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We all laughed as Darin held out his arms and said, “Tackle away, baby.”
She waited until Darin was distracted, then tackled him, knocking him over on the sofa.
Sighing, I shake my head, sliding slightly closer to Max. Since I’ve been back in his arms, I haven’t wanted even the slightest distance, hating every moment we aren’t holding onto one another. Judging by the way he’s acting, he feels the same way, his arms wrapping around me or touching my body every chance he gets.
While I’m so grateful to be back here with all those who love me, I can’t help but worry about Emma and William. I hope Emma is okay and gets released from the hospital soon. I send up a silent prayer that she successfully battles cancer. She is the sweetest and I will miss her.
As for William… I can only hope Will comes out more often. After reading his note, I’m filled with worry that since I ran away, he’s going to resort back to William. Anxiety fills my core as I feverishly hope he doesn’t come after us. Hopefully, the note I left him provides him with closure.
When I excuse myself to use the restroom, feeling comfortable since Max is waiting outside the door, my thoughts go back to what I hurriedly scribbled, hoping it was enough.
Dear William,
I hope that in time, you will be able to understand and forgive me for what I had to do tonight. It seems weird to say that some good things have come out of this and I’m glad you and I were able to openly discuss our pasts and work through our misunderstandings. I’ve really enjoyed the friendship we’ve been cultivating and hope that you can look back on it fondly one day.
You’re probably furious at me for what I did tonight, and while I’m sure I’ll have regrets later, I have to do this. As you are aware, I deeply miss and love my family and friends. And there aren’t enough words to describe my devotion and adoration for Max. What I feel for him is more than love. He’s the other half of my soul, my entire world. And I hope that one day soon, you find someone with whom you can share that kind of love. I firmly believe that you have so much caring and love inside you. Don’t settle for anything less than someone who can love you as much as you love them.
I’m hopeful that you can find it in your heart to let this go and let us exist in peace. Maybe in the future, we can be friends again, if you can find the strength to forgive me.
Please take care of yourself.
Irelynn
When I open the bathroom door, Max stands there, his brows drawn together. “What’s wrong, baby?”
My face erupts in a smile. “You always know when something is bothering me.” Stepping forward, I wrap my arms around him, pulling him into the bathroom, telling him about the note I left William.
“Beautiful, I think that’s perfect. And very mature of you, considering the circumstances.” He pauses, and one hand leaves my body, going through his hair. “I wish I could say he’ll leave us alone, but I honestly don’t know.”
I bit my lip, studying his face. Max wouldn’t lie to me, so I know he’s being completely truthful. And if I can’t predict what William will do after spending two weeks with him, how can Max possibly know?
We return to Darin’s living room, and my parents decide to stay in one of Darin’s guest bedrooms. They head to bed first, leaving the four of us to talk. Before either of them can ask me anything, I address the elephant in the room.
“Tomorrow, I’d like to sit down with both of you and get everything that happened off my chest.” I sigh, meeting Max’s warm eyes, as he gives my leg a gentle squeeze. “But for tonight, I just really want to talk to my guy first, and then get some rest. Okay?”
Of course, they agree, heading to bed, leaving Max and me alone. Winding my fingers with his, I let out a sigh. “I’m really not tired. Can we go outside and talk? Wrap up in some blankets and sit on Darin’s comfy furniture?”
He brings my hand to his lips. “Of course, baby.”
I stop him before he moves. “Are you in pain, Max? Honest answers only. Because I know Vanessa has Tylenol with her.”
Max sighs, finally admitting he could use some, and he’s certain Darin has some in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom we were in. I follow him to it, not because I don’t trust him to take it, but I still have this fear of being alone. I’ve spent too long without him and have no desire to endure any more of it.
Once he’s swallowed the pills, he carries our blankets outside, then sitting down, wraps me in his arms, piling the blankets on me.
“Before I tell you my story, will you tell me about your past? And what happened at the warehouse?” I twist around, looking up at him.
“Of course, baby.” He grabs me, shifting me in his arms so I can see his face, and then reveals everything to me, beginning with the story of his past. I suffer silently along with him as he talks, every ounce of his pain burning through my veins, causing an enormous lump in my throat. Tears spring to my eyes and slowly trickle down my cheeks.
Clearing his throat, he admits to telling my dad about his past when I first vanished. I nod, not at all feeling judgmental or upset about it. “I’m glad you did. One day, he may share his own story with you. His family life was very hard, and he suffered through something similar with his brother.”
Max nods, swallowing hard, a grimace on his face. “He mentioned he wants to share his story with me. We obviously weren’t focused on that while you were… gone.” His grip on me tightens, and I squeeze him back reassuringly. He gives me a tight smile. “I told him because I felt so much guilt for not sharing that with you. Ironically, while doing research on my paper the night you… vanished, I decided to tell you about my past.” His head lowers to his chest. “But it was too late.”
My finger goes beneath his chin, turning his head toward mine. “It’s never too late, Max. The important thing is, you’ve told me. And you know what’s changed?” My smile brightens as I stare into his blue eyes. The ones I hope to look into for the rest of my life. “I love and admire you even more. You’ve endured so much, yet you still have so much softness and compassion inside.” Leaning forward, I give him a tender kiss. “You may think it broke you, but I think it only fractured you. You’re too strong to be broken, my love.” My hand goes to his heart, lightly rubbing over it. “There’s too much love and empathy for you to break.”
His eyes soften as he pulls me even closer. “I love you, Irelynn. Your words…” He leans forward, giving me a gentle kiss. “You have no idea how much they mean to me, beautiful.”
“Everything I say comes from my heart.”
