Revive (Book Two)

Chapter Seventeen: Amends

"Hey, Ty," I quietly muttered.

Tyler had a look of confusion, which was fair. I could tell he was thinking, wheels spinning, trying to come up with a conclusion on what the hell was going on.

"Can we come in?" Aria offered a smile.

Tyler's eyes fell from mine and landed to Aria. He scratched his golden brown hair and breathed in. "Uh, yeah. Yeah, come in guys," He said with uncertainty while he opened the door wider for our entrance.

Lacey was glaring, gawking, really, which was to be expected.

I glanced towards her but only for a moment. This was a house that brought extreme familiarity even when I felt like a stranger. It hasn't changed much since I left. I could only imagine the only thing that would've changed is my old room. Maybe it could be a nursary.

I scanned the room quickly, gathering information in the process such as they weren't expecting company due to the dishes still being in the sink from dinner. I'd only imagine that they only ate a short while ago considering I could still smell a very faint steak.

Tyler's briefcase was not put away yet, which Lacey insisted it was when it was time to relax. He was still working after hours, and it showed under his eyes. I didn't sense tension from the two of them, but moreso a daily life spent together, navigating through society.

Lacey's hair grew only an inch since the last time I saw her, and she wasn't wearing anything that'd indicate further plans.

"What are you doing here, Eli?" Lacey spoke up with a rude tone to her voice.

"I-" I stopped. I don't fucking know.

"Eli is here to talk to you guys and clear the air a bit," Aria spoke up while she made herself more comfortable in their home.

I kept my shoes on and stood by the door - the opposite of what Aria was doing.

Tylers eyes were on me, but he also made contact with his fiancee, uncertain of what she was going to say next.

"Well it's been months," Lacey said. "Why now after all of this time?"

I glanced to Aria who took a deep breath, insinuating me to follow suit. So I did. "I know. It's been a long time, and I don't have much to say for myself to defend myself. I fucked... I just..."

"I thought you were leaving town, Eli?" Tyler voiced. "After we met at the bar?"

"I-"

"-No. The better question is what are you still doing here, in town." Lacey glowered.

"I think," Aria bit her lip. "Instead of interrogating with the why's and how's, maybe you could just listen and ask questions as they come up," She smiled softly towards her friend. "You welcomed him in, it's the least you can do, right?" She looked to Tyler.

I eyed Aria carefully. I really couldn't keep my eyes off of her. She was a safe space and fuck was I thankful she had my back.

"Aria," Lacey rushed. "What are you doing?"

Aria scrunched her face and mouthed 'later' to Lacey.

"Make yourself at home, Eli... Make yourself comfortable," He corrected and walked into the living room with everyone else.

I sniffled. Constantly snorting contents up there had its side effects. "Yeah," I mumbled and took my shoes off. I didn't put them away into the invisible closet they had by the front door. I had a feeling I was going to leave soon anyways.

"How have you been?" Tyler asked, taking a seat on one of the couches. I didn't sit down until he motioned me to. I didn't sit next to Aria like I desperately wanted to because Lacey took my spot. So, I opted to sit beside Tyler, at the other end of the couch, keeping distance.