🔥Through the flames🔥 -an Upstead story

Chapter 27: Unspoken words (continuation of broken acts)

Hey guys I'm back with a new chapter one that I really hope you can connect to and love we will have a reunion in this chapter but I won't spoil who it is I know the last few chapters have felt quite heavy and the next couple chapters probably will as well but I promise we will soon be getting back to fluffy and cute chapters but anyways without further ado here's chapter 27
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After a few moments of quiet, Will finally spoke up again. "You know, I've been thinking about it. Maybe I need to go see him. Spend some time with him in person. Jay's been through so much, and I don't think a phone call is enough anymore. Maybe it's time for me to go to Chicago and surprise him."

Natalie turned to face him, her brow furrowing slightly as she considered his words. "You're serious? You want to go all the way to Chicago just to check in on him?"

Will leaned against the counter, nodding. "Yeah, I do. It's not just about checking in, though. It's about being there for him. The phone call was great, but it didn't feel like enough. He's carrying a lot, and I think he needs someone to talk to face-to-face. To remind him that he's not alone in this."

Natalie's expression softened, her eyes searching his. "You miss him, don't you?"

Will let out a quiet laugh, almost in disbelief. "Yeah. I do. It's been weird, not having him around. We used to be so close, and now..." He trailed off, feeling the weight of the distance between them. "It feels like he's a different person. I don't think I can just sit here anymore. I need to see him."

Natalie studied him for a moment before giving a slight nod. "If you think it'll help, then you should go. I know you want to be there for him. And Jay's always appreciated you being the one to show up when it counts."

Will smiled at her, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thanks, Nat. I think it'll be good for both of us. Plus, I've been wanting to see Chicago. It's been too long since I've had a good excuse to visit."

She laughed lightly, but there was a hint of concern in her voice when she spoke again. "Are you sure you'll be okay with all the feelings that might come up? I mean, it's not just about the distance—it's about what happened between you two, too."

Will sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know. I've thought about that. It's going to be tough, but I think it's necessary. Jay needs to hear it from me—that he's not alone, that he can lean on me. He's been carrying all of this weight, and I think he's starting to realize it's too much for just him."

Natalie's gaze softened, her hand resting on his shoulder. "I think you're doing the right thing. Just be patient with him, okay?"

Will nodded. "I will. Thanks for understanding."

Later that evening, after everything had settled and Natalie had gone to bed, Will sat back in his chair, his thoughts swirling. The phone call with Jay had weighed heavily on him all day, and now, as he pulled out his phone, he felt like he needed to reach out to Hailey. There was something important about sharing his plans with her—not just as a courtesy, but because it involved Jay, and Hailey deserved to know especially that she was his family, his sister in a way.

He dialed Hailey's number, waiting for her to pick up. When she did, her voice sounded warm and familiar, a welcome comfort.

"Hey, Will," she said, a slight laugh in her tone. "What's up?"

"Hey, Hailey, are you around Jay right now?" Will asked, his voice steady but carrying a hint of the conversation he'd had with Jay. Hailey responded by saying "He actually just went for a quick run so I'm alone at the moment what's up?" Will continued the conversation after that "I just wanted to let you know that I talked to Jay last night. He told me about everything with you two and how you have been going through a lot, and I think he's still trying to figure out how to move forward—especially with everything that happened between you two." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "I think he's struggling, Hailey. He's holding a lot of fear inside him. Fear of losing you again. And I'm thinking of coming back to Chicago to see him. I feel like it's time to be there for him, you know? But I wanted to know your thoughts on it?"