20 Days In His Bedroom

Chapter Twenty six

run like my life depends on it.

My heart's pounding so hard it hurts. I don't know if I'll actually do it, but if I don't... I'll look like a joke. Still, I don't want to die. Not really. He probably wouldn't even wait for me to drown.

The pool appears, glistening and empty. No one's swimming. Perfect.

I stop at the edge, staring at the water. Then I look back.

Kyle's close. Just meters away.

"Here—I'll do it," I say, though every part of me is screaming don't.

"Don't. You can't swim," he warns.

"Not your business. You didn't listen to me, so now I won't listen to you." I shake my head.

He inches closer—five slow steps. He's trying not to spook me.

"Don't try to save me. Not this time." I whisper and start to count.

One.

Two.

Three.

I jump backward.

In those three seconds, Kyle explodes toward me like a panther.

God, forgive me. I know this is wrong. I know.

Then—arms wrap around me.

Kyle.

Always at the perfect moment.

He catches me before I hit the water, drags me to the edge, and lays me down. I'm soaked. Dizzy. Tired. I don't open my eyes.

"Twi," he whispers.

I don't answer. I want to see what he'll do.

He places his ear to my chest.

"You're alive," he breathes in relief.

"Twyla, please say something." His voice breaks. His tears mix with mine. He's crying?

"Please. If you can hear me, say something. I won't forgive myself if something happens to you." He's sobbing now.

Is this real?

"I know you're alive," he says, brushing my cheek.

"I know I messed up. But no one touches you when I'm here."

"You can't leave me. I need you. You're... you're part of my life now."

What's happening?

"Wake up," he begs.

I would throw myself in that pool a hundred more times if it meant hearing those words again. I'm so far gone for him.

"Bring a doctor!" he shouts.

"No, don't," I whisper.

"What?" he gasps.

I slowly open my eyes. His face lights up.

"Don't bring a doctor," I repeat.

"You okay?"

I nod.

He lifts me up and carries me through the crowd. I can't believe how many people saw that.

He sets me down on the bed in his room.

"Where are you going?" he asks as I sit up.

"To my place," I smile.

"Oh no. Forget it," he grins. I'm too exhausted to argue.

"What do you want to eat?"

"Anything. I'm starving." I laugh.

He chuckles. God, that smile. Those lips.

"Pizza?"

"Yes, please." We both laugh.

"What is this?" he says, still smiling.

"No idea. But I like it."

"Same." He calls the restaurant.

"Coming soon," he tells me.

"Cool." I nod.

"You can chill. I'm gonna shower."

"Okay."

Once he's gone, I glance around. I'm still shivering. I spot a stack of papers on the couch.

Curiosity wins.

It says "Me" at the top.

A diary?

I shouldn't, but—

I don't know why I'm writing this. Maybe I just need to get things off my chest. I'm Kyle—the only son of a rich family obsessed with money and business. I've never wanted something without getting it the next day. Friends, girls, parties, money... I never had to try. But maybe that's the problem. I'm not happy. And I can't even blame anyone. I should be happy, right? I drink. Dance. Party. Hook up. Laugh. I live like I'm in a music video. But is that really living?

I want something more. I don't want to marry Sarah just because Mom thinks she's perfect. I'll never marry someone I don't love. Hell, I might never love anyone. My heart feels like iron. I don't believe in miracles.

I don't hear him return.

"Did it arrive?" he asks.

I drop the papers, startled.

"What are you doing?" His voice sharpens.

"I'm sorry! I just found them and... I don't know why I read it. I know it's wrong."

"You can't do that. You can't go through people's things!"

"I said I'm sorry!" I snap. My heart's sinking. The whole day just crumbled around us.