Hometown - Chapter 9 (The Final Chapter)

Alice was worried about my foot/ankle, so today she decided to take me to the doctor, "Robert can handle the diner for a few hours." she assured me.

"Hours?"

"I'd like to take you by to see Cynthia. I think it'd be good for you two to talk this out." she replied calmly.

"There's nothing to talk about! She's convinced I'm the devil in human form, and my only purpose in life is to make her miserable! She should have known that Robert would leave her if she was such a bitch to him all the time! It just happened to be me that he left her for. She needs to learn to not be so self-centered. She had a miscarriage, it doesn't mean the world stopped spinning just for her misfortunes. She needs to GET OVER IT." I exclaimed.

"You guys were best friends for like, 20 years. I think you can handle one conversation."

And that was that. Alice was staying neutral. I guess she figured if she chose my side she'd be doomed to lose this argument, and if she chose Cynthia's side, she'd always be a bitch in my eyes. Watching her then, I regretted not being friends with Alice in high school. If I would have been friends with her, I wouldn't have to deal with all of Cynthia's emotional baggage. Alice is also a wayyyyyy better friend to me in the 2-3 years I've known her than Cynthia in the whole lifetime I've known her. Alice was never into cheerleading, or spending hours shopping for a prom dress. Or multiple prom dresses, in Cynthia's case. Alice was always perceived as the shy, quirky type. Not necessarily nerdy, but exceptionally smart. She first took the SATs when she was 12. I'm ashamed I never got to know Alice, because she never really had many friends. If I could go back in time, I would avoid Cynthia at all costs, and spend 100% more time with Alice.

"Yepp, it's broken." the doctor said, letting out a breath.

"No dip. She's been hobbling around Chase for a month." Alice replied.

And with that, a thin piece of fabric was wrapped around my ankle, and followed by neon orange cast-wrapping. We were off to Robert's.

"You aren't welcome here." Cynthia said quietly as she slowly pulled the front door open.

"Please give us a chance, Cynthia. We come in peace." Alice replied.

It was then that Robert came to the door behind Cynthia, in a bathrobe. His hair was uncombed which was odd, because Robert was always ready by 7, and it was noon. Wait, wasn't he supposed to be at work?

"Robert! You're supposed to be at work!!" Alice exclaimed.

"I knew you guys would be coming by to try to make amends, and I know that a group of totally different women, currently not speaking to each other, trying to be friends, never NEVER ends well."

"And how is your presence going to help in the slightest?" Cynthia argued.

"Exactly. You can't even talk to your own husband with respect."

"Because all you do is criticize me! You don't love me! You love the bitch you've been living with! You have ever since high school! What, do you think I'm BLIND?"

"Cynthia, I--"

"Shut up Robert. I'll have my lawyer call you. I have nothing more to say to you."

And she left.
***
I haven't seen her since then. Robert and I are happily married with 4 kids. Joseph, Johnny, Kristie, and Laura. After the divorce was settled between Cynthia and Robert, and Alice accepted the job offer in Ohio, Robert and I took over the diner. Mrs. Morry is living with us, because it turned out that it was Jim who burned the building down. His motive is unknown, but they do know it was him. He's confessed, and was asked to pay back all expenses and is currently serving the 2nd half of the 1 year of jail time he was sentenced. Why only 1 year? Well, he's never done anything wrong, really, and the building was only partially finished. Where is Cynthia? No one knows... But after everything, I still wish her the best.