Flipped Into Place

Disintegrate

Bryce's POV:
Unbelievable. How could Juli even let him stay in her own space? It led me to think that maybe what dad said in supper was true. That they were a matchmade in heaven. Dad, in his usual fake concern, inquired me of Juli. Of course, I told him.

Retracing back to our family meal with Stella, dad irritatingly pestered us into getting together. It was clear he didn't favor Juli and it just doesn't make sense at all. Yet, every single one of his attempts, I dodged. I would never do that to Juli.

But I saw how Juli was with him, and how she was with me. I knew her. Her bond with me was getting weaker. And regretfully, with him, stronger. That's why I strive harder to keep this relationship going. When I said I wanted Juli Baker and how she made me better, I really did. And I'm certain I'm still crazy for her.

Juli's POV:
In a few more days, we're leaving this splendid villa and this extraordinary city. So, Rhen, Alex and I made the most of our time left. We raided every game store, candy shops, and movie theatres we could get our feet on.

We balanced our schedules with spending ample time with Pops but only on his good days. Which was sadly, very seldom. I was truly going to miss this getaway and I couldn't have it any other way.

Well, maybe I would if that meant being on good terms with Bryce. These past few days, I found myself calling either Daven, Dana or Riley, then a very quick one with Bryce whereby we mostly pretend everything's okay. Then pretend we didn't knew we were pretending.

Alex's POV:
A new quarter of school was impending. I hate to leave Popa but I have to finish this program if I want a sure record to get in a good college. I didn't want to just rely on my parents' money.

Juli and I strolled along the lands of the great villa on the afternoon of the last day. Later on, we snuck out the back for a late night hot tub and did what we do best together. Deep conversations.

That pretty much ended soon because in a blink of an eye, we were back on the road heading for Mayfield. Mom and dad were devastated to see us leave but we managed to go our separate ways though it seemed like the hardest thing to do. Felt like I had to endure homesickness yet again. And of course, mom, being the relentless mother she is, doubled our luggage for all the food and new convenient stuff that could be put to good use.

As for Pops, I was glad that the day we said goodbye was a fortunate day. He was in a good mood and seemed to remember me. In fact, he even teared up, which was odd because I always counted him for a strong man who shed no tears. Turns out, even the mightiest stronghold can be diminished.

"I'm going to miss you, lil' t-lex." Popa's voice was hoarse and dry. Not from dehydration of some sort, but from the holding back of tears and snot, and the nasal mucus stuck.

"I'll miss you too, Pops. Try not to forget about me the next time I come visit, yeah?" I, for one, didn't realize my watery eyes until they dripped down. I quickly wiped it off with my sleeve.

"Never."

I leaned into his hospital bed to be compacted into a hearty embrace like my grandad used to give when I was younger. I always loved those because I felt the truest affection that no words can ever bring to explain.

The trip wasn't deemed to be as tedious as before seeing that I was stuck in my thoughts, having the most stunning girl sleeping on my shoulder, and a Walkman keeping me from hovering away from reality.

Juli was ecstatic when we reached Mayfield. The luggages we brought back, as I mentioned, were twice from what we originally carried. I could no longer help Juli with her extras but thankfully Rhen assisted.