There is Everything for You Here

Chapter 27

A few days later, after giving Isaac some space and venting about my feelings in therapy, I felt upbeat, wandering outside, where Isaac was swinging in the hammock. It looked like Taryn had finally taken Jameela's suggestion and got one – I assumed he was sleeping, with a book covering his face, but his chest rose and fell too quickly for that. I gave his leg a poke.

"Can we talk?" I stood near his feet, shielding my eyes from the afternoon sun. Isaac slid the book off his face and at up, squinting at me.

"Sure," he agreed.

"Okay," I said, nodding. "Meet me upstairs in 10? My room?" I didn't wait to hear his answer, and instead gave him no time to protest, quickly turning around and going inside. I hurried upstairs to the bathroom, thumping loudly up the stairs. I realized I hadn't brushed my teeth since this morning, and if this makeup ended how I wanted it to, I would want fresh breath.

I went over my apology a couple times in my head. I really hoped he would accept it. I hadn't meant to hurt his feelings. I wondered if this fight might even bring us closer, as much as I hated arguing with him. Brushing my hair out gently, I paced the short distance of the bathroom back and forth, suddenly nervous to meet him. I opened the bathroom window wide, looking out over the backyard. The hammock was empty – he was probably already in my room. Well, I guessed now was a good a time as any. I put my hairbrush back in my drawer and made what felt like the longest walk of my life to my room.

My door was open a crack, and it sounded like Isaac was talking to someone on the phone. Nosy, I lay a palm on my door, easing it open.

"What do you mean?" I heard him say. "We all live here." The air felt sucked out of my body as I realized he was holding my phone, back turned to me. He quickly hung up the phone, making a panicked noise and setting it down on the bed. I opened the door fully, letting it hit the dresser, announcing my presence. Isaac whipped around as if being caught red-handed – which, technically, he was.

"Who was that, Isaac?" My voice sounded strained, but strong. I couldn't even recognize it as my own as it felt like I had left my body.

"Stella, I swear I didn't mean to. I had no idea." Regret was painted all over his face, hands clasped together tightly. "It was just ringing, and I thought it would be no big deal and that I could just tell her you would call her back. It had rung twice already, I thought it would be good if I answered it."

"Isaac, what did you do?" But I already knew the answer.

"She doesn't know you're here." He raises his eyebrows, eyes widening. "Don't you tell your mom everything?" He rubbed his chin, worry evident. I'd think it was cute if he hadn't just completely screwed me over. I took a deep breath, unsure of what to say.

"I'll take that as a no then," he said. I covered my face with my hands, sinking into my bed. It felt like I'd been caught. Theoretically, I had been. But I guess it was time. Eventually my mom was going to find out, and I would have to tell her what had been going on. My head snapped up with the realization. Oh my god, I was going to have to explain this.

My phone started ringing again, my mom's contact flashing on the screen. It was a photo of us hugging, back from my high school graduation. We both looked so happy. I ignored the call and leaned forward, elbows on my knees, contemplating what to do. My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest, run out the door, and complete a marathon. Isaac sat down next to me and tried to hold my hand.

"I'm so sorry Stella, I just—"
"Isaac can you please just go? I have to sort this out." I moved my hand away, breathing deeply in.

"Okay. I'll be in my room if you need me." Stress was painted on his face as he sat up slowly and left, closing the door gently behind him.