Hudson, God, that man sure knows how to make me love him and I do love him. These past few days have shown me just how much I care about him, how much I want to be with him. Everything about him is amazing and I'm truly head over heels in love with him. So much so that I've spent the last couple of days researching colleges here in California, I wanted to make sure that if I were to move back here that I did it for all the right reasons. I found a college in San Francisco that actually has a great English course, it's highly recommended and I've applied to start next semester there. It's not just because of Hudson, although he is a major factor, but Sarah's told me that she may come home. It would be amazing if she did. I've not told anyone my decision yet but my mind is made up and I'm happy with it.
My cell rings and Hudson's name is on the caller ID. "Hey you, you okay?" I ask as I do every time he calls hoping that today is the day he says he'll be back.
"Yes Princess, I'm okay, I'm hoping to be with you tomorrow." It's the same thing he tells me every day. It's a running joke now between us.
"Okay Hudson." I say softly and he groans which makes me smile.
"Princess, you know what that breathy voice does to me. I just wanted to check in with you and see how you are doing?" He growls sending shivers down my spine.
"I'm okay, Mom got home last night so we'll be talking today."
He makes a humming sound. "That's good Mia, it's time you two sorted your shit out."
"Yeah," I sigh, I'm actually dreading it. "I'm not sure I'm ready for it but it has to be done. What do you have planned for today?"
He laughs, "Nothing as daunting as what you have planned." Voices sound in the background, "Princess I've got to go, I'll call you later."
"Okay Hudson, I love you." My eyes widen as I realize what I've just said.
"Mia..." He rumbles, "You don't get to say that when I'm not beside you."
My tongue darts out and wets my lips, "Hudson." I moan, not sure what to say.
"Mia." He whispers, "I wanted to say it to your face."
"Say it now." I whisper back, a smile on my lips.
"I love you Princess and you're going to find out just how much when I get back to you."
My heart melts at his admission. "I love you too Hudson, but please, hurry up and come back.
I miss you like crazy."
"I know, I'll be there soon. I promise." He's promised before and he's still not here.
"Okay, I'll talk to you later." I say not wanting him to know that I don’t believe him.
"Definitely. Later Princess." He ends the call and I still have a smile on my face. I've never felt as happy as I am now. Hudson has made me the happiest I've ever felt in my life.
Getting off the bed, I make my way to the door, "Mia?" I hear my mom call.
"Yeah Mom?" I call back as I begin to make my way downstairs.
She waits until I get to the bottom step, "Is it okay to talk?"
I give her a soft smile, "Yeah Mom, of course."
Relief washes through her, "Can we go out onto the deck?"
I nod, "Yeah, it's a nice day." I follow behind her as she leads the way, awkwardness fills the gap between us, I'm not sure if one talk is going to clear the air but I'm hoping it will help. There’s a pitcher of iced tea and chocolate brownies on a plate, she's been waiting for me, I like the gesture of her wanting to make it informal but I'm too nervous. The sooner this chat is out of the way the better.
"Did you and Harrison have a nice vacation?" I ask, hoping to start on something easy and work toward the harder stuff.
She reaches for the pitcher, "Yes, it was nice to get away, I think all of us needed the break, the time apart. It gave me time to think, time to get what I need to say properly, I don't want to hurt you Mia, and the last time we talked I did and for that I'm forever sorry." Sincerity dripping from her every word.
She pours us both drinks and I take one from her. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me Mom, and I get what you were trying to say. It was just too much. Everything had changed and then you told me you and Daddy weren't in love. It felt as though everything I had known was a lie. That hurt and hearing you say you regretted having me even though it's not what you meant made all of that worse." I'm glad that we're trying to sort things out, "I shouldn't have got mad, you told me how you felt and I shouldn't have gotten mad. I'm sorry Mom."
She reaches for my hand, "Don't apologize Mia, you didn't do anything wrong. How are you and Hudson getting along?" There's a bite to her tone, she really doesn't like Hudson and I'm not really sure why.