After Forever & Ever

After Never Chapter 16

Tessa

The last month and a half has been interesting to say the least.

Hardin and I haven't spoken. It's hard to talk to someone who told you they never loved you and that they want you out of their life.

Which I know he was really going through it when he said that....And I was hopeful he would apologize but that never happened.

So instead of letting my heartbreak take over my life again. I started living for me and as much as I want to say I haven't thought of Hardin at all. I at least have started thinking about my life without him and what that looks like.

Because we aren't together. And he's made it very clear we aren't going to be together. So why am I going to stay hung up on a guy who doesn't want to be with me. He didn't want to be with me before the accident and he didn't want to be with me after and it was time I finally accepted it.

Which is why I finally agreed to go on a real date with Easton which is what we did tonight...

And I actually enjoyed it and him...so much so that it ended with us making out in his car.

And so much so that I need to try to wipe this permanent smile I have gleaming all over my face before I walk into Vance's house.

It very quickly disappears though when I see Vance and Kim. It's reminiscent of the night Hardin got in the accident. So I'm instantly thinking the worst.

"What's wrong?" I ask concerned...scared of their response.

"We are going to the University tomorrow...Ken is having an intervention for Hardin." Vance tells me.

I know Hardin was struggling with managing his pain...but an intervention?...

"Ken said he's out of control, he's abusing his prescription meds, and thinks he has started using other drugs. And he's been drinking excessively. He said he barely goes to class, and every time he checks in on him he's messed up." Vance tells me.

Him telling me all of this makes me think about my dad. My dad who I don't even know where he is or if he's even alive.

And now the guy who I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with, who I'm no longer with, who I have worked really hard not to think about is struggling with drugs to the point that his family is having an intervention...

"Ken and his mum asked if you would be there...and I know with how things ended with you guys that's a big ask but I think you being there might help" Vance tells me.

Mind you I still haven't said anything. I think I'm trying to process the fact that Hardin had everything going for him before the accident and the accident took so much...

And now he's really struggling.
And I don't know where my place is anymore.

"I'm sorry I'm having a hard time processing this." I tell him.

"You and me both Tess." He replies as he takes in his last sip of wine and pours some more.

"Christian I think you should tell her." Kim says as she walks in.

"Tell me what?" I quickly ask concerned.

"Kim." Vance says firing back at Kim...

What the hell is going on?...what does he need to tell me?...

"Tell me what!!" I raise my voice not meaning to.

Vance storms out of the room grabbing the bottle of wine, taking it with him. Leaving me staring at Kim wondering what the hell he's not telling me.