Page 96 of Wild Mistake
SARAH
For a teenagerwho complained of not having any friends, I’m honestly shocked at how many people stop over the next two weeks. Some bring casseroles from their parents. Some bring junk food and snacks for Gabe. Others bring bags filled with little gifts and books and magazines. One boy even shows up with an old gaming console and a small television screen, setting it up for Gabe and his visitors to play in my parents’ living room.
Had a similar accident happened last year, I’m certain Gabe’s lifelong friends would have kept him company. But we’ve only been here a few months. To witness how many people care about my child and the connections he’s formed in such a short time warms my heart.
It makes me question my decision to move back to Phoenix at the start of the next school year. It makes me doubt breaking up with Aiden, which is why I haven’t shared that news with anyone. Not my parents. Not even Gabe and Parker.
I should at least tell them about moving to Phoenix.
I know it’ll make the boys happiest.
It’s the right thing to do.
But Aiden’s question rings through my head on repeat.
When do you put yourself first?
He’s right.When have I ever put myself first? If I don’t start now, will I ever? Life is so damn precious and I don’t take a second for granted. Gabe’s accident was a stark reminder of how quickly it can all go away.But what good is a life if it’s only lived for others?
The crunch of gravel as another vehicle pulls into the driveway draws my attention out the window. I don’t immediately recognize the truck, but it seems familiar. “I think you have another visitor,” I say to Gabe.
His friends pause the game and turn to crane their necks toward the window.
“Shit,” one of them swears. “Is that Riley Wilder?”
“Bruh.”
“Fuck.” Gabe drops the controller into his lap and immediately runs his hands through his hair. “How bad is my hair right now?” he says to one of his friends.
“Pretty bad, man.” He shrugs.
They leave Gabe on the couch and move toward the door, peaking outside the front window without being in the direct line of sight. It’s actually entertaining, if not a little confusing.
Riley makes her way down the drive, a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a bag in the other.
I glance at Parker, hoping to understand what exactly is happening.
“Mom!” Gabe bugs his eyes. “Can you and Parker go find something to do? Somewhere that’s not here!”
“To do?” I raise my brows.Is he kidding?I’ve done nothing but feed him and assist with his basic needs since being released from the hospital.
“It’s embarrassing,” he says, glancing at the door.
“Right.” I throw up my hands. “All moms and brothers are embarrassing. Come on, Parker.” I nod toward the side door that leads out toward our trailer.
We move outside before Riley reaches the front door. I don’t intend to linger, until I notice another vehicle pulling up behind Riley’s truck. I recognize it and the man in the driver’s seat immediately.
“I guess you’re gonna want me to get lost too?” Parker groans. “Love is so stupid.”
“You don’t have to.” I shake my head, but he’s already trudging toward the trailer.
“It’s fine, Mom.” He turns back to meet my gaze. “I’m happy for you. You deserve someone who makes you happy.”
Parker’s words keep my feet planted to the ground.
For two weeks I’ve been holding myself together, focusing all my energy into taking care of my boys and convincing myself it’s enough. Dodging the feeling that I’d made a wild mistake. Avoiding Aiden at all costs, because when I look at him, he’s who my heart wants.
“Hey.” Aiden lifts his hand in a wave.
