Back To You

New endings, old habits (12)

The second I step into my room, the silence hits me. Not in a bad way—just in a way that makes everything sink in. It's done.

Bryce and I are over.

And I'm... okay.

I thought it would feel heavier. Like I'd be drowning in regret or second-guessing everything. But instead, it's like I can finally breathe. Like we had been holding onto something that wasn't even there anymore, just because it was familiar. And now, letting go feels like the most natural thing in the world.

Still, I can't help but feel a little weird about it. One year together, and now, just like that—it's over. No big explosion, no heartbreak, just... an ending that was bound to happen.

I exhale, pulling off my hoodie as I head toward my dresser. My body is exhausted, but my mind is wide awake. As I slip into a t-shirt and sweatpants, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I don't look any different. But I feel different. Lighter.

I grab my phone from my nightstand and throw myself onto my bed, letting out a sigh. The moment my head hits the pillow, my screen lights up.

Tayler: Did you get home safely?

I blink at the message, my stomach doing something weird. I wasn't expecting that.

My fingers hover over the keyboard before I finally type back.

Me: Yeah, I just got in. Thanks for asking.

I set my phone down, expecting that to be the end of it. But before I can even fully relax, another message pops up.

Tayler: Didn't want you walking home alone in the cold. You looked like you were freezing.

A small smile tugs at my lips.

Me: You gave me your jacket, remember?

Tayler: Yeah, but I bet you still complained about it being cold.

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the way my chest feels a little warmer.

Me: I did not.

Tayler: Liar.

I don't answer right away, just staring at the screen. This—whatever this is—feels dangerous. Like I'm slipping into something I shouldn't. But at the same time, I don't stop.

Tayler: Go to sleep, Mads.

Me: You texting me isn't exactly helping.

Tayler: Didn't know my texts kept you up at night. Interesting.

I groan, tossing my phone onto the bed before sending one last message.

Me: Goodnight, Tayler.

Tayler: Night, Mads.

I set my phone down and close my eyes. Sleep doesn't come right away, but when it finally does, it's the best rest I've had in a while.

⸻

When I wake up, it's to the smell of coffee and something sweet. For a second, I think I'm still dreaming, but then a voice snaps me out of it.

"Rise and shine, sleeping beauty."

I crack one eye open to see Olivia standing beside my bed, arms crossed, smirking.

I frown, my voice groggy. "How did you get in?"

"Your mom let me in." She plops onto the bed beside me. "Now get up. I made breakfast."

I groan, pulling the blanket over my head. "You cooked?"

"Okay, maybe your mom helped. But I supervised."

I roll my eyes but smile as I finally sit up. My body feels heavy with sleep, but my mind is already racing. Last night. The breakup. The texts from Tayler.

Olivia drags me out of bed, and I go through the motions—brushing my teeth, changing into sweats, running a hand through my hair. By the time we're in the kitchen, I'm more awake.

Olivia is already sitting at the counter, sipping her coffee, and a plate of pancakes and eggs is waiting for me. I slide into the seat beside her, picking at my food before finally just saying it.

"So... Bryce and I broke up last night."

Olivia nearly chokes on her coffee. "Wait. What?"

I nod, letting out a breath. "Yeah. It was mutual. We both knew it wasn't working anymore."

She sets her mug down, watching me carefully. "Are you okay?"

"Honestly? Yeah." I take a bite of my pancake, chewing before I continue. "It sucks that it ended, but it was time. We were holding onto something that wasn't there anymore."

She studies me for a moment before nodding. "Well, if you need a distraction, we could binge-watch something today. Or go out. Or trash-talk Bryce for fun."

I snort. "I don't hate him, Liv."

"Fine, fine. But the offer stands."

I smile, reaching for my phone, planning to check my notifications. But before I can even unlock it, Olivia's eyes widen.

"Uh, Mads?"

I frown. "What?"

She smirks, pointing at the screen. "Why is Tayler texting you first thing in the morning?"

My stomach flips. I glance down at my phone, and sure enough, there's a new message from him.

Tayler: You awake?

Olivia leans closer, grinning. "Oh, this is interesting. You gonna answer?"

I hesitate. I can already hear the teasing that will follow if I do. But still, my fingers hover over the keyboard.

I have no idea what I'm doing. But for some reason, I text him back anyway.

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Edited