MENDED

thirty-three

saylor

i looked in my full body mirror, and i examined my outfit with a small smile. i straightened out my shirt before walking out of my room. as i was walking to grab my keys and wallet, my phone pinged. i pulled it out of my pocket to check what the notification was, and i saw that alex had texted the groupchat.

iMessages
shattered

lovey :)
i can't practice tonight
i feel sick

jj (pookie bear)
hope you feel better
don't worry about it fr, we'll practice another time

miggy
yeah just stay rested
i hope you feel better too

.

i stared at my phone with furrowed brows. i took a seat on the couch as i pursed my lips. instead of replying to the group chat, i clicked on alex's contact, and i called them. i brought my phone up to my ear as i waited patiently for them to answer.

just when i thought they weren't going to answer, i heard a familiar "hey, darling," which made me smile to myself.

i don't think i'll ever get over that.

"hi, lovey," i responded softly. "are you okay?"

"huh? oh, uh, yeah, i will be. i'm just not feeling up to practice tonight. i'm a little under the weather," they told me.

"poor baby," i murmured sympathetically. "how about i come over, cook you dinner, take care of you, and baby you until you feel better?" i suggested.

"no!" they said a little too quickly, which made me frown as my brows furrowed. "shit, sorry. i just— that's not necessary, really. plus, i don't want you to catch it if it's contagious, you know?"

"oh, no, i don't mind. it's worth it if i get to take care of you and help you."

"seriously, angel, it's fine," they tried to assure.

"c'mon, stop being stubborn; you'll be better in no time if you just let me come over," i said in a playful tone. "i'll be over there as quick as possible."

"saylor... i'm being so deadass right now, i'm not letting you in if you come over. i don't want you to get sick too," they spoke seriously. "i love you so fucking much, and it's appreciated, really, but no. just stay home, okay?"

"oh, um, yeah, okay. right, then," i nodded awkwardly to myself. "i love you too, alex. i hope you feel better. i'll, uh... i'll see you when you are better."

"wait, saylor, i—" they started to say, but i had already ended the call and tossed my phone onto the couch.

i pushed my hands into my hair with a deep sigh, then held my head in my hands. i frowned to myself.

that was the last thing i expected them to say.

i heard my phone ping a few times. i let out a breath before i sat back up and picked my phone up once more. i saw that alex had texted a few times.

iMessages
lovey :)

i'm sorry
i didn't mean for it to come off so mean
please don't be upset
i love you sm