happy with her. I’ll resign so you won’t have to worry—" My voice cracked.

"What are you talking about? Savannah, I don’t have a girlfriend!" Julian interrupted, grabbing my hand anxiously. His grip was urgent.

I frowned. What? My mind raced.

I calmly told him about seeing him with that girl at the mall. My heart pounded as I waited for his answer. I braced myself.

He let out a long sigh of relief, laughed, and got out of the car. His laughter was shaky, but real. I blinked, confused.

I was baffled. Was I missing something? My heart skipped.

A moment later, he came back with four shopping bags—the same ones from that store. He held them out like peace offerings. My jaw dropped.

He looked a little embarrassed. "I was going to wait for the right moment to give these to you." He shuffled his feet.

He paused, then smiled, his voice low and magnetic: "Congrats on joining the team, Savannah." His eyes sparkled.

I opened the bag. One of them was the dress that girl had been wearing! My jaw dropped. My cheeks burned.

"She’s a model. I remembered you like this brand under ELITE, so I asked her to try on the clothes for me…" He looked sheepish.

He scratched his head, looking sheepish. "It’s been a while since I saw you, and your figure’s changed. I wasn’t sure about your size. She’s about your build, so I had her try them." His voice was gentle.

I stared, realizing the truth. My cheeks burned with embarrassment. I felt silly.

Suddenly, I found it funny. All that worry, all that heartache—over nothing. I laughed, a little hysterically.

So many things are actually simple. My own insecurity had made me misunderstand everything. I shook my head at myself.

I looked down at the bags of clothes, embarrassed. "You didn’t have to buy so many." My voice was soft.

Julian took my hand, serious: "It’s not too much. I want to make up for all those lost years, Savannah." His eyes were steady.

My nose tingled, tears welling up. I blinked them away, not wanting to cry again. I smiled through the tears.

I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. The relief was overwhelming. My heart felt lighter.

He was still the same passionate, sincere boy I’d met in college. He hadn’t changed, not really. I saw him clearly now.

It was my own insecurity and cowardice that made us miss out for so many years, hurting us both. I swore I wouldn’t let it happen again. Not this time.

"Savannah, I was too young before. From now on, I’ll treat you even better!" His promise hung in the air.

"Savannah Carter, I lo—" He started, but I cut him off.

I clapped a hand over his mouth. "I love you, Julian!" The words burst out. I couldn’t hold them back.

"Thank you." My voice trembled with emotion.

Then I closed my eyes and kissed him. My heart soared. The world melted away.

This time, I took the initiative! It felt good.

He froze for a second, then took off his glasses and pulled me in, deepening the kiss. His hands were gentle, reverent. I melted into him.

Tears streamed down my face, landing softly on my lips. They tasted sweet, like hope. I let myself believe again.

In the chilly early spring, the temperature inside the car kept rising. Our laughter fogged up the windows. We were home.

"From now on, I won’t need a model. I’ll know your size by heart." He winked.

"Julian! We’re in public!" I swatted his arm, but I was smiling. I couldn’t help it.