𝑇𝑊𝐼𝑁 𝑆𝐼𝑍𝐸 𝑀𝐴𝑇𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑆 / 𝐽.𝐵.𝑅

IM SORRY

Alex stood on the edge of the bridge, the cold wind whipping through her hair as she stared down at the water below. The events of the last few weeks felt like a blur. She had managed to hack her way out of the hospital, but the high from that victory quickly dissipated. Now, all that remained was the familiar gnawing emptiness and the weight of everything pressing down on her chest.

She kicked at the ground, trying to shake the feeling of hopelessness, when footsteps sounded behind her.

"Alex?" It was John B's voice, and her stomach tightened.

She turned slowly, and there he was, standing a few feet away. His eyes looked hollow, and she knew why. Everyone had heard the news about Sarah and Topper. Sarah had cheated on him, and now their once seemingly unbreakable bond was shattered.

"You've been MIA for days," John B said softly, stepping closer, his voice thick with exhaustion.

Alex shrugged, her expression hard. "Been busy."

"Busy hacking, I'm guessing," John B muttered, running a hand through his messy hair. "You hacked out of the hospital, Alex. You could've been caught. What the hell were you thinking?"

She scoffed, trying to hide the growing lump in her throat. "I was thinking I needed to get out of there. What's it to you?"

John B's jaw clenched. "I'm worried about you."

Alex let out a bitter laugh. "Worried about me? You've got bigger problems, don't you?" She raised an eyebrow, the sarcasm cutting. "Like your ex who's busy kissing Topper now."

John B flinched, his face darkening. "Don't bring that up."

"Why not? You've been pretending everything's fine when it's not," Alex said, the anger bubbling up. "And now you want to act like I'm the one who needs saving? Please."

John B sighed heavily. "I'm not here to argue with you, Alex."

"Then what are you here for, John B?" Alex snapped, the words spilling out before she could stop herself. "To check on me? Because last I checked, I'm not the one cheating on you with Topper."

John B's face hardened, but instead of lashing out, he took a deep breath. "Sarah made her choice. I don't need you reminding me of that."

"Good," Alex shot back, her voice trembling. "Then you don't need me at all."

John B was silent for a moment, his eyes scanning her face. "Alex, I don't know what's going on with you, but pushing everyone away isn't gonna help."

"You don't get it," Alex muttered, her eyes flicking away from him. "You never did."

"Then explain it to me," John B urged, stepping closer, his voice softer now.

Alex shook her head, her chest tightening. "There's nothing to explain. I'm fine."

"You're not," John B said, his voice firm. "And neither am I. But shutting everyone out... that's not the answer."

"Don't lecture me about answers, John B," Alex hissed, the frustration building. "You're not exactly doing great yourself, are you?"

John B clenched his fists, but instead of snapping back, he just looked at her, the hurt in his eyes unmistakable. "I'm trying, Alex. I'm trying to figure this out, just like you."

Alex's defenses wavered for a second, the vulnerability in his voice tugging at her. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words caught in her throat. She was drowning, and even though she wanted to scream for help, something inside her wouldn't let her.