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ad but how much I wasn’t sure. Late twenties, early thirties.
I stared out the window until Chris turned into the driveway. He put the Mustang in park I glanced in his direction. “Thanks for the ride home.”
“Listen, get that license. You’d be amazed at the freedom it will bring you.”
I got out and leaned into the car. “Trouble too,” I replied.
He threw back his head and laughed. “Most likely.”
Before I shut the door, I thanked Crew Cut Chris then headed inside. Mom wasn’t home so I went upstairs to my room. Changed clothes and hopped into bed with my laptop. Writing was always cathartic for me.
I was shocked when Cal opened my door. I glanced up at his face then looked back down at my computer screen.
“I know you’re mad at me.”
I snorted. “I’m not.”
“Then why did you go home early.”
“I didn’t feel well.”
He kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the bed beside me. Our shoulders touched. He snatched the computer out of my hands and read what I was writing. He was the one person who I didn’t mind doing that.
“You’re really good, Abby.”
“Thank you,” I replied feeling like we were two strangers sitting here not two people who just days ago declared their love for each other. “Tyson home?”
“In the basement with Luke and Aiden.”
I nodded. He had brought them with him.
Cal sat the computer on the nightstand. He lifted me into his lap and held me tight in his arms. “Be patient with me, Abby.”
“What’s going on?” I just wanted to understand what Cal was thinking. What was in his head right now.
“I’m messed up,” he replied.
I wrapped my arms around Cal’s neck and held him. “Talk to me, Cal.”
He tried. He told me how he felt watching Aiden’s dad choke the life out of him literally. Guilt. If he hadn’t cut him off completely maybe things wouldn’t have gotten so bad at home.
“That isn’t your fault,” I told him.
“That’s what Mom said.”
“So, are we taking a break?” I asked.
“God, no. I just need some time. I love you, Abby.” I could hear that but in there even though he didn’t say it.
I raised my head and glanced at Cal. “Cal, what do you need time for? I didn’t see you at lunch…”
“Where were you?” He asked. “I thought you would eat with us.”
I shook my head at him. “When you weren’t outside my classroom like always, I went to the library to study.”
“Abby,” Cal groaned. “You didn’t eat all day. That isn’t good. I’m just trying to support Aiden through this hard time.”
I didn’t acknowledge his statement.
