It was done. Over.
No more of Max asking me what last night’s fight was about. No more of my dad’s concerned looks and questions. It was over with Neil, and I couldn’t have Calvin, but I at least could work on finding happiness within myself.
Somewhere along this troubled path, I’d lost it.
Neil was nodding, staring at his hands. “All right,” he whispered. “I’ll… stay at my brother’s or something. Give me a day or two to get my things.”
“Take the time you need,” I replied.
Neil looked back up. “I didn’t fuck up all the time, did I?”
“No, of course not, Neil.”
I don’t know if that’s what he wanted to hear or not, but he nodded.
“I’m going to pack my clothes.”
I watched him stand and head into the bedroom. I pulled my phone from my pocket and set it down on the tabletop, leaned over it, and pecked at the keypad with one finger like a chicken. I sent my dad a text and immediately received a response.
Do you need me to come over?
Yeah, I kind of did. Was it stupid to want my parent? I was a grown man, but my dad was my world. I listened to Neil quietly moving around the bedroom, collecting what he could stuff into a bag.
Baad weathr pop. It’s OK.
Sebastian I live 15 minutes away.
William Snow was being serious if he took the time to text my name.
Pleaase come.
I’ll be there soon.
“That isn’t… Winter, is it?”
I looked up from my phone to see Neil standing awkwardly in the bedroom doorway. “No. My dad.”
His shoulders visibly relaxed, and he walked into the bathroom to gather more items. He set his bag near the front door after, then went back into the bedroom, muttering, “At least you used a condom.”
I guess I should have taken the trash out.
Ten minutes later, Neil had enough of his belongings that I could see a difference in the apartment. He brought most of it out to his car in one trip before returning for the last bag. I stood from the table as he walked back inside, fiddling with the keys on his ring.
“Keep the key. It’s not a rush to vacate. When you have the time.”
Neil paused, weighing his words before simply nodding and pocketing the keys. “Thanks.”
“Yeah.”
He picked up his bag. “I’ll let you know when I’m coming by for the rest.”
“Sure.”
“Okay.” He hesitated. “Be good.”
God, even now, that still bothered me. It’d probably be the last time I heard it, though.
I watched him step out and quietly walk down the rickety stairs, vanishing around the corner. Knowing Neil, he’d arrange to pick up the rest of his belongings when I wasn’t home and then would mail me the key.
