Tangled in Thorns | A Luke Castellan Story

Chapter 11 - Unforgiveness

.・゜゜・　　・゜゜・．

Luke's POV : 

As I walked into the dining pavilion, Chris was already seated at our usual table, eating his breakfast. I made my way over, feeling the tension in my shoulders from the past few days. I dropped into the chair across from him, and he looked up, raising an eyebrow as he chewed.

"You talk to her yet?" Chris asked, not bothering with any small talk.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, I tried to. Yesterday."

"And?" He leaned forward, clearly expecting more.

"It didn't go great. I told her I'm sorry and that I didn't want to hurt her, but it's complicated. She's still hurting, and I can't just fix that with a few words," I said, the frustration evident in my voice.

Chris nodded, taking a sip of his drink. "Figured as much. She looked pretty wrecked yesterday. You both did."

I glanced around the pavilion, making sure Rosalynne wasn't in earshot, then leaned in closer. "I hate seeing her like this. But what was I supposed to do? Lie to her? Pretend I feel something I don't?"

Chris shook his head. "No, lying wouldn't have helped anyone. But maybe you could've handled it with a bit more tact."

I frowned, knowing he was right but still feeling defensive. "I thought being straightforward was the best way to go. I didn't want to string her along."

"Yeah, but there's a difference between being honest and being blunt. She's your friend, Luke. You could've softened the blow a bit, you know?" Chris said, his tone not accusatory, just matter-of-fact.

I slumped back in my chair, the weight of his words settling in. "I just didn't know what to say. It all came out wrong."

Chris gave me a sympathetic look. "Look, man, you're in a tough spot. But she's not the only one dealing with feelings here. You've been wound up about this for a while too."

"I know," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. "I've been so focused on not hurting her that I didn't think about how to actually talk to her without making things worse."

Chris set his fork down and leaned back. "You're overthinking it. Just be there for her, in whatever way she needs. You don't have to solve everything right now. Just be her friend."

"I'm trying, but it feels like everything I do just makes it harder for her," I said, frustration creeping into my voice.

Chris shrugged. "Give it time. She'll come around, and so will you. Just don't shut her out completely. You two need each other more than you realize."

I nodded, knowing he was right but still feeling unsure about how to move forward. "Yeah. I just hope we can get back to some kind of normal."

Chris gave me a reassuring smile. "You will. It's just going to take a bit of time and patience. Don't rush it."

I took a deep breath, trying to let his words sink in. "Thanks, man. I needed that."

"No problem," Chris said, picking up his fork again. "Now, let's eat before your overthinking ruins both our breakfasts."

Despite the heaviness in my chest, I managed a small smile, grateful for Chris's unwavering support.

.・゜゜・　　・゜゜・．

After my conversation with Chris, I knew I had to try talking to Rosalynne again. I couldn't stand the tension between us any longer, and I needed to at least make things right, or as right as they could be.