when i turned 18

Trust {Chapter 22}

The next morning, I woke up on Cassidy's couch, feeling disoriented and with my head spinning. I had a hangover, a familiar sensation this week.

I groaned and stretched as I looked around the room. To my surprise, it was empty. I decided to go to the bathroom downstairs to wash my face and use the toilet, hoping Cassidy would come down soon so I could properly apologize.

As I splashed cold water on my face, memories of the previous night began to trickle back. Running into Cassidy after months, the awkward small talk, the drinks that followed, and finally crashing on her couch because I was too drunk to drive myself home. I hoped I hadn't made things worse between us.

Just as I was drying my face, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned to see Cassidy standing at the bathroom door, her arms crossed and an unreadable expression on her face.

"Morning," I said awkwardly, feeling the weight of my actions.

"Morning," she replied, her tone neutral. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I have a massive hangover," I admitted with a weak smile. "Thanks for letting me crash here. I hope I didn't cause too much trouble."

Cassidy shrugged slightly. "It's fine. You needed a place to stay."

There was a pause, the air thick with things unsaid. I decided to take a leap. "Cassidy, I know things have been complicated between us, but I want to fix that. I miss having you in my life."

She looked at me, her expression softening just a bit. "It's not that simple, Andrew. We both have a lot to figure out."

"I know," I said earnestly. "But I'm willing to try, if you are."

Cassidy sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Let's take it slow, okay? No promises, but we can see where things go."

"That's all I can ask for," I replied, feeling a small spark of hope.

Cassidy began to rub her arm, a familiar action she did whenever she was lying or nervous. "Hey, look, my aunt's gonna be home soon and I don't think she'll be too happy if you're here... considering how we ended things."

"Oh, okay." I said, disappointment filling my face.

I said goodbye and then began walking to the bar to get my car, which was only 15 minutes away.

Once I got in my car, I decided to head home. I was in need of a shower, clean clothes, and food. I could not survive another hour without eating.

When I arrived home, I saw Paul's car in the driveway and felt a surge of annoyance as I entered through the door.

Camila, my mom, and Paul were watching a movie together, and I could see the tension on Camila's face.

"Hey, Andrew," my mom greeted me, her voice a bit too cheerful.

"Hi," I replied curtly, glancing at Paul, who gave me a nod.

"We need to talk," my mom said, pausing the movie. I could sense something serious was about to be discussed.

"Sure, what's going on?" I asked, though I already had an inkling.

My mom took a deep breath and glanced at Paul before turning back to me. "Paul and I... we've been seeing each other for a while now. He's my new boyfriend."

For a moment, the room was silent. The words hung in the air, each one a dagger piercing my patience.

"Are you serious?" I finally managed to say, my voice rising with each word. "Him? Of all people?"

"Andrew, please try to understand," my mom pleaded. "I didn't plan for this to happen, but it did. Paul makes me happy."

I shook my head in disbelief. "And what about me? How am I supposed to deal with this?"