Legacy (Completed)

Chapter 21

Yesterday was surprisingly... nice. Ren stayed throughout the day, every once and a while one his phone to text someone. I didn't pay attention too much to it. He kept my mind occupied, and it was refreshing to have company. He stayed overnight, resting in the guest bedroom. And now it was the next morning.

And I would not leave my room.

It was another day of trying to hold back tears. I would breakdown eventually, my pillow turning into a soggy mess from the amount of crying. I didn't want Ren to see me like this. Therefore, I wouldn't leave my room, so he didn't have to. Maybe eventually I would emerge from my solitude, but not until I felt emotionally stable.

Not that it really mattered because at noon Lorenzo barged his way into my room. His eyes widened as he looked down the the door handle, almost like he was surprised to see that it opened. Probably thought I would have it locked. I mused bitterly to myself. I sank deeper into my bed, pulling my covers further up my body. I sniffled, pulling my sheets up to my eyes to wipe away the clotting tears.

"Wow, good job at knocking in my house. Really appreciate it," I tried to tease, hoping the drawn shades made my room dark enough to where he didn't notice my weak state.

"You need light in here," he ignored my attempt, striding across my room.

"Wait! No, do-" He yanked them open, sunlight pouring into the room. I cringed backwards, waiting for the disgusted look when he saw me. As he turned around, his face softened.

"Can I get into bed with you?" he questioned gently. I felt my face pull into a look of confusion, as I wiped away a stray tear.

"Why?" I choked out, feeling like I was finally getting control of my feelings. I had managed to keep a semi-conversation going without breaking down.

"You don't look fine. You look like you might cry any second," he replied. I thought I had gotten control of myself, but his words undid me, causing me to sob loudly. He quickly crawled into bed with me, pulling me to him as he stroked my hair. I felt bad almost, knowing I hadn't washed it in a while, and it probably felt greasy.

We sat together for a while in silence. Ren held me, giving me a squeeze of comfort every now and then. I didn't want to admit that it felt good to be able to cry and be comforted with no words spoken.

My interface broke the silence, ringing loudly. I wiped my eyes again, rolling away from Ren as I looked at the caller.

"It's my mom," I grumbled, rolling away from the interface. Ren sighed, shifting behind me as he grabbed my interface. He slipped his off, pulling mine on as he answered the call.

"Hello? Mrs. Mullen?" he started. He was quiet as he let my mom rant out whatever she had to say. "My name is Ren, I'm a close friend of Jacqueline's." He paused again, this one not as long as the first.

"No, no she's fine. I've been taking care of her. She just has been taking the whole ordeal very roughly... Yes, she's here," Ren spoke hesitantly, looking down at me. I stared back, my eyes wide and hoping he wouldn't hand me the phone if she asked. "I don't think she'd be ready for that quite yet. Give her a few more days, and I'll make sure she gets back to you." I sighed in relief, silently thanking him. He stayed on the phone with my mother a bit longer, reassuring her that things were going fine. He eventually hung up, bidding her goodbye. He took off my interface, sticking it back on the side table as I sighed.

This boy was nicer than anything I could ask for.

"You know," he started, his voice turning teasing. "To thank me for dealing with your mom, you should go take a shower. You look and smell awful." I rolled my eyes at his statement.

I take it back, he was still an asshole.