Together Apart | ✓

|Chapter XVI|

Hurt me with the truth but never comfort me with a lie

Chapter 16: Developing new friendships

Ignoring Jordan didn't get any easier. My whole plan on not talking to him ran smoothly at school but at home was another story. I avoided going out my room in case I bumped into him. He was becoming more stubborn, appearing everywhere. I couldn't even go to the bathroom without hearing the word sorry come out of his mouth.

It was a hassle to get up the stairs. I had to crawl in a strange way only using my good leg. I would throw my crutches at the top of the steps, not without a couple of tries. It took me at least five minutes to get stuff when it could've taken me five seconds.

I made sure to do this when no one was watching to save myself the embarrassment. I didn't need to see myself to know that I looked ridiculous and could end up on a comedy show. It was already a challenge going up the stairs at school in a civil way.

Dinner was another story. Cali was those mothers who believed you couldn't get out of sitting at dinner. Fridays and Saturdays were an exception. Other than that, if you missed dinner it was like committing a crime in this house.

The same sounds were heard just like every night; utensils clattering against plates, silent chewing, the small sounds of water being poured into a glass. Only difference being no one spoke. I didn't talk which lead to Jordan not talking and Cali was left not knowing what was happening under her own roof.

Tonight, I sat beside Cali. She was confused but didn't fully let it show. Jordan on the other hand displayed his hurt for everyone to see. I didn't care. Why should I care that I hurt him after he did the same thing? But the small voice inside of me was telling me that I did care.

The silence must've been killing Cali since she decided to open her mouth and speak--she was a chatty person. "Why you guys so quiet? Am I missing something here?"

"Mom, it's nothing." Jordan vaguely replied, making her more curious.

I've known Cali all my life and one thing was you could never get past her without an explanation.

"Renée?"

"Mm-hm?" I mumbled when I realised my name was being called. "Uh, yes?"

"Is everything alright?" Nope.

I stayed quiet staring at my untouched food. It's not like the food was bad, my appetite for food was weirdly disappearing each time I thought about my situation.

"If you need someone to talk to you know you can always come to me. Right?"

"I know."

"Does any of this have to do with you getting hurt?" Yes.

"Maybe."

My gaze flickered to Jordan across the table. He was already looking at me. I didn't show that he affected me. The fact that I didn't stop loving him killed me. I was disappointed at myself for still having feelings for him. The reality was that my love for him wasn't going to disappear over-night.

"I said I'm sorry." His eyes pleadingly looked at me.

I stabbed my food with my fork making it clash with the plate resulting in both of them staring at me. I knew I looked unstable stabbing at my food.

My head lowered glancing at the water in the glass in front of me. It stayed so still, peaceful, no harm coming its way. But as soon as it was tipped all the content would spill out scattered in droplets.