Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 68

Bonnie had stopped going to blind dates, and Lawrence hadn’t reached out again.

The long holiday was almost here, and everyone at work seemed a little extra happy. Even the usual slackers were hustling, racing to finish up their tasks so they wouldn’t get stuck working through the break.

With the Graystone Phase II project off her plate, Bonnie only had the Meadows School job and a few odd tasks left. She wrapped everything up before it was time to head out, sent her files to Jim, and got an “OK” in return. He dropped a message in the group chat, wishing the team a happy holiday and telling them to get some real rest.

Bonnie joined in, sending a meme like everyone else. One by one, she saved her documents and sat back, waiting for the clock to hit quitting time.

Helen’s message popped up. It was a screenshot of her online shopping cart. [My entire holiday bonus, three thousand bucks, already gone.]

Bonnie opened the image and had to smile. Most of the stuff was gifts for Helen’s relatives.

Helen sent another message. [So, what are you doing for the holiday?]

Bonnie paused to think. For the last three years, she usually either went for solo walks or just stayed at her campus rental. If the break was long, she sometimes traveled out of town for a change of scene. This year, the two holidays were just two weeks apart, and she hadn’t made any travel plans. She’d probably just stick around at home.

[I’ve been working so much overtime lately, I think I’ll just stay in and catch up on sleep.]

Helen: [Come to my place instead. We’re celebrating with Ned’s family this year. Big group, and his younger cousins are a blast. You should come play escape room with us.]

That got a smile out of Bonnie. [You know me, I’m awkward around strangers.]

Helen replied with a sticker of a kid rolling their eyes. While Bonnie was scrolling through her handful of reaction gifs, a new message came in.

[Just go home for the holiday. Your mom keeps sending you soup and food, she’s basically begging you to come back. The welcome mat’s out. What are you waiting for?]

[Seriously, what’s the point of arguing with your own parents? The older generation always wants to save face, but we’re the kids here. Just let your pride go, act cute, it’ll all be fine.]

Bonnie pressed her lips together. She wasn’t actually angry at her parents. She was just scared. The look of disappointment in their eyes haunted her, especially around family holidays like this. She absolutely dreaded facing all those relatives, their pointed questions and judgment. She didn’t want her mom to feel embarrassed or have to listen to gossip about her either.

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