“But it has been almost a year, I’m sure he doesn’t even remember me anymore,” I whimpered.
“Try Scarlett, please,” she begged, sensing my despair, not knowing how else to help me. I reached into my backpack and opened my journal, the one I’ve been carrying around since I left home. I opened it to the page I wrote down his address, his phone number below it. I have looked at it so many times I’ve memorized it. I cross my fingers, hoping he hasn’t changed it. I dial it as Cas poured me another drink.
“Hello, you’ve reached Buddy, but I’m UN-a-Vail-able,” he pronounces each syllable in his message, making me laugh. I’ve missed his voice.
“Hi Buddy, it's me, Scarlett Rayne Jones. I'm not sure you’ll remember me but I was missing you. Actually I’ve been missing you since the day you left me. I can’t let you go, I just wanted to tell you that I’m sorry. I’ve made some bad choices and the worst one was losing you,” I whispered, as I held back tears. I wasn't sure what to do if he didn't pick up, if he didn't return my call. Then I would have to face the fact that we were really over.
“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have bothered you,” I said. I lowered the phone slowly, praying he would pick it up before it reached the receiver.
“Scarlett, is that really you?” I heard his frantic voice on the line at the last moment. I quickly brought the receiver back up to my ear, holding it with two hands as I'm shaking.
“Hi, yes it’s me, Scarlett Rayne. Did I catch you at a bad time?” I asked, catching my breath, feeling so nervous. He might have a girlfriend over or something. I tried not to cry as I heard him breathe into the phone.
“Scarlett Rayne I have been waiting for this call,” he breathes heavily into the phone. I can tell he has been worried about me.
“I’m so sorry Buddy. I’ve been a mess since I last saw you,” I whispered.
“Where are you?” he asked.
“I’m at my friend Cas’ house, back in Aurora,” I told him.
“I’ll be there to see the stars with you tonight Scarlett,” he said to me and I can’t stop my tears. He wants to see me again.
“It’s going to be okay Scarlett, I’ll see you soon. Wait for me. What’s her address?” he asked. I told him and he hung up.
“Cas, he’s coming for me,” I screamed as I ran around the room.
CHAPTER EIGHT
I spent the afternoon trying to clean myself up. After I showered Cas combed my hair. It’s still midnight black. My bangs have grown in a bit, so Cas gave them a quick little trim so she could see my eyes, she said. She sneaks a bottle of vodka into the bathroom before she does my makeup. My black eyeliner and red lipstick return, just not as bold as when Jasper did it. I pull on my black stockings with a run in them and my short red plaid skirt with all the pins. I begin the process of tying up my army green docs as Cas takes another swig of vodka.
“Are you going to be okay without me?” I ask her as she hands me the bottle. I take two more drinks before continuing my tying.
“I’ll be fine. I have Mr. AA to take care of me,” she said, smirking. Mitch, her boyfriend made us well aware of his displeasure when Cas and I get together and drink.
“We had fun didn’t we?” I asked. I could see tears in her eyes now.
“We had a blast. A real adventure. Didn’t make it to Cali though. Maybe when you get back we’ll go find Lily,” she said smiling, handing me the bottle as she lights a joint. I do up my black lace bra and throw on a snug white tee shirt.
I stand and look at myself in the mirror, trying to avoid the black around my eyes.
“He’s not going to recognize me,” I tell her.
“He will and he’ll think you’re still beautiful because he loves you,” she said, hugging me.
“Thanks Cas, I’m going to miss you,” I said, squeezing her back.
The sun began to set and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. I haven’t been able to eat all day. I’ve probably drank too much but I can’t seem to stop. I finish off the rest of the bottle as I stand alone on the porch. I’m holding my leather jacket in my hand, not feeling the cool air as I pace back and forth. Lighting another cigarette, I begin to panic. Maybe he was lying, maybe he thought it would be funny to tell me he was coming then not show up. No, he’s not that mean, but maybe he changed his mind. Maybe he knows how disgusting I’ve become. Maybe he knows I’ve sold myself for a shower and a cupcake. Just as I’m about to run in and raid Cas' liquor cabinet I hear a car pull up. I am frozen in place for a second before I slowly let go of the door and turn around to see a man running toward me. He reaches me before I can breathe again. Wrapping me up in his arms, twirling me around.
“Scarlett, angel, I have missed you,” he said, kissing my forehead as he sets me down in front of him.
“I didn’t think you would recognize me?” I whimper, still feeling so overwhelmed that he would come here for me.
“I know you, I know the way your body moves. You look just as beautiful as the day I first laid my eyes on you,” he whispered, holding me
