Page 174 of Scarred

As soon as I read the text message, I sank to the wooden floor with a deep pit in my stomach, telling me something was wrong.

I try to recall this morning if anything seemed out of sorts with Cayden, and nothing comes to mind. It was the perfect morning, just like it had been for the past two weeks, and ended with him making sure I was coming over tonight.

It’s been our usual routine ever since Scarlett’s birthday party. I’ve barely even been to my apartment unless it’s to pick up extra changes of clothes. We’ve become inseparable lately, and his place was starting to feel like home.

Half my clothes are now in his dresser drawers.

Mae started buying my favorite yogurt without asking.

Scarlett’s been wanting me to do her hair every morning.

So, why is he avoiding me now all of a sudden?

I hesitate over the keyboard before finally responding.

Me

Are you sure everything is okay? You’ve got me worried.

I wait for the three little dots, but none appear.

Sighing, I pick myself off the floor and lock up the place before heading home. I debate on whether to just show up at his door to check up on him, but I don’t want to invade his space if he needs it. He made it clear he wants to be alone tonight.

I just wish I knew why.

My fingers tighten on the steering wheel as I try not to let my thoughts spiral and go to the worst possible scenario.

Pulling into my apartment building, I walk up the stairs, and each step feels heavier than the last. My life suddenly feels unbalanced, like someone reached in and shifted the floor beneath me.

Once inside, I bypass the kitchen. Even the thought of food makes my stomach roll with nausea. I take a quick shower before hesitating briefly at one of Cayden’s t-shirts thrown over my chair in the bedroom.

My fingers touch the fabric before I bring it to my face. His scent surrounds me, warm and familiar as my throat tightens.

Breathing deep, I wish more than anything that I’m wrong. I want to believe he’ll call tomorrow and tell me he was just overwhelmed and that this knot in my chest was all for nothing.

I squeeze my eyes shut, refusing to let the tears fall.

Not yet.

Throwing his shirt over my head, I crawl beneath the cover, his scent still lingering on the pillow beside mine.

But where I feel him the most…

I clutch the covers to my chest and try to breathe through the fear that wants to take over.

My heart just doesn’t ache in this moment…it belongs to him.

My phone dings on the nightstand, and I quickly lunge for it.

Cayden

I’m not worth worrying over. Trust me. Just need some time to think things over. I’m sorry I’m doing this over a text, but I know if I hear your voice, I won’t be able to do what I need to do. I’m just asking you to give me this time. I promise I’ll call you when I’m ready.

My phone slips from my hand and hits the floor as tears blur my eyes.

He’s pulling away.

I can feel it.