REMINISCENT

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE: The Start Of A Whole New Me (FINAL EDIT)

Ashley's POV
I was gasping for air, blinking back tears. I told myself I would never cry over this again, but the tightness in my chest just wouldn't let up.

I knew Jake would run after me. Deep down, I hoped he really would—because I needed someone, anyone, right now.

The bathroom door swung open, and without hesitation, he pulled me into a hug. His arms were firm and grounding, his voice low and soothing against my ear.
"Shhh," he whispered, rocking me slightly until my breathing slowed.

When I was calm enough, he took my hand and wordlessly led me outside. We slipped through the school doors, past the noise of the halls, to the old tree by the side of the main building—our group's usual hangout spot. He sat me down beside him and kept his arm around my shoulders, warm and steady.

"Talk to me," he urged softly.

I hesitated, my thoughts pulling me back to Aiden's poem, his words echoing in my head. "It's like he even knows what he's saying... like he has a clue."

"Then maybe you should talk to him," Jake said carefully. "He's confused, frustrated—even angry. You have answers, Ash."

I bit my lip and shook my head. "But you know I can't do that. I wish I could, but I can't."

"Why?" Jake's voice cracked with frustration. "You can't keep doing this—to him or to yourself. He's losing sleep, his attacks are getting worse. I can't stand watching him destroy himself over this. Please... I'm begging you, Ashley. Don't do this to my brother." His voice was raw, desperate.

Something inside me snapped.

"What about me, Jake?!" My voice rose, my chest tightening all over again. "What about all the pain I've been through since that accident? What about the girl I used to be? What about my sleepless nights?" My hands trembled as I pointed to myself. "Everyone expects me to just move on like nothing happened—like I didn't lose someone who means the world to me!"

Tears blurred my vision as the memories I buried clawed their way out. " I was in a freaking accident Jake! An accident that left my head so fucked up, and honestly I still am. Do you have any idea what it's like to wait for someone to wake up from a coma—only for them to open their eyes and not even know who you are? Do you?" My voice cracked, my whole body shaking. "So yeah, I know he's going through a lot... but he hasn't felt half the shit I have. So just this once, let me be selfish."

Jake's jaw clenched, and I could see the storm in his eyes—sadness, anger, heartbreak all tangled together. Then he hit where it hurt most.
"Yet you say you love him? Is this how you treat someone you love? Or..." his voice lowered, sharp as a blade, "is this you letting go?"

I froze, his words sinking deep. My throat burned.
"I'm not letting go..." I whispered, shaking my head. "I've let go."

And with that, I stood and walked away, leaving him there beneath the tree

....

At lunch, the tension was unbearable. Jake sat silently picking at his food, and Aiden stared at his tray, his mood darker than I'd ever seen. I-was always in a bad mood so I guess it was normal for them. The rest of the table tried to keep up small talk, but the silence amongst us was loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Y'all good?" Christy finally asked, her eyes darting between them.

"Yes," Jake lied flatly.

"No," Aiden muttered bluntly, stabbing at his food with his fork.

I stayed silent.

"Aww, why?" Emma leaned in, her brows furrowed. "Is it because you didn't find the girl you've been looking for since the beach party?"