Page 73 of Abandoned

They got the mattress into the apartment.

AJ said, “Look at us working together. Just like old times.”

“Something like that.” Logan’s voice held a microscopic hint of cynicism.

“Speaking of old times,” AJ said. “Did you guys hear that the old Enzweiler Insane Asylum is finally scheduled to be torn down?”

Logan snorted. “About time.”

Will laughed. “You aren’t still sore about that time we scared you? I’m still impressed with how girly your scream was.”

Logan shook his head. “Shut it. Let’s just get this thing where it goes.”

Once in the bedroom, they laid it on top of the box spring.

AJ grabbed Logan’s arm and pulled him close. “We did it!”

Logan stiffened like a board and yanked his arm away from AJ. He bolted from the room.

AJ leaned over and punched the mattress. “Why, Will? Why can’t we be amicable? I didn’t mean to … I just …” She dropped to the bed, tears brimming in her eyes.

Will sat on the bed beside her. “I don’t know, AJ. I don’t know what to say.” He put his arm across her shoulders.

“You chose him though.” She leaned forward out of his touch.

“I didn’t want to.”

“I know. I didn’t give you much of a choice.” She sighed and stood. “Let’s just bring the rest of Zara’s stuff inside before it melts.”

“Okay.” He joined her.

She wiped her eyes with the heels of her hands and plodded out the door.

He followed. Outside, they found Logan unloading the truck bed. AJ picked up a box and all but ran back up the stairs.

Will went to Logan. “Hey.”

“Don’t say anything. Let’s just get this unloaded. I need to get out of here.”

They got the bed unloaded and unhitched the trailer. Will turned to Logan and handed him the keys. “Take my truck. I’ll catch a ride with Zara to Megan’s party tonight.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you there.”

AJ had been racing the smaller items up one at a time and came back down as Logan pulled out of the driveway. “Where’s he going?”

“Who knows? We can handle the rest of this though.”

AJ deflated a little. “Yeah. We can. It’s not much more.”

The two of them finished carrying everything upstairs and rolled the trailer out of the way in less than thirty minutes.

They carried the final items up to the apartment, and Will turned to AJ. “Is it okay if I hang out until Zara returns?”

“Of course. I’m gonna head out though. I need to run a few errands before Megan’s party.”

“You’re going too?”

“Yeah. She’s my friend too. I’m not going to let Logan’s bitterness keep me from my friend’s birthday celebration.”