Disconnect

Chapter 15

     It’s been almost two years since you first met your friends at the Elliott manor, and your life has been unimaginably different ever since. You’ve grown very close with everyone you knew there, even J somehow. You were able to figure out video chatting with Tessa pretty quickly after you left, so you saw each other often. After a few months, N, V, Cyn, and even J would occasionally start a video call on their own to chat with you. That wasn’t the only time you were able to see them though, as you were able to join your parents to quarterly meetings that happened every few months, so you’d get to see them all then. You even got to attend a gala for the first time in your life.
     You began to realize things about Tessa that you hadn’t before. You began to see her more like a woman instead of just a friend. This may have something to do with being a hormone crazed 16 year old now, but you never complained. You had hoped that with age, your feelings for Cyn would have disappeared. The more you saw Tessa as a potential partner, the more hope you gained on the subject. You were allowed to keep that hope for long breaths of time due to the fact that out of everyone, Cyn contacted you alone the least. That’s not to say you didn’t see her often. It’s just that she was usually with someone else, namely Tessa or N. Once or twice V had been the one to join Cyn, but that was a rare occurrence.
     When Cyn did contact you though, it was both a pleasant and disheartening event. You’d see her silly quirks and hear her emote her actions and be smitten all over again. You hated it. You knew Tessa had a thing for you, and you reciprocated as much as you could without pushing things past the point of friendship, so seeing Cyn always felt like you were betraying Tessa considering how you felt about the former. You would never act on those feelings, knowing that they’re wrong and that you would hurt Tessa.
     You desperately didn’t want to hurt her considering all you’ve learned about her home life over the last few months. One day on a video call, she spilt water on her arm, uncovering a series of hidden scrapes. When asked about it Tessa froze, and tried to play dumb, hiding her arm just off screen. After pestering her about it and showing concern for her wellbeing, Tessa finally relented. She told you about the abuse and neglect she faced at home, and you watched her slowly fall apart. It made you sick to think that you’d been in the same room as her parents, and not noticed how bad things were, but Tessa’s behavior finally made sense.
     You tried your best to calm her down, sending her memes and funny videos, trying to talk her through things, and suggesting seeking support from a professional once she had the freedom to leave, but there was nothing you could do but make plans to keep her parents away from her while you visited. The abuse didn’t end with her though, V had let slip that it was a common occurrence to see a drone beaten or killed for minor mistakes. You felt a newfound dread thinking about your friends being treated so terribly, but were again helpless to do anything about it.
     You always ask how everyone’s doing whenever someone calls you, J even considering it an order to keep tabs on people. You’re not sure why she took your request so seriously, but you appreciate her efforts and make sure she knows it. You tried to make everyone smile when they contacted you to let them know that they had friends outside of that awful place they found themselves trapped in. They seemed horrifically used to the treatment they all received, and that disturbed you. Seeing the people closest to you smile through something you could only imagine in a horror story made you uneasy, and the fact you were the safe one made you feel like you were patronizing them, though none of them said anything like that. You felt bad that you were happy while they suffered something so awful.
     You were happy though. You had friends that at least some of whom would talk and play games with you regularly. It was a rare day where no one called you up, and when you could come see them in person, you always had a blast with them. They really are the best thing that has ever happened to you, except for maybe-
     “Oh will you stay still?,” Olivia scolds you.
     You try to not move while Olivia applies gel to your hair, “But it feels so gross and cold. I can’t help it.”
     She sighs, “I need to get you presentable before you leave tonight. Don’t you want to look good for your lady friend?”
     You blush and huff at her, “She’s not my girlfriend.” You cross your arms grumpily.
     Olivia takes the opportunity to put the finishing touches on your hair, “I said ‘lady friend.’ You said ‘girlfriend’ all on your own.”
     Your blush deepens as you pout.
     She laughs and gives you a quick squeeze, “I’m just teasing. You’re really nervous this time. Does that mean you’re going to ask her?” She sounds excited.
     “I want to, but I dunno,” you open up to her.
     She gives you a comforting hand on your shoulder, “Not ready yet? There’s no shame in waiting until you're ready, (Y/N). Do things at your own pace. She seems like a nice girl, so I’m sure she’ll be happy to hear how you feel.”
     You give her a self conscious glance, “How can you be sure?”
     “Girls just know these things,” she pats your shoulder twice.
     A knock at your door puts an end to the conversation, and after a quick “come in” from Olivia, Trystan opens the door, “Are you ready, (Y/N)? They want to leave earlier than expected.”
     You nod, “I’ve been packed since yesterday.”
     Trystan nods approvingly, “You’re ready to go see that girl again huh?” He gives you a knowing grin.
     “Oh, stop it. I’ve already teased him enough,” Olivia steps in front of you to block Trystan’s sight.
     “If I have to,” he looks at you over Olivia’s shoulder thanks to the height difference, “So you are ready?”
“Yeah. I just need to turn my computer off,” you reply.
     “I’ll take care of that. You go on ahead to your parents and I’ll have your luggage packed for you by the time you leave,” he points a thumb behind him and puts his other hand on his hip, striking a pose.
     You fight the urge to mention that the people you consider your parents are already in the room with you, but you remain quiet as saying things like that has caused arguments in the past. Not bad ones, but you’d rather not spoil the moment. You give him a nod and hug Olivia, “Thanks, mom. I’ll see you in a couple of days.” You do that weird half jog thing past Trystan, giving him a high five as you pass, “Thanks dad. See ya.” You speed down the hall towards the entrance of your house.
     Olivia walks to Trystan’s side and looks at the door you just left from.
     “They grow up fast huh?,” Trystan lets a smile creep across his face.
     Olivia bats at his shoulder, “Hush. He’s still my baby boy.”
     Trystan's smile slips some, “But he IS growing up, and I think he’s growing into a good young man.”
     Olivia looks from the door to Trystan, noticing he’s beginning to tear up. She does much the same, “He’s turned out great, considering the circumstances.” She hangs her head, saddened that although you were financially taken care of, your emotional needs were neglected.
     Trystan puts a hand over his core, “I’m so proud of him.”