THE DEVIL // MITCHEL CAVE

11

tate's pov:

it's the next morning after we took mitchel home from the hospital last night. i spent the night here because mitchel wanted me to. clinton and christian went home after hanging out here for a while.

i'm sitting at the island with a warm cup of coffee in my hands contemplating what the fuck to do. i can not get cassie out of my mind. all i can think about is mitchel possibly seeing her again. i don't know if i should ask him about it because he could lie straight to my face and i wouldn't even know because i'm stupid enough to believe him. because that's what couples are supposed to do right? believe each other? but if what he said was true last night, why the fuck would he be seeing cassie again. mitchel can not do this to me again.

i finally decide to get up and make something to eat. i start getting all the ingredients out that i need to make pancakes and bacon with.

"good morning sunshine." i hear mitchel call out from behind me. i send him a smile.

i feel his cold arms wrap around me. "aw your making my favorite breakfast." he kisses my cheek.

"any plans today?"

i laugh. "the plan is for you to rest."

he groans. "ugh that's so boring. why don't we do something together today."  

i sigh. i turn to face mitchel. i grip my hands on the edge of the counter. "why did cassie text you last night? don't lie to me mitchel."

he breaks eye contact with me. "fuck." he rubs his face. "listen tate, it's not what you think, i promise. she's been fucking stalking me and trying to contact me again and i didn't want to tell you because i didn't want you to be paranoid. i just can't fucking believe she's pulling this shit again."

i sigh in somewhat relief. "mitchel we have to do something. i think we need to get a restraining order. this has happened too many times mitchel. i'm sick of her bullshit."

he paces back and forth. "you're right, you're right." he sits back down at the island. "let's just eat then i'll go talk to christian and clinton."

i feel better knowing mitchel is not talking or seeing cassie again but i can't help but feel scared that she's stalking him again, especially after what happened the last time.

———

mitchel left two hours ago to meet up with kras and clinton. i feel like getting out of the house. mitchel definitely needs some groceries.

i get myself ready then head out. i take one of mitchel's cars to the store.

i start putting everything in sight that i think mitchel needs into the cart.

"tate?" i hear someone call out my name from behind me. i turn around to see christian's mom, mary.

my whole face lights up. "mary!" i squeal as i run into her arms. i haven't seen her since the wedding.

"aw how are you sweetie?"

"i'm doing alright. how are you?"

"i'm doing wonderful. how are things going with mitchel again?"

i gulp. "did kras tell you?" i nervously laugh.

"i saw you and mitchel leave together after the wedding." she winks with a smile. 

"things are going." i laugh.

i used to tell mary everything that was going on in my life. even stuff about mitchel. i just haven't gotten the chance to really hang out with her.

"do you know what is going on with kras? he hasn't been answering my text lately. he's never been distant like he is now."

shit. "um no i don't actually. i could talk to him if you would like me to."

"oh no that's okay sweetie, i'm sure he will come around soon. listen, i have to get going, i have to be at a friends house soon but it was so nice seeing you! you need to come and visit me more often." she brings me in for a hug.

"i will. bye mary!"

she waves then walks into the next isle.

i check out then head back to the car. i put the bags in the backseat and leave the parking lot.

i pull into the driveway and see mitchel is still not home. i unpack all the groceries then throw myself on the couch.

i'm scrolling on insta when i hear the front door open. i look over to see christian walking in. i get up and walk over to him.

"kras?"

he turns around from shutting the door. "hey tate. mitchel wanted me to come and get you because he's already tipsy and he wants to go out to dinner."

"he's early drinking again?"

"yeah... i tried stopping him but, you know mitchel." he laughs.

"wonderful. why does he want to go out to dinner? shouldn't he be resting?" i say annoyed.

"he's got a lot on his mind right now."

tell me about it. "okay well i guess we should go then."

we get into christian's car then leave.

"so i saw mary today." i say breaking the awkward silence.

"oh really?" he smiles.

"shes worried about you."

he looks over at me confused.

"she said you haven't been answering her texts lately and you never do that."

he doesn't respond.

"are you okay kras? you know you can always talk to me."

"yeah everything's okay."

"kras..."

"tate, everything is fine. i promise." he smiles.

i know it's not fine. nothing has been fine between us ever since we kissed. i wish our friendship was like how it used to be.

we pull into christian's driveway. he sits still staring out the window.

"i miss us tate. i miss how our friendship used to be. telling each other everything, hanging out every day, going on car rides to no where, laughing until we can't breathe. i miss everything."

it's like he read my mind. "i feel the same exact way. why don't we just forget what happened and go back to the way it was, starting right now."

he turns his head to look at me. "deal." he smiles and brings me in for a hug.

a wave of relief and happiness flows through my body. i'm happy to have kras back.

we both get out of the car and head inside. mitchel is laying on the couch while clinton is next to him playing video games.

i sit down next to mitchel. he adjusts himself so his head is resting on my legs.

"hi tay tay." mitchel says while he hands me a bottle of whiskey that is almost empty.

i look up at christian. "tipsy?" i laugh.