Homecoming

Chapter 24

After Spencer disappeared into the dark parking lot, you tried to wipe away your tears, but more tears replaced the ones you wiped away. You could start to feel people starting to look at you. You hurried over to a secluded bench behind a tent, so you could cry in peace. Your head fell into your hands as you softly wept. You were hurt and worried and angry, and you even felt guilty that you were making this moment about you rather than Spencer and his mom. You also knew that even if Spencer was upset, he didn't have the right to hurt you as he did. Just a few days ago, you felt closer than ever to him. Now, you felt like you were a million miles away.

You weren't sure how long you were sitting on the bench. You were startled by the rest of the group coming up to you. Emily lightly shook your shoulder to alert you. You looked up at them with your puffy eyes, causing Penelope to immediately devour you into a hug. Emily kept her hand on your shoulder to comfort you. Derek and JJ sat down beside you, ready to listen.

"What's going on, Y/N?" JJ asked in a soothing tone.

You sniffled.

"Where's Reid?" Derek followed up.

You took a deep breath to collect yourself. "He got a call saying his mom was admitted to the hospital. He went back home to make sure she's okay. I tried to comfort him, but he pushed me away, so I offered to help, instead. He snapped at me and told me that he didn't need me. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but there was just so much...I don't know...resentfulness....no...contempt in his words. I'm just shook up. He scared me," you explained in between sniffles.

"I can't believe he would say something like that!" Emily said in disbelief.

"I couldn't believe it either. I think maybe that's why I'm so upset. I trusted him so much not to hurt me, and he did."

"I'm so sorry, Y/N," JJ consoled you.


"Dump his ass," Penelope advised.

Her comment made you and the others giggle. She always knew how to lighten the mood.

"I've known Reid for a while now, and I know he would never hurt you on purpose. I think he's just scared, and whatever you said must have confirmed any doubts or feelings of powerlessness he already had. It wasn't right to take it out on you, but he'll realize what he's done, and he'll definitely feel bad. He'll come back around, I promise," Derek explained.

"Thanks, everyone. I don't know what I would do without you guys. I don't want to ruin the night, so you guys can go back to the fair if you want. I'll catch up in a few," you told the group.

"We were going to head back anyway. It's almost midnight," Emily reassured you.

"Okay, thanks, guys."

.................

As soon as you got home, you slipped into your pajamas and rolled up into your softest blanket. You watched some reruns of Seinfeld (what else is there to watch so early in the morning?) before dozing off to sleep.

You slept in late. You were emotionally drained. After texting back the girls, you decided to text Spencer. Even though you were upset at him, you didn't want to be petty. You still wanted to be there for him during this hardship. Even though Spencer blew you off, you didn't want him to be alone in this. Derek was probably right. He probably was scared and didn't want to ask for help.

Hey...how's your mom doing? How are you doing?

You waited a few hours for a response. In the meantime, you did some house chores to keep your mind off being upset. You tried not to think about last night. You sent another text.

Is everything okay?

A few more hours passed by. You were out of chores, so you resorted to eating ice cream.

I know you're probably busy, but I am worried about you. Text me when you can.

No response. You gave up and went to bed.

.............

You tried texting him again on Sunday, but that was a bust, too. You didn't even try calling him because you knew hearing his voicemail would hurt even more than being left on delivered. By the end of Sunday evening, you were over it. You were worried sick about him even though he hurt you. The least he could do is respond and tell you that he was still alive or something. You were frustrated, but only because you cared so much about him, and it hurts even more not knowing about what's happening with him.

Spencer wasn't in class on Monday or Wednesday. It was for the best because you probably would have ripped his head off. You texted him once every couple days to check-in, but you got the same response each time: nothing. At this point, you just wanted to throw your phone away and drive to Las Vegas yourself. But, you respected his wishes to be left alone.

Over the weekend, Derek texted you, giving you a heads up that Spencer just returned back to the apartment. You asked how he was doing, and Derek replied that he spoke very little and seemed very tired. He mostly kept to himself in his room. Your heart ached.

.....................

Soon enough, Monday rolled around, and you spotted Spencer sitting his usual seat. He was reading a psych textbook, probably catching up on another class he missed. You walked up to your seat and sat down next to him silently. You weren't going to initiate the conversation. You already tried that over the phone. It was his turn to start talking.

He didn't say anything.

You could feel the tension between the two of you throughout the whole lecture. Ice seemed to crystallize from you while storm clouds formed over Spencer. You wanted to go home. You needed to be away from him.

Once class ended, you slid your stuff into your bag and started to walk away when you heard your name from a timid voice. You turned around to see Spencer looking at you. He looked exhausted. The dark circles under his eyes had sunken deeper into his face. His eyes held the remanents of long nights of crying. His hair was disheveled, and he looked older.

You weren't sure what to say to him. You just raised your eyebrows, waiting for him to continue.

"Can I borrow your notes from this class from last week?" he asked.

"I thought you didn't need me," you said flatly.

Spencer looked down at his lap.

You knew he probably had a lot of work to catch up on and would only ask if he was desperate. You could be petty and walk away. You could scoff at him and throw the notes in his face. But, you cared for him. Your heart was pained by how he looked. You knew he had a lot going on, so you decided to put your angry feelings aside for the moment to help him out in a time of need, but you knew you had to share these angry feelings with him soon.

You sighed softly and pulled the notes out of your bag. You gently placed the notebook in front of him, causing him to look up.

"Here," you softened your tone. "Give them back to me Wednesday."

You turned back around and headed toward the exit without looking back.

.....................

Once you got home, you checked your phone, surprised to see a message from Spencer.

Now, he decides to respond. A little late there, bud.

You unlock your phone to read the message.

It reads: Can I come over tomorrow? I do need you, and I need to talk to you.

You texted back: Come over at 6pm tomorrow. I need to talk to you, too.