— Wren —
It had been nearly a month since I'd last seen the guys.
After Tyler dropped me off at home, he ensured I was comfortable and safe, even going as far as blocking Josh's number from my phone as a precaution. He assured me I could reach out to him no matter where he was, and he kept Jenna's car, a humorous twist.
I found myself engrossed in an Orange Is The New Black marathon when my phone buzzed on the coffee table.
Today 1:15 PM
Ty Ty : Hey, I'm in town.
What?! How? : Wren
Ty Ty : We have a short 3-day break. Want Taco Bell?
Is that even a question? : Wren
To say I was excited would be an understatement. I rushed to the shower, got ready swiftly, and soon, there was a knock at the door. I practically sprinted to answer it, but my smile waned when I saw who stood there.
"Why are you here?" I questioned.
Josh exhaled deeply, avoiding eye contact, focusing on anything but me.
"I want to apologize," he began slowly. "I know it was stupid, but I was intoxicated. I understand it's not an excuse, but I meant every word at the airport. I love you, Wren. Nothing will change that." His eyes searched mine for any emotion.
Tell him you think that's ridiculous. Tell him you don't need him. That you don't trust him. "I love you too."
Josh offered a half-hearted smile and extended his arms for a hug.
"I'm actually super busy today. I have a lot to do, starting right now," I replied, feigning disinterest. I don't know why I tried to deceive him. He knows me better than anyone. And he lives next door.
Josh's expression fell instantly, but I tried not to notice. He just stood there before me, the man who had both healed and broken my heart. I'd shown Josh my vulnerable side countless times, but now I had to act as though I was unfazed, as if I couldn't feel my heart pounding in my ears. I couldn't see clearly; everything blurred into slow motion. I felt nauseated. Yet, I stood a little taller and forced a smile.
"Alright," he finally said, hands in his pockets, heading toward his own apartment. "I'm still right next door if you ever need anything..."
"Yeah, I wasn't really expecting you to move because of this," I retorted sarcastically, devoid of humor.
"I mean it, Wren."
I nodded, lips pressed tight. Josh left, and I closed the door behind him.
Moments later, I heard his door slam just as I leaned against mine, sinking to the floor. I hugged my knees, fighting back tears that threatened to spill. I never knew that sadness could be so physically felt, coursing through my legs, jaw, head, eyes, and aching chest.
By the time Tyler arrived and found me on the kitchen floor, he didn't utter a word. He sat beside me, his presence a comforting shield, and held me close as I let my tears flow. I lost track of time, but it was long enough for exhaustion to win, and I drifted into sleep.
I woke up in my bed at 10 pm, feeling somewhat more composed. I discovered Tyler in the living room, still engrossed in OITNB, just as I had been earlier.
"What did I miss?" I whispered, settling beside him.
"Nicky's back," he responded softly. "How are you holding up?"
I offered a nonchalant shrug, and he acknowledged it with a nod. "Where's our Taco Bell?"
"It's probably gone cold by now," he chuckled.
"Cold Taco Bell is still better than no Taco Bell," I remarked with a light chuckle, retrieving the bag from the kitchen and bringing it back to the living room. Tyler reached into the bag, and a smile tugged at his lips.
"I think we're soulmates," Tyler chuckled again.
"Probably," I grinned, and for a moment, the weight of the day felt a bit lighter.
