— Wren —
Tyler couldn't contain his excitement throughout the entire car ride to the airport. His enthusiasm filled the car, setting a lively tone for our upcoming journey.
We arrived at the airport, checked our bags, and joined up with Josh and Mark. Tyler, his appetite still brimming with enthusiasm, declared his intention to grab a quick bite before our flight, and Mark decided to join him, leaving Josh and me alone.
Josh stood with his hands tucked into his pockets, avoiding eye contact with me. It bothered me more than I'd like to admit.
"So, you and Tyler," he finally broke the silence.
"Friends," I replied hastily, the tension palpable.
"Cool," he nodded, still not meeting my gaze.
"You and Debby?" I ventured, trying to alleviate the awkwardness.
Josh let out a dry chuckle. "Done."
"Cool."
"Did you get any of my texts?" Josh's question caught me off guard. Texts? What texts? Why would Josh be texting me?
"I have your number blocked."
"Oh."
Just when I began to feel suffocated by the awkwardness, relief washed over me as I spotted Tyler and Mark returning with their meals.
"Wren, I—" Josh started to say, but I cut him off.
"Anyway, take care," I called over my shoulder, already making my way toward Tyler and Mark.
"Sorry about that," Tyler mumbled as he planted a gentle kiss on my forehead. I squeezed his hand tightly and walked with him back to our gate. Tyler's face fell when he examined the tickets.
"There must be some mistake. You were supposed to sit with me," he said, frustration evident.
"It's too late now," I sighed. "It's okay, Tyler."
"It's not okay! I don't want you to sit with him!"
"I'll be fine," I reassured him. "I'm just three rows behind you."
"And across," he added, his disappointment clear. We shared a chaste kiss, and I made my way to my seat, suppressing my own disappointment.
"Hey," Josh greeted me with a bright smile as I sat down.
I rummaged through my backpack for headphones to avoid him, but I'd forgotten them. Of course.
"What're you looking for?" he asked.
"Headphones," I mumbled.
"You can share mine," Josh offered, holding out an Air Pod. I hesitated but didn't take it.
The plane's takeoff always made me nervous. Sitting beside Josh instead of Tyler didn't help. I bit my lip as the plane started moving.
"Nervous?" Josh observed. I nodded, scanning the cabin for Tyler's seat. "You can hold my hand if you need to," he offered with a smirk.
I smiled at Tyler when he glanced back at me. I knew it would ease his anxiety if he saw me smiling.
"I made you smile," Josh said proudly.
I rolled my eyes and snorted. "I wasn't smiling because of you."
Josh followed my gaze to Tyler and muttered, "Oh."
"I just wanna say—"
"No," I interrupted him.
"Wren, I—"
"No," I repeated.
"What do you mean, 'no'?"
"I mean no."
"I just want to talk."
"No."
Josh was sitting there, arms crossed, and I was doing my best to ignore him. Finally, he snapped.
"You know, you've been a real handful since you started messing around with Tyler."
"Excuse me?" I shot back, drawing gasps from other passengers.
"I didn't think it was possible for you to be bitchier than before, but I've been proven wrong."
I was at a loss for words.
"Doesn't it bother you that he still technically has a girlfriend?" he continued.
"Does it bother you that you had a girlfriend when you were messing around with his?" I retorted.
Suddenly, Tyler was standing by my side.
"Dude, chill out," Tyler whispered loudly at Josh.
"No, fuck you. This has been going on for way too long."
"What, you cheating on her repeatedly?" Tyler snapped. "Josh, do you have any idea how many times I've found Wren crying on the floor after you've left?"
Tyler's words, though not directed at me, hit me straight in the heart. I felt tears stinging my eyes as they continued to argue.
"You don't know anything," Josh growled.
"I know enough."
I couldn't take it any longer. I stood up, pushed my way past Tyler, and took his seat next to Mark. I nodded when he asked if I was okay, and I'm sure he could tell I wasn't being truthful.
"I'll take your seat, okay? You need Tyler right now," Mark explained softly as he switched seats.
Tyler didn't say anything when he sat down next to me. He held my hand tightly and kissed every knuckle.
***
"I'm done." Josh mumbled as he pushed passed Tyler and I
"What do you mean you're 'done'?" Tyler called after Josh, who was grabbing his luggage.
"I mean I'm done, Tyler." he replied calmly. "Find a new drummer."
"I tried to talk to him about this, I swear," Mark looked stressed, looking at Tyler for help. I saw a mix of shock and panic on Tyler's face as Josh walked away, and decided to talk to Josh myself. He rolled his eyes once I caught up.
"Please don't do this to him, Josh." I pleaded.
"You're doing this." he laughed.
"Excuse me?" I froze.
"You came in between us, Wren. You broke up a friendship and a band. Don't you realize that?"
"I... I d-didn't-"
"Anyway," he smirked, "Take care."
