𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐨, 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫

𝟔: 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠

"Have a great break!"

As the final class of the day ended, Elizabeth gathered her books and left the room, heading straight to her locker to put everything away.

Thanksgiving was one of the few times a year when Elizabeth saw her uncle Mike. He visited Silver Falls to celebrate Thanksgiving with Elizabeth and her family every year. Her favorite tradition was sneaking away from her dad and Kassidy with her uncle for a visit to the Walters' after dinner. However, this year was different due to certain circumstances.

It had been two weeks since Elizabeth and Cole's interaction near the fireplace. Although things seemed back to normal that day, Elizabeth still longed for closure. She wanted to understand why Cole had broken her heart, but he wouldn't share his reasons. She felt she deserved to know.

"You know my offer still stands," Skylar said, watching Elizabeth unpack her bag.

"And you know I'd absolutely love to spend Thanksgiving with you," Elizabeth replied, not saying the full truth.

"But?" Skylar prompted.

Elizabeth sighed. "I love you and your dad, but his Thanksgiving celebrations can be a bit grim. I'm all for learning the history of Thanksgiving, but I've heard it three times now. If I hear it one more time, I might start reciting it in my sleep." She made Skylar laugh.

"So, that's a no," he said.

"Do you think it will be different this year?" he asked.

"You ask me that every year, and I always give you the same answer," Elizabeth responded.

"No," Skylar said, confirming what she was thinking.

Elizabeth nodded. "As long as Kassidy is around, it won't be any different. Plus, we can't sneak off to the Walters' like we used to."

"Have you asked?" Skylar questioned.

"Asked what?" Elizabeth closed her locker and looked at him curiously.

"If you and your uncle can visit the Walters'?" he asked.

Elizabeth sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "What's the point? Cole and I aren't together anymore. There's no reason for me to go."

Skylar shook his head. "I think you might be reading too much into this," he said.

Elizabeth sighed, wondering if she was overthinking things. Kathrine had always told her she was welcome, even before she and Cole had dated. But back then, she and Cole had been friends. Now, she wasn't sure what their relationship was. All she knew was she couldn't seem to get rid him.

"Reading too much into what?" Cole asked, surprising Elizabeth from behind. She jumped and playfully hit him in the chest.

"You know I hate when you do that," she said, giving him a light scolding. Cole just laughed. "Need a ride, Liz?" he offered.

"No, thanks. My uncle is picking me up from school," Elizabeth declined his offer. Cole shrugged and walked away. "Suit yourself," he said.

Skylar grinned as he watched Cole leave. "It's crazy how you still talk to your ex after he broke your heart and you spent a week locked in your room," he remarked.

Elizabeth sighed, struggling to find the right words. "It's...complicated," she finally said.

"Sure, and you definitely don't have any feelings left for him?" Skylar asked, crossing his arms.

Elizabeth mirrored his stance, her arms crossed confidently. "And are you definitely sure you don't have feelings for his brother?" she countered, causing Skylar's eyes to widen.