Onward

TRIGGER WARNING: THERE IS MENTION OF SUICIDE IDEATION




James felt far happier since he’d moved to Atlanta. Life hadn’t been too kind to him. It was the toxic living situation that didn’t help. His dad wasn’t taking care of himself. It didn’t help that he wasn't listening to his Doctors either. He’d taken a step back after a while. His dad didn’t seem to want it so he stopped helping. The toxic living situation kept getting worse over time. It nearly ended his life at one point. He hadn’t seen a way to leave. The financial hardship left him unable to leave. He’d fallen deeper into a  depression over time. He hoped he’d be able to leave. He wasn’t so sure it would happen though. He’d grown up in a rural area that never loved him. People let their actions speak for them. He’d known it was either leave, somehow, or die in the area that never loved him. An opportunity in Atlanta changed everything. His dad didn’t think it was a good idea. James didn’t care. He was leaving either way knowing it may very well be the only opportunity he would get to leave.

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea” Adam mentioned
“I don’t care what you think. I’m leaving. I’ve saved enough-” he’d begun explaining
“I don’t see how. Your job isn’t exactly the best with hours and pay” Adam replied 
“That just shows how little you know about what’s going on” James retorted
“What does-” Adam began
“I’m not done. I saved because I barely do anything. I barely leave the house anymore. It’s not like there’s anything going on” he answered 
“You don’t even have your life-” Adam started saying
“I’m done trying to explain things to you when you’d rather argue than listen” he exclaimed

James held nothing back after that. He’d told Adam everything he needed to hear. All of his unfiltered feelings before storming off to pack his things and leave. He’d already packed most of his things. He’d packed nearly everything after he accepted the job offer. He’d not even told his current job anything yet. He’d wanted to work a little longer and sort some things out before leaving. The fight between him and his dad accelerated everything. He didn’t mind. It meant he could move up to Atlanta a little earlier. It gave him nearly two full weeks in Atlanta before he started his new job as a Proofreader. 

“You’re really leaving eh?” Charlie asked
“Yeah. I am. I finally have an opportunity to have a life instead of being in the toxicity I’ve been living in. He hasn’t wanted to take care of himself like he needs to be. I stepped back knowing what would happen” James replied
“I can only imagine. I know it’s been a lot with him” he answered 
“Yeah. It’s been twenty years since my mom died. It’s been hard without her. I’ve somehow managed though” James reflected
“She’d be proud of you” Charlie smiled
“Yeah, I know” James said

Maggie died unexpectedly twenty years prior of a Brain Aneurysm. James was barely fourteen. Life had been different since then. He’d felt her every day since. In some way. She continued parenting since her death. In her own way. He thought about what would’ve happened if she were still here. Adam would’ve had all his health issues dealt with far more. He remembered things she told him before her death. He remembered things she’d said when she came to him in his dreams. He stopped reflecting on what would’ve been to focus on what was currently going on in his life. 

Three days had passed since he left Oaksdale. He’d found a place relatively quickly after arriving in Atlanta. He was in a hotel for the next week until everything with his Loft was finalized. He started his new job in the meantime. He was far happier than he’d ever been before. His dad kept texting him asking him to come back home. Only to be told it wasn’t happening. James sat in a Cafe near his hotel and texted him everything. Adam, as predicted, didn’t like that answer. James didn’t care. He was happily moving on with his life.