I THINK I DID IT

CHAPTER 13

I blinked awake, my eyes adjusting to the soft light filtering through the room. Jasper stood by the window, pulling the curtains open, letting in more of the morning sun.

He turned around when he heard me stir, a small smile on his face. "You're up," he said gently, his voice warmer than I expected. "Good morning."

I tried to speak, but my throat felt dry, and my head was still pounding from the night before. All I could manage was a small nod as I shifted under the covers.

Jasper took a step closer, his tone still calm and understanding. "I made breakfast," he said, gesturing toward the door. "It's nothing fancy, but I figured you'd be hungry."

The smell of something savory lingered in the air, but I didn't feel hungry. Instead, I felt... hollow. I didn't know what to say to him, or how to face the mess I had made of last night. The embarrassment from what happened in the backyard clung to me like a second skin.

Jasper seemed to sense it. He didn't push, didn't ask questions I wasn't ready to answer. Instead, he just stood there, waiting, giving me time to collect myself.

"You don't have to eat if you're not ready," he added softly. "Just... take your time."

The kindness in his voice made my chest ache, but the words I wanted to say stayed stuck in my throat. All I could do was nod again, grateful he didn't push me further.

gave a faint nod, pulling the covers tighter around me, not really knowing how to respond. Jasper lingered for a moment, his expression soft but unreadable.

"Alright," he said finally, as if deciding to let me have my silence. "I'll leave you to rest. Come out whenever you're ready."

He walked out quietly, closing the door behind him. As soon as he was gone, I exhaled a shaky breath. I didn't want to face him—or anyone—right now. The events of last night flashed through my mind, leaving me with a knot of shame in my stomach.

I buried my face in the pillow, willing the heaviness to go away, but it only grew. The more I tried to forget what had happened, the more it clawed its way to the surface. Derrick, the stranger in the backyard, the way I had let it all get out of control. And now, waking up in Jasper's house, not knowing what he thought of me.

I bit my lip, my thoughts drifting to Maya. If I'd gone home last night, what would she have thought seeing me like that? She'd think I was a hypocrite, preaching about being responsible while I was out here making mistakes.

I closed my eyes, feeling the exhaustion from everything—the night, the guilt, the thoughts swirling in my head. But I couldn't bring myself to get up, couldn't bring myself to face Jasper or deal with what came next. So, I just lay there, sinking deeper into the sheets, wanting to disappear for a while longer.

I stayed in bed, staring up at the ceiling, feeling like the weight of the night was pressing down on me. My head was a mess, tangled up in everything that had happened. The warmth of the blankets felt safe, like if I just stayed there long enough, I wouldn't have to deal with any of it.

I heard Jasper moving around in the kitchen, the faint clatter of dishes and the sound of breakfast being made. It felt so... normal. Too normal for the way I felt. My throat was dry, and my thoughts were swimming, but I didn't want to move. If I went out there, I'd have to face him—and I couldn't deal with that. Not yet.

My phone buzzed beside me, but I didn't reach for it. It was probably Maya. She'd notice if I didn't come home, and if I showed up like this, she'd see right through me. She'd think I was a hypocrite, all the things I'd said about keeping it together, about being strong... what a joke.