Primrose Complex, Epilogue

I'm leaving.

I've got a plan, and I'm going through with it.

Two days ago, Parker texted me, telling me that he was incredibly sorry and that he takes back everything he said. Except, he also said he isn't going to come back.

He said that the idea, that this baby could even possibly be anyone elses, will always plague him.

He also ding-dong-ditched me, except he left a suitcase entirely full of hundred dollar bills. There was enough money in it, that my parents will be able to afford anything for Poppy.

I don't deal with Poppy, except when I absolutely have to. She ruined my life. I can't help but hate it, although I know I'm being unfair. It doesn't matter if I should love her. Her power makes it impossible for me to love her the way I should.

So, I'm leaving.

I left everything for Poppy, I'm taking nothing but my clothes, and a couple thousand dollars so that I can rent an apartment until my new job starts to pay.

I told Mom that I had gotten a promotion, but they wanted me to move to the city. In reality, I had begged for a new position, anywhere, and they had given me one. It just happened to be a level higher than the job I already hold.

As I left, I squeezed the little slip of paper in my hand.

Primrose Everdeen Complex,

I told you how sorry I am. I truly am sorry for all that I said, but I truly can't do it. I care dearly for you, but I can't stay. I would be a bad father, I already told you that. Please, don't hate me.

Parker R Kain

I noticed, as I had read it, that he had never once said that he loved me. Maybe he did. I don't think he ever did, though. People who are in love can't say what he said to me. They don't just abandon...

I turned and ran back inside, and scrawled on a piece of paper,

Goodbye, Poppy.

I hope your life is better than mine.

I tucked it away somewhere where Briar or my parents would never find it, and hoped that one day, Poppy would.

 And then, I was gone.