Page 107 of Let's Be Forever

Clementine: It’s so fucked up. His parents are fucking losers. I hope they burn in hell

Clementine: Remember I have that recording of his parents, if he ever wants to use it, let me know!!

Jenny: Praying for their downfall!

I quietly chuckle but muffle it when Rosie stirs in her crib.

I should be at the bakery, but after I spoke with Sylas last night, I told Em I’d be going in a little later. She was more than okay with it, and said if I needed to take the day off, she had it handled.

I’m typing out a response when my door opens and Maya’s head pokes through the crack.

“Morning,” she whispers.

“Morning.” I nod, motioning for her to come in. She does quietly, perching on the edge of my bed.

“You okay?” A wary smile curls on her face, and she lays her palm on top of my knee.

As soon as Sylas’s game ended last night, a few reports came out about me. When people found out that Sylas and I have a kid together, those online didn’t waste a second to talk about it. It was bad, but as soon as he and his team made a statement, the gossip died down.

Until last night, when a few articles started trickling out. They all made it seem like I was after Sylas’s money and in short called me a poor, money-hungry, fame-seeking, pathetic nobody.

It hurt at first. I was embarrassed and shed a few tears, but then I kept reading and realized who was behind it. I knew his parents were mad because I blew them off and ripped up the check, but I didn’t anticipate for them to be that disgustingly petty. Though I’m not sure why I was surprised—they lied to Sylas and me. They didn’t tell him about Rosie, and they still don’t acknowledge her.

“Yeah, I’m okay.” I remove my glasses and softly massage the bridge of my nose before putting them back on. “Actually, no. I’m sad.” I finally admit what I’ve been holding back for a while. “Rosie’s grandparents are alive and she’s never going to get to meet them. I’m never going to get to talk to our parents. Sylas’s parents won’t accept me because they hate everything I am. They can’t even fake it enough for him. They’d rather make sure he’s miserable than to let him be happy. Imagine being such a shitty parent that your child has to go online and make a statement because he doesn’t know what else to do.”

And he didn’t. He wanted to keep everything offline, but after last night and talking to his parents a few hours ago, he was over it.

Sylas’s statement is brief but straight to the point. He mentions that his parents are the reason he didn’t know about Rosie, that they’re trying to smear my name, among other things. He also declared how much he loves me, so there’s that.

Jenny and Em were simultaneously angry and gushing about it a few minutes ago. They’re mad he had to do it, but they’re also happy for me.

“It’s okay to be sad. You’re going through a lot. I know you hate feeling like this, not being able to control things, but you’re not alone.” She inches closer and wraps her arms around me. “You have each other, you have me, Em, and Jenny. And you told me about Sylas’s sister and friends, how they can’t wait to meet Rosie, how close he is with them. You guys aren’t alone. We’re here for both of you. Everything is going to be okay.”

I return the hug. “It’s hard. I feel like I need to figure it out, fix it. And knowing I can’t is bothering me.”

“I know, I know.” She rubs my back. “But I need you to get it through your impossibly stubborn brain that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. And I know it sucks not having Mom and Dad here. But Rosie has so many people who love her.”

“Can I be honest?” I meekly say.

She pulls back. “Yeah.”

“I’m so scared.” My words are inaudible, barely leaving my mouth. Fear wanted to keep them from being heard.

Her expression shifts from cautious to concerned. “Don’t be afraid of Sylas’s parents. They?—”

“No, no. This actually has nothing to do with them.” I swallow, wincing at how dry my throat is. “I’m scared of losing everyone.” Tears gather in the corners of my eyes. I drop mygaze, fixing it on my nails, but my vision still blurs. “I know it sounds stupid…” I try to laugh it off, but my voice catches.

Memories of the argument I had with Mom and Dad, with Maya, and Sylas walking away play in my head unbidden. I try not to dwell, tell myself that at least two of those four people are here, but I can’t help but worry.

It’s hard not to let anxiety back me into a corner and let it win when it has so many times before. I love them so much. If they walk away, I don’t know how I’ll get up again. The thought makes me nauseous.

“It doesn’t. Hey.” She covers my hand with hers. “I know why you’re scared, but no one is going anywhere. I promise. I’m here to stay. You’ll only be rid of me when I’m six feet under. Actually, no—please cremate me. I don’t want to be buried; that’s more expensive and pointless.”

Her voice and expression are so severe, I can’t help but laugh. “Okay, I’ll cremate you and keep you on my nightstand.”

“And even when I’m ashes, I’ll be there next to you.” Her eyes water, and her voice cracks. “Love you, Anna Banana.”

We freeze when Rosie stirs in her crib. She mumbles a few words but falls back to sleep.