Living with Pain

Chapter 16: Civility Only Goes So Far

Sky

Cash: We landed.

Cash: I'm sorry for last night.

Cash: I'm going to make it up to you. I didn't mean to ignore you. Or hurt you.

Cash: I know I'm an idiot, but please don't hate me.

Cash: Give me another try.

Cash: I miss you.

Cash: I want more than anything right now to be with you. To hug you. To just have you near.

Cash: No other girl compares to you. Abby means nothing to me anymore. You have my full attention.

Cash: Are you ignoring me?

Cash: Please let me know you're okay... We're okay... I know words aren't enough, but I promise to make it up to you as soon as I'm home.

I stare at the string of texts from Cash. I don't know where this sudden urge to recognize his jerk-ish behavior came from, but I had a really good idea.

I text Rush.

Me: Thanks for talking to Cash.

Rush: No problem. He's kind of an idiot, but I love him like a brother. If it's any consolation, he is the most miserable person I've ever seen on a vacation in Hawaii.

As much as I was annoyed at Cash- I do not do being ignored well- I didn't want him to waste his vacation pouting. I take a deep breath of courage and reply to Cash.

Me: Thanks for the apology. I'm not ignoring you, just been spending the day with my family.

Cash's response comes back lightning fast.

Cash; Are you mad? You have a right to be.

Me: Just a bit annoyed. You better mean what you say. I take promises very seriously.

Cash: Of course. I hope you're enjoying family time.

I send the rolling eyes emoji face, matching my own expression. I can't believe how quickly I'm ready to forgive him and go back to talking like nothing happened. I just can't stay mad at him.

Me: They aren't always easy to deal with, but I'll survive.

"Sky, get off your phone and enjoy the zoo. I didn't pay for a ticket for you to ignore the outside world."

"Okay, Dad." I sneak in one last text.

Me: You better enjoy your time in Hawaii. Got to go.

Me: And Cash, I miss you too...

"Aunt Sky! Can you lift me up so I can see the elephants better?"

"Of course." I feel much better after the short conversation with Cash. I can't believe I'm getting sucked into relationship drama. Nobody has ever been able to mess with my emotions as much as Cash can. It scares me and excites me at the same time.

I spend the rest of the afternoon playing with my two nieces and one nephew, chatting with my older brother and sister in law, and avoiding conversation with my dad at all costs. Mom did seem to enjoy having the family together though, so I tried my best to remain civil.

But civility only goes so far.

---

I curl up on the couch, pressing my heating pad to the currently most painful spot on my body, my ribs. I mindlessly watch the Disney channel, praying for the pain to subside. The ache comes in waves, and today it's a tsunami.