When you love me

What has changed?

It's Lauren's day for chemotherapy. My mom takes her and stays with her at the hospital while Ryan is busy with his own affairs. I wonder if he's with Sarah, if they're back together but I don't dare find out the truth. I always think that it is better not to know anything, living up to the saying that ignorance is bliss.

Alone at home. Adam takes Sophie to his parents' house. I spend a good part of the day listening to music and taking photos in and around the house. The cell phone rings, it's Cole.

— Hey, Jennie. — he says.

— Hey, Cole.

— I called to invite you to the luau. Lila said she'll kill me if I don't drag you there.

I laugh.

— She's scary. - earring.

— Okay, I really need a distraction.

— Excellent. I'll pick you up at... seven?

— Could it be.

— Perfect, see you later, Jennie.

— See you later, Cole.

I hear a noise behind me, it's Ryan, all sweaty and panting.

— Are you going out with Cole? — he asks, while catching his breath.

— He invited me to the luau...

— With him?

— Yes, with him.

He shakes his head, apparently irritated.

— Are you... like, dating?

— Ryan, what's yours? You ignore me, you've been avoiding me all these days, and now you want to know if I'm dating Cole?

— You said you would leave soon, that you couldn't get attached...

— Yes, I said it, and it continues to be so! — I say, excited.

Ryan looks at me, and breathes quickly. He is visibly angry and I can't understand him.

— Okay, do what you want, Jennie. — he says, leaving the room, leaving me alone, without answers, without an explanation.

Cole picks me up at the agreed time. Ryan's not home, no one is. My mother called earlier to say that she would spend the night at the hospital, and Adam and Sophia would also sleep outside. I promised I would behave, and I would actually keep my promise, out of respect for Lauren's situation.

We arrive at the luau, and I see new faces that I didn't see at the previous luau. Cole and I walked around, interacted with some people, and got drinks. Loud music, laughter everywhere, the atmosphere is so good that I hope it stays that way.

— Let's sit over there. — asks Cole, pointing to a distant place, but still close to the fire.

I nod and follow him. We sat on the sand and looked intently at the fire.

— Why did you call me here? — I question.

— Because I see that you're tense, and with Lauren... I thought you needed to relax a little.

— Yeah, it's fun here.

— Did something happen to Ryan?

— What you mean?

— He showed up at the store and was... out of his mind. He asked strange questions about both of us.

— I don't know what's wrong with him. I think he knows Sarah's back, and it's messing with his head.