𝑼𝒏𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔: 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑼𝒔

Chapter XIV: Now or Never

HARPER

It had been a few weeks since Krystal's last panic attack, but the weight of it still lingered in my mind. I knew I couldn't just sit around and let Kye off the hook for the way he had been treating her. So, when I finally got him on the phone, I was ready to unleash my frustrations on him.

"Kye, we need to talk," I said in a stern tone.

"Uh, okay. What's up?" he replied, sounding hesitant.

"Krystal had another panic attack the other day," I said matter-of-factly. "And I can't help but think that your ghosting after all these years is still the same reason why."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Kye let out a sigh.

"I know I've been distant," he finally admitted. "But it's just been hard for me to be the kind of person she needs right now. With everything going on in the Mafia world, I've been under a lot of stress. And you know that Damon and Kaellan are still out there."

I could understand where Kye was coming from. Being involved with the Mafia was no doubt a dangerous and stressful job. But that didn't excuse him from treating Krystal the way he had been. I've been shutting my mouth for awhile now and I think it's time he does what he says he does.

"I get it, Kye," I said, trying to remain calm. "But Krystal's still your girlfriend, isn't she?And even if she's not, you awe her! She's been through a lot in her life and waited for you until now! She needs your support and your love, especially after everything she's been through herself."

"I know, you've given her the freedom and the freewill to live her life after that gang but the fact the she lost you too, was so unbearable for her! She may have grown into this wonderful and amazing person because of what you did. You might've freed her from the grasp of darkness that goes within the gang but at what cost, really? To see her cry, breakdown and lose control of herself? Despite being fine and having a bright day, at night we both know she still cries herself to sleep." I said angrily.

There was another moment of silence before Kye finally spoke again.

"I know you're right," he said, sounding defeated. "I've just been so caught up in my own problems and by ensuring her safety and everything! The fear is overwhelming! I'm sorry."

"You're lucky she still loves you." I blurted out.

I knew Kye meant what he said, but that wasn't enough for me. I wanted him to prove it to Krystal, to show her that he was willing to be there for her no matter what. She needs closure. She needs answers.

"Kye, I need you to do something for me," I said, suddenly feeling more determined than ever. "I need you to talk to Krystal. I need you to tell her how you feel, apologize for ghosting her, and show her that you still care about her. Give her the closure she deserves and give it to her now, not tomorrow, not soon, now! "

There was a long pause on the other end of the line before Kye finally spoke up.

"I don't know if I can do that," he said, his voice wavering. "What if she doesn't want to talk to me? What if she's moved on?"

I could hear the fear and uncertainty in his voice, and it broke my heart. Kye may have been a tough guy, but he was also vulnerable and afraid, just like any other person.

"Are you kidding me?," I yelled, trying to reassure him. "Krystal loves you. I know, that you know she does! And she's still hurting right now!! She needs you to be there for her. To show her that you still care. To tell her that you're sorry and that you want to make things right."

There was another moment of silence before Kye finally spoke up.

"Okay," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do it. I'll talk to her."

I could hear the relief and determination in his voice, and it gave me hope. Maybe things would work out between him and Krystal after all.

"Thank you, Kye," I said, feeling a weight lifted off my chest. "I know it won't be easy, but I believe in you. And so does Krystal."

We ended the call soon after, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief mixed with a sense of uncertainty. I knew that Kye talking to Krystal wouldn't solve all their problems, but it was a step in the right direction.

Over the next few hours, I waited anxiously to hear from Kye, hoping and praying that he had followed through on his promise. When he finally called me back, I could hear the relief and joy in his voice.

"I'll meet her after her work." He said.

"Great! Good luck!" I said as I hung up the phone.

I hope that the meeting and conversation would benefit not only for Krystal but for both parties.