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My thoughts are interrupted when Jake reappears, looking quite satisfied with himself.
“All set in the guestroom, buddy. Emily will be here for the night.”
I nod absentmindedly, not really registering his words. The events of the evening continue to replay in my mind. The missed opportunity to tellMischiefhow I truly felt all this while, and my outburst at the club.
“Don’t worry man, I’m sure Jewel will forgive you.”
I glance up at Jake, trying to mask my inner turmoil. "Yeah, just thinking about everything. Thanks for letting me stay here tonight."
"Of course, anytime." He gives me a curt nod. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, man.”
But I can't help but feel like I'm trapped in a maze of my own making. My phone remains silent, andMischief'sresponse, or lack thereof, hangs over me like a dark cloud.
I retreat to the guestroom Jake prepared for me, hoping that a good night's sleep will bring some clarity to the mess I've created. But as I lie in bed, I can't shake the feeling that thepath ahead is uncertain, and the future with Mischief remains in question.
Chapter 17
Jewel
The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. I lay in bed, unable to shake the relentless thoughts that have kept me awake all night.
The events of the previous evening and the realization that I've fallen in love with Kyle weigh heavily on my mind. I feel utterly foolish for allowing my heart to get entangled in this complicated mess.
Love had always been a foreign concept to me, thanks to the tumultuous relationship between my own parents. The idea of vulnerability and emotional dependence had been a weakness in my eyes. Yet, here I am, feeling love surge through me like an unstoppable force.
My phone vibrates on the nightstand, and Kyle's name flashes across the screen. A mix of hope and anxiety wells up within me as I contemplate answering the call. Part of me longs to hear his voice, hoping I will finally be able to understand why he decided to disrespect me the way he did to his friends.
But instead, I allow the call to ring, unable to summon the courage to pick up. Kyle persists, his calls growing more insistent.
I finally give in and answer his call. "Jewel," Kyle's voice trembles with emotion, "I need to talk to you. Please, just hear me out."
My heart aches as I hear his voice, and I fight back tears. I want to forgive him, to mend the rift between us, but the fear of being hurt holds me back, I’m already hurt and I don’t think I can take anymore. "Kyle, I... I can't do this right now. I need some time."
I end the call before he can respond, tears welling up in my eyes. I feel foolish for allowing myself to fall in love with someone Inever expected to, and even more foolish for allowing it to get to me because he doesn’t feel the same about me.
I bury my face in a pillow screaming into it and hitting the bed with my fists. Why did I have to be so stupid to think that Kyle and I have anything serious? Even though he already apologized, I still can’t get over what he did.
I curl myself into a ball as I break into another round of tears. I cry until my eyes begin to hurt and I no longer have any strength left in me to cry.
I remain motionless on my bed, hoping that I might fall asleep and I don’t get to feel this pain that I’m feeling right now.
My phone starts to ring, breaking the silence in the room, and I reach for it with the intention of turning it off and then I see Jasmine's name flashing on the screen. I take a deep breath before answering, my voice carrying the weight of my emotions.
"Hey, Jewel," Jasmine's voice is filled with concern.
“Hey,” I mumble.
“Are you alright? You don’t sound okay. How are you holding up after last night?”
I sigh, my feelings a complex blend of anger, confusion, and sadness. "I don't even know, Jas. It's been a mess I can't believe Kyle showed up like that."
"I mean, I've never seen him lose his cool like that before," Jasmine says, her tone reflecting her disbelief.
I nod, even though she can't see me. "Yeah, though I still don’t know how he got to know of my whereabouts.”
There's a pause on the other end of the line, and then Jasmine continues, her voice tinged with guilt. "I might have told him."
