Escape | ✓

34 [part one]

"Reuben?" I heard Eli call out and it was like my brain was fried. "Reuben? Are you there?"

"I'm here," I said quickly. "I'm..."

I'm what? I'm sorry for being a fucking dick? I'm sorry for messing with your head?

"Shit, this isn't how I wanted this conversation to go," I admitted. This wasn't even a conversation, it was me fumbling around like an idiot. "I'm sorry for being an idiot, Eli. I'm sorry for taking advantage of your feelings, and I'm sorry for all the shit I've put you through."

There was the faint sound of shuffling in the background and I could hear Eli's shaky breathing. "Why? Why now are you saying this? Why after I left? Why, Reuben?"

I could hear just how exhausted he sounded and I felt guilty, knowing that I was part of the reason he felt like that.

"When you were here, I was sure I was doing the right thing despite everyone around me saying otherwise. I was so focused on my thoughts and feelings that I didn't even consider yours and I apologize for that."

"So what changed?" He asked quietly.

"I went home recently. I talked to my brother who helped me figure out some stuff and let's just say reality punched me in the face...literally. I shouldn't have let you leave like that. We should've talked more."

"Honestly, I don't really know what to say, Reuben. I want to be excited and happy that you called me because if I said that I hadn't been thinking about you then I'd be lying, but I can't help but think that if I give in—if I give this another shot—then I'm going to be the one left hurting again. I'm worried that'll be like that day we kissed; you'll be with me for a while and then go back to pushing me away. I want to believe you, but..."

"Words mean nothing if nothing is backing them up," I finished. "I get that, I do. I didn't call you to beg you to give me another chance, Eli. I called you to apologize. I don't want you to think that you're the problem or that there's something wrong with you because there isn't. You're an amazing person, Eli and you deserve to know that."

He sighed. "You know when I first got to Oakwood, I had this whole plan. I was determined to convince you to first give me a chance and then I thought that maybe I'd be able to convince you to come back to my pack with me. It's honestly crazy how things got so warped."

"We were on two completely different roads when we met. I was determined to stay away from you and not get involved."

"I don't think we were on two different ones," Eli said. "I think we were on the same road, going in two different directions, crashed into each other, and both got burned in the process. You hurt me, Reuben. There's no denying that, but...you aren't the only one at fault for how things turned out. I think I created this fantasy in my mind and it wasn't realistic to the kind of person you are. I pushed too hard when I should've let things move at their own pace. I feel like no matter what, we would've crashed eventually, even if I did stay in Oakwood. We weren't in a place to be together and honestly, I'm still not sure if we are."

"What are you saying?" I asked, a little confused.

"I'm saying let's take a step back. I don't mean that we can't talk, but let's not rush into anything. Let's actually get to know each other and figure out if this is something we both want. Let's do it the right way this time, Reuben."

I could hear the change in his tone from earlier. He sounded more hopeful and less apprehensive.

"Okay," I found myself agreeing. "Let's do it, Eli. No lies, no pulling away, no unnecessary drama."

"Yeah?" He said and I could practically hear the grin in his voice. "I like the sound of that."

I found myself grinning too. "So then you won't mind if I call you later then?"

"Do you have to go right now?"

"I don't want to, but," I glanced at the front door. "I need to go fix things with Arlo. I really messed things up with him."

"Then I'll let you go, but I'm holding you to that call later," he said playfully. "Go fix things."

I ended the call with a smile on my face and stared down at the phone for a few moments before sighing and standing up. That was one awkward conversation down, but now it was time to talk to Arlo.

So, I stretched before grabbing my keys and leaving the house. I made the short walk over to his apartment and knocked on the door. I wasn't sure if he was home or not, but it didn't hurt to check.

I waited for a few minutes, but there was no answer. I started to turn away, but then I heard the sound of the lock being messed with. I turned around, just as it opened, revealing the small, usually happy omega.

"Can we talk?" I asked, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. Clearly, I wasn't the only one who'd been growing through stuff.

Arlo bit his lip and glanced back inside before letting out a sigh and nodding, so I followed him inside, quietly wondering if he was okay.

AN: Part two will be out later, but progress has been made! Maybe this time it'll work out 👀