Drawing the Line

Chapter 20

Joel headed home first so he could finish a proposal that was due tomorrow but promised to return after he had taken care of it. Rylie had remained at the hospital in case there were any changes to her mother's condition. She was hoping that whatever slim chance she had of waking up from her coma, would come through. Maybe because of this life changing experience, the two of them could start over. Maybe they can have a deep conversation and she can ask her why she never loved her.

Buzz Buzz

Rylie bit her lip out of anxiousness. Without looking at the display, she knew who it was. He had sent her multiple messages in the last hour, and she couldn't take it anymore.

He was sweet and she had liked him at first but the non-stop calls and need for attention was not what she had in mind. Maybe it was because of his lack of experience but she was starting to feel like a mother looking after a child that constantly needed her.

She let out a deep sigh.

Maybe it was partially her fault too. She was keeping things from Cameron and not knowing may have made him a bit paranoid. She just...didn't feel it was the right time to share with him, but would there ever be a right time?

Her phone vibrating in her pocket interrupted her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw Cameron's name. She bit her lip but decided now was the time. She had to cut the cord.

"Hi Cameron, is something wrong?"

"No, I was just wondering if everything is okay with you since you haven't responded to my messages."

"I've just been going through some things and needed some time to myself. Are you free right now? Let's meet up for coffee."

"Yeah, I'm free. I'll head over to where you are. Send me the address, I can be there in 30 mins."

She hung up and after fixing herself up in the hospital washroom, headed over to the café she told him to be at.

She walked in and wasn't surprised that he was already sitting down with her drink already at the table. She smiled at his thoughtfulness but didn't want to drag it out any longer. He deserved someone who could give him her undivided attention and that wasn't her.

She reluctantly gave him a hug and sat down opposite him at the table. She didn't know where to start so she took a long sip of her iced americano before talking.

They started with small talk and chatted like they usually did. Rylie also made the decision to tell Cameron about her mom being in the hospital.

"Oh my god, I'm sorry to hear that! I'm sorry I made you come out when you should be with her."

"No, don't worry. I made the decision to come out and I needed a break anyways. I also really needed to talk to you," she faintly smiled before gathering the courage she needed.

"My life has never really been easy. I've had a lot of ups and downs, mostly downs, and my view on life wasn't the best. Things have slowly started to get better since meeting you and Joel. I'm not sure what it is exactly but you both have treated me with such genuine kindness and showed me things can get better. While I appreciate what you've done for me, I think it's best if we stop seeing each other romantically."

"But why...!" Cameron's face dropped and he tried to reach out for her hand.

"It's not that I don't like you, I do. But I've come to realize it's as friends and not what we both had in mind. You're sweet and caring but I...can't give you the time and attention you want from me." She said as she pulled her hand back from his grasp.

"Is it something I did or said? I'm sorry if it is!"

"But Cameron, why are you saying sorry when you don't even know what it is? You should have more confidence in yourself. You're great and deserve someone who can see that; it just isn't me."