I Can Fix Him (no really I can) || Rafe Cameron

02. Echoes of Silence

I drive back home, the truck's headlights cutting through the darkness, but I feel lost in my own thoughts. The quiet inside the cab is suffocating, a stark contrast to the chaos swirling in my mind. Rafe's words echo in my head, replaying like a broken record. "Maybe you don't know me as well as you think you do."

I grip the steering wheel tightly, knuckles white, frustration bubbling to the surface. What happened to the guy who brought me to our secret spot, who opened up to me in ways he never had with anyone else? That Rafe felt like a lifetime ago, replaced now by someone I barely recognize.

Pulling into my driveway, I cut the engine and sit there for a moment, staring at the house. The lights are off, and it feels so quiet- too quiet. I know my parents are out tonight, probably at some charity event, and for once, I'm grateful for the solitude. It gives me space to think, even if the thoughts racing in my head aren't what i want to confront.

I step out of the truck, shitting the door with a soft thud, and make my way inside, the cool air greeting me as I cross the threshold. I toss my keys on the counter, kicking off my shoes as I wander into the living room. I sink into the couch, pulling a blanket around my shoulders, but it does little to chase away the chill that's settled in my bones.

Rafe's laughter, his warmth, the way he'd looked at me like i was the only person in the world- how did we go from that to whatever this is? I bury my face in my hands, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. The phone buzzes on the coffee table, pulling me from me thoughts. It's a text from JJ

JJ: You okay? Heard things got tense.

I hesitate before typing back. Do i really want to explain everything? Or, more importantly, do I want to share how broken i feel right now?

Me: I'm fine. Just need some space.

The response feels hollow, even as I hit send. I know JJ means well, but he can't possibly understand what's happening between Rafe and me. None of the Pogues can. They see the wild side of him, the reckless charm, the life of the party. But they don't see the cracks forming underneath, the way he shuts everyone out when things get tough.

I toss my phone aside, trying to shake off the feeling of dread settling in my stomach. Maybe this is what Rafe meant about space. Maybe he needs time to sort through whatever demons are haunting him. But the thought of him drifting away from me, of losing the connection we've built, sends a fresh wave of panic coursing through me.

I stand up, pacing the room, trying to clear my head. Memories flash through my mind- his smile, the way he'd hold me close when we watched the stars, how safe i felt when he whispered my name. I want that Rafe back, the one who was so genuine, so alive. But every time I think of him, I remember thr way he turned away tonight, how easily he walked away from me like i was nothing.

A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts, and I freeze, my heart racing. I glance at the clock. It's late- too late for anyone to be here. Hesitantly, I make my way to the door and open it a crack.

I'm met with Pope, a concerned expression across his every feature.

"Hey," he says, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "I heard, I just wanted to check on you.

"Thanks," I reply, forcing a smile despite the heaviness in my chest. "I'm okay. Just... processing."

Pope raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "That didn't look like 'okay' when you said that=. You're not just saying that to spare my feelings, are you?"

I let out a small laugh, appreciating his straightforwardness. "No, you're right. It was... intense, I feel like i'm losing him"

Pope nods, settling onto the couch and gesturing for me to join him. "I know Rafe can be tough to deal with. He doesn't always handle his emotions well. But he cares about you, Pen. You have to remember that."

"I just wish he'd let me in," I admit, sinking down beside him. "He keeps pushing me away like I'm some sort of burden."

"Because he's scared," Pope replies, his tone serious. "He's scared of what he's feeling and what it means for you two. It's easier for him to shut you out than let you see him struggle."

I lean back against the couch, closing my eyes for a moment. "It's so frustrating. I want to help him, but i can't do that if he won't let me."

"Sometimes, it takes a while for someone to realize they need help," Pope says gently. "Just keep being there for him. It might not feel like it now, but your support means more than you know."

I open my eyes, meeting his gaze. "Thanks, Pope. I just don't want to watch him spiral and feel helpless."

"You're not helpless," he assures me. "You're doing more than you think just by being there. Rafe's lucky to have you in his corner."

I can't help but smile at his words, the warmth of his friendship providing a little comfort in my storm of emotions. "I just wish it didn't feel so complicated."

Pope shifts slightly, his expression softening. "Complicated is pretty much par for the course when it comes to relationships. Just take it one step at a time."

I nod, appreciating his perspective even as i feel the tension still sitting heavy on my chest. "You're right. I guess I just need to be patient."

As the night wears on, we talk about everything and nothing, the conversation shifting to lighter topics- JJ's latest antics, our plans for the weekend, and the endless rivalry between the Pogues and Kooks. It's a welcome distraction, pulling me away from the heaviness that had settled over me.

Eventually, I notice the clock ticking past midnight. I glance at Pope, who's leaning back against the couch, his eyes starting to droop. "Hey, It's late will your parents not get worried?"

"Nah, it's okay," he replied, stifling a yawn. "I can stay. I just want to make sure you're okay. I'm not leaving you alone after everything that just happened."

I'm touched by his loyalty. "Are you sure? I don't want to keep you up if you have stuff to do tomorrow."

"I'm fine, really," he insists, settling deeper into the couch. "Besides, if Rafe shows up again, I'll be here to intervene. You won't have to face him alone."

I chuckle softly, grateful for his presence. "Alright, then. Stay as long as you want."

As we sit together, I can feel the weight of the day slowly lifting, even if just a little. The comfort of friendship eases the ache in my heart, reminding me that I'm not alone.

Later, as i finally drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring. Will Rafe come back? Will he be ready to talk?

For now, I'm just grateful for Pope's support, knowing that together we'll figure this out one step at a time.