The Lovable Jerk (boyxboy)

Chapter 24

{⚠️TRIGGER WARNING⚠️ 

THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS AND MENTIONS SUICIDE ATTEMPTS/SELF-HARM.}

Westin

"Is it me?" I asked Callen, who was lying on my bed trying to sleep, while staring at my phone. He sighed, getting up from the bed with a scowl on his face. He was obviously annoyed, but I didn't really care about that; I needed him to clarify this big dilemma in front of me. He made his way towards me, snatched my phone from my hand, threw it on my bed, and then threw himself on top of it. "Hey, what if he texts?" I groaned but didn't attempt to snatch my phone back.

I never really thought about getting left on read; technically, this wasn't happening since Arlo still hadn't texted me or seen my recent text. I just didn't get it; he was the one who said he'd text me yesterday, but I haven't gotten a word since. I mean, judging from how he rushed home, it was obvious he had to deal with something, but it was already Sunday early evening. This had to mean he was ignoring me.

"Maybe he won't reply because you are acting clingy." Callen blurted it out, obviously frustrated.

'Fuck' I muttered, grabbing a cigarette and lighter from my nightstand and heading to the balcony. I heard another sigh before he got out of bed and followed me to the balcony, and stood beside me holding his own cigarette. I lit my cigarette and tossed the lighter to him, and he did the same.

"You are reading into this too much," he said before inhaling a portion of the cigarette. "He probably got caught up with something...remember he is a high school student. Maybe he needs to finish a delayed project or homework." I scoffed at him; I got to hand it to him, though that was a smart remark.

"Yeah, sure." I rolled my eyes, throwing an almost entirely used cigarette and smashing it with my foot.

"On a serious note, though, this is the first time you did the chasing...even Riley approached you first..."

So did Arlo. He was the one who wanted this dating thing. He was the reason why I actually considered it, but now he was giving me mixed signals.

"Forget it; he'll text me when he is ready." I finally commented.

"That's what I've been telling you." He said this while rolling his eyes and picking up my cigarette butt and putting it in the ashtray along with his. "Anyway, you could just call him if you're so impatient."

"Yeah, then I come off as desperate." I rolled my eyes at his stupid idea and sat on my bed.

I'll admit that Arlo not contacting me was a little concerning since, for as long as I have known him, he has never broken promises. I sighed once again and grabbed my phone, dialed Arlo's number, and quickly pressed the call button before I debated against it again. After the third ring, I thought he wasn't going to answer, but his voice came through.

"Westin, Hey." He answered in a low voice, and I could tell something was wrong. He sounded down like he had just gotten some really bad news, it was either that or he just woke up, and I always had a feeling he was a morning person.

"Hey, you good?" I asked standing up and heading to the balcony when my eyes met Calllen's.

Sure, I was going to tell him if anything was wrong, but it felt a bit weird being stared at while I spoke to Arlo over the phone. Callen proceeded to head to my bed and, I guess, sleep.

"I...Yeah, I am good...how are you?" It was now clear that Arlo was not just a bad liar physically but even over the phone.

"What's wrong, Arlo? Did something happen?" I asked, completely ignoring his question. He took a few seconds to reply, and judging from the sounds of his footsteps, it sounded like he was walking somewhere.