Chapter 2.
970 Words
Adele’s POV.
Hours later, I leave the apartment with nothing but a suitcase and my secret still tucked away inside me. I don’t know where I’m going, but one thing is clear: this is the end. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the beginning.
The bus jerks forward, throwing me against the cold window as it rolls out of the city. The skyline of New York fades into the distance, the towering buildings giving way to endless highways and snow-covered trees. I hold my suitcase tightly between my legs, as though it might suddenly disappear. It’s all I have now—just a bag of clothes, a few personal things, and the divorce papers tucked into the side pocket.
And the baby.
I press a hand to my stomach, a strange mix of emotions swirling inside me. Excitement. Fear. Sadness. Everything feels tangled, too much to process all at once. Cedric doesn’t know. He didn’t even notice when I left.
The memory of his face when he saw the papers flashes in my mind. The way his confident mask cracked, replaced by shock. But not enough shock to stop me from walking out the door.
“Next stop, Avalon Springs!” the driver announces.
My heart skips a beat. Avalon Springs is my hometown—a sleepy little place where the biggest excitement is the annual winter festival. I left it behind years ago, chasing dreams in the city. Now, it feels like the only place I can go.
The bus pulls into the tiny station, and I step out into the cold air. Snow crunches under my boots as I drag my suitcase onto the sidewalk. The town looks just like I remember: small shops with colorful awnings, lampposts wrapped in twinkling lights, and a giant Christmas tree still standing in the square.
I don’t have a plan. No job. No home. But as I stand there, the weight of everything starts to lift, just a little.
“Is that Adele Waters I’m seeing?”
I turn and see a familiar figure walking toward me. Godfrey Harlow. He looks the same as he did in high school—tall, broad-shouldered, with an easy smile that could charm anyone.
“Godfrey,” I say, surprised.
He grins, pulling me into a hug. “I can’t believe it. How long’s it been? Ten years?”
“More like twelve,” I say, my voice trembling. His warmth feels like a lifeline, grounding me.
“You look… good,” he says, stepping back to study me. “What brings you back to Avalon? Visiting family?”
I hesitate. The truth is complicated, and I’m not ready to spill it all. “Just needed a change of pace,” I say finally.
His smile falters for a second, like he doesn’t quite believe me, but he doesn’t press. “Well, welcome back. You need a ride somewhere?”
I glance at my suitcase. “Actually, yeah. I don’t have anywhere to stay right now.”
Godfrey’s eyebrows shoot up, but he recovers quickly. “No problem. You can crash at my place until you figure things out.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, suddenly feeling awkward.
“Of course. What are old friends for?”
Godfrey’s place is cozy and warm, a small cabin tucked into the woods on the edge of town. As soon as we walk in, I’m hit with the smell of fresh coffee and something sweet—cinnamon, maybe.
“Make yourself at home,” he says, grabbing my suitcase and setting it by the couch. “I’ve got a guest room. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s yours as long as you need it.”
“Thank you,” I say, my voice soft.
He smiles. “I’ll grab some blankets and towels. You hungry?”
I shake my head. “No, I’m fine.”
Godfrey disappears down the hall, and I sink onto the couch, letting out a long breath. The warmth of the room wraps around me like a blanket, and for the first time in days, I feel a flicker of safety.
But it doesn’t last.
The memories come rushing back—Cedric’s face, the blonde woman at the party, the sound of the door slamming as he walked out. I press my hands to my face, trying to hold back the tears.
“Adele?” Godfrey’s voice pulls me back. He’s standing in the doorway, holding a stack of blankets. “You okay?”
I nod quickly, wiping my eyes. “Yeah, just tired.”
He doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push. “I’ll let you get some rest. If you need anything, just holler.”
“Thanks, Godfrey,” I say, managing a small smile.
The next morning, I wake to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. Sunlight streams through the curtains, and for a moment, I forget where I am.
Then it all comes back.
I get dressed and make my way to the kitchen, where Godfrey is already up, flipping pancakes on the stove.
“Morning,” he says, glancing over his shoulder. “Hope you’re hungry today, because I made enough for an army.”
I can’t help but smile. “Smells amazing.”
“Coffee’s on the counter. Help yourself.”
I pour a cup and sit at the table, watching as he works. He moves with an ease that makes me jealous—like he has everything figured out.
“So,” he says, sliding a plate of pancakes in front of me, “you gonna tell me what’s really going on?”
I freeze, my fork halfway to my mouth. “What do you mean?”
He gives me a look. “Come on, Adele. You show up in Avalon with nothing but_”
- Writer
