20 Days In His Bedroom

Chapter Thirty nine

Twyla's POV

He said he wants me. He said it just like that before walking away.

What does that even mean? Why does it make me feel like I can't breathe?

Twyla, get a grip. He's not your type. Not that I even have a type. But everything I know about Kyle screams danger. Still... I love him. I don't know when it happened or how, but it did. And now? Now it's all-consuming. Even though we argue constantly, even though I know he's not what I imagined for myself—I want him. Forever.

How did I let this happen?

He doesn't even love me. He never said it. Never showed it. But isn't letting me stay in his home, buying me food, clothes, being there sometimes... isn't that something? He got jealous when Jack talked to me. He said, "I want you. Don't leave."

That has to mean something.

No. Wake up, Twy. You're dreaming. Kyle is a dream—beautiful but impossible. And dreams aren't real.

If I told him how I felt, he'd crush me. I'd lose him completely.

And still... losing him already hurts more than I thought it would.

No, no. Forget him. Focus on what matters—finding my parents. But even they wouldn't have let me live like this. They'd never allow someone like Kyle in my life. But Kyle—he's been respectful. A man. He's never touched me beyond that one kiss. Never pushed for more. And I wonder... why?

Thank God he didn't. But still... why didn't he?

Twy, you're spiraling again.

♡

The next morning, I wake up and see a note by my bed.

⸻

Hey Twy,

It's my first time writing a letter, so I don't know how the hell this is supposed to go. Anyway...
I had to leave. I'm renting a place nearby.

This time, I'm not forcing you to come with me.
But you should know—you're always welcome.

I'll send you the address soon.
I know it's not an easy choice, but maybe choose the less dangerous option. ;)

—Kyle

⸻

The tears come fast. My chest aches.

He left. Just like that. Alone again.

I thought maybe he felt something for me. Maybe that jealousy meant more. Maybe... maybe he loved me, just a little. But no. He doesn't. He never did. He just left me here. Alone with Jack.

I told myself he'd hurt me—but I didn't expect it to be this soon, this sharp.

I want to scream. I want my parents. I want to leave. I don't want to see his face again.

Why am I even crying? He's not my boyfriend. He's not anything to me. But he felt like everything. I was stupid. So, so stupid.

I curl up under the blankets, though it's sunny outside. I just want to disappear.

But I can't.

I have training at McDonald's in fifteen minutes.

♡

I arrive late—figures. Thanks to Kyle.

Thankfully, I didn't see Jack this morning. I still don't know what to do. Stay with Jack? Just to spite Kyle? Or go with Kyle after all he did? Neither feels right. I can't afford my own place, and I don't know how to find one even if I could.

Hopefully, I'll find my parents soon and this nightmare will end.

"I'm so sorry," I say as soon as I walk in and spot Emma.

She doesn't look thrilled.

"I didn't sleep well—"

"It's fine, girl." She pats my shoulder with a small smile.

I already like her.

She teaches me everything with patience, and by the end of the day, she even says I'm doing well. Just one more day of training.

When I check my phone, I see a message from Kyle.

how was your day?

Seriously? After everything?

I stare at it. Should I even answer?

Then:
Twy!
are you there? 🤔

I finally reply:
I am not.

😑

I smirk. Serves him right.

so, I asked how was your day?
Twy? What's up?
Twy, stop that or I will come right to you now

none of your business.

My phone rings. Ugh. Of course, it's him.

I shouldn't answer... but I do.

"What do you want?" I snap.

"What's wrong with you?" His voice is calm, not annoyed. That makes it worse.

"You're bothering me. I'm working." I lie.

"You're not. You finished training five minutes and twenty seconds ago."

What?

"How do you know that?"

"I asked about your schedule."

"What? Why would they even tell you?"

"I said you were my girlfriend. They believed me."

I bite my lip. "You what?! That's not funny."

"Who cares? It worked. They're not your parents."

"Whatever. I'm hanging up."

"Where are you going?"

"What do you want now?"

"I missed you. I know it sounds crazy. Maybe you don't believe me. But it's the truth."

I close my eyes, breathing slowly. Listening.

"Where are you now?"

"Why do you care? You left. That's it."

"I left because I didn't want to force you to stay if you truly thought I was dangerous."

"Oh, I see. So now you're playing the noble guy?"

"I'm sorry I annoyed you. I just wanted to hear your voice. But it's fine. Go. Do whatever the hell you want."

His voice isn't angry. Just... soft.

And that's what hurts the most.

⸻

Author's Note:

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