Choices (Book Four)

Chapter 23

Lyla

I park across the street from a house GPS tells me is my destination. It's cute from the outside and reminds me of Shawn in a funny way as it's very stoic on the outside, but within you can just tell there's a cozy, familiar, safe place waiting beyond the front door. It's a classic bungalow style built with what appears to be strong sturdy bones. Compared to all the other houses on the street it stands out for some reason I can't put my finger on. Maybe because I know who lives in it. I sit in Megan's truck and stare at the house as the minutes continue to pass, prolonging the fact I have to go and knock on the door at some point today.

It's just passed ten now as I try my best to calm my nerves. My hands are shaking so badly I wonder if I'm even going to be able to get the truck door open. I take another deep breath before I reach for the handle and push the door open, hopping down onto the street. Each step towards his front door stirs the mixture of nerves and excitement in my stomach. I feel like I could throw up. I finally reach his door and pause for a moment, preparing myself for the next few seconds until I get to see Shawn. It's finally happening, the moment I planned for all week and spent the last five hours of my drive painstakingly preparing for whatever I might face. Shawn could be shocked, he could be angry, he could be upset, he could be aloof, he could be happy. God I hope he's happy.

I lift my hand up in front of my face and hesitate for a brief moment before I knock on the door three times before I drop my hand back to my side and wait. I can hear movement on the other side of the door a few seconds later and realize I'm holding my breath. The door swings open. Oh shit, I must have the wrong house. A beautiful blonde that looks like a damn model has answered the door with her hair up in a messy bun and is staring at me with a confused expression. I realize I'm so zoned out on her flawless skin that I haven't noticed the most important factor until I drop my eyes and realize she's wearing a Griffins t-shirt.

"Hi, can I help you?" She asks so sweetly that I pray this isn't Shawn's house and this isn't some cruel real life nightmare playing out in front of me.

"Hi, I was just looking for Shawn, but maybe I have the wrong-"

"You're in the right place, he's just in the shower," she cuts me off as she smiles politely, seemingly not noticing that my stomach just dropped to the ground. "Did you want me to go grab him?"

Oh God I think I might actually be sick, like throw up all over this tall thin beautiful girl in front of me who is wearing Shawn's t-shirt and nothing else as she's answering his door. I try to keep my breaths calm and even as I force a polite smile to her as she is still waiting for my answer and appears to be clueless as to who I am.

"Oh no that's alright, I have to get going anyway," I manage to squeak out as I start to take a step back from the doorway.

"Are you sure? The shower shut off a couple minutes ago so I'm sure he'll be out sometime soon," she offers.

"I'm sure, I'm just going to continue on my way-"

Movement behind her catches my eyes and I look past her to see Shawn frozen in the hallway, a white towel wrapped around his waist. A face that is in complete shock. My eyes travel down his body, his broad chest, chiseled abs, as water still drips down him. I turn on my heel before I burst into tears and embarrass myself. My feet move swiftly to carry me back across the front lawn and I hear Shawn call out my name behind me but I don't stop, I need to get to the truck. When he calls my name again, this time sounding closer to me, I stop in my tracks and turn to face him. He looks surprised to see that I actually stopped as I stare up at him. The next two minutes seem to last for what feels like an hour as we exchange hurtful word after hurtful word.