Fragile Hearts

15: Good News and Bad News

Over the next couple of weeks, I see Tyce several times, mostly while changing classes. He's polite, but standoffish. I'm regretting what happened between us because I think it's ruined our friendship. To keep from falling apart, I throw myself into swimming and weight lifting.

Whenever I see Tyce, I ask about Kaylee. He just says she's sick, but stable. I tried calling her a few times, but her cell phone just rang. I left messages that she's never returned. I've been considering going to her house and seeing if the nurse will let me in.

Now, as I leave swim practice, I'm surprised to see Tyce leaning against the side of the gym building. My heart jumps and I get goose bumps. Today, he doesn't look like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

He says, "Hi, Morgan. I thought you'd like to hear the latest news about Kaylee."

From the tone of his voice and his smile, I know it's going to be good news. He says, "A donor has been found."

"That's fantastic! When's the surgery? Will we be able to visit Kaylee in the hospital?"

"I'm not sure to both questions."

"Well, I'll be spending Christmas break with my parents, so if you find out anything, will you call my cell phone."

"Okay."

Tyce doesn't say anything else, so I ask, "Hey, what are you doing during Christmas? Got any big plans?"

"No. Nothing."

He's not being very communicative and I can't think of anything else to say, so I start to say goodbye, but he says, "Morgan, I know I've been an ass for awhile, but there are things...anyway, I'm sorry."

"Hey, friends overlook things. Would you like to get together with me and Lucy and share a pizza tonight?"

He gives me a sad smile. "I'm afraid I'll have to pass on that. I've got some heavy studying to do."

I'm hurt because I know he's trying to let me down easy. "It's okay. I understand. Well, I guess I better get to my dorm. See you around." I move my hand toward the joystick on my chair, but Tyce wraps his fingers around mine to stop me. He bends over until his eyes capture mine. I'm lost in the depths of a blue sea that goes on forever.

"Morgan, you are the sweetest girl I've ever known, but the two of us as a couple would never work. I just want you to know that the reason it wouldn't work is because of me, not you. The man who steals your heart will be the luckiest guy on earth." Slowly he leans forward and kisses my forehead before quickly standing and walking away.

I watch him leave. Too late, Tyce, you're the one who's stolen my heart.

Lucy comes over for pizza and we watch Casablanca while pigging out. I tell her about Kaylee's good news and she's really happy for the girl. I keep the bad news of Tyce basically dumping me to myself.

After the movie, we talk about school and recount the encounter with Tina. Bitch girl has basically been ignoring us and we're not completely sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

Lucy reaches for the final piece of pizza. "You want me to cut it in half?"

"Naw. You go for it. I'm going for more Pepsi, though. You want a refill?"

"Yeah. Pizza and Pepsi; the perfect combination."

"When do you leave for home?"

Lucy chews and swallows. "As soon as my last class is over on Friday, I'm outta' here. How about you?"

"My mom is picking me up on Saturday."

"I'm going to miss you?"

"Ditto, girl."

"What about Tyce. Did he tell you what he's doing for Christmas break?"

"We haven't talked a lot lately, but when I saw him today and asked, he was vague and didn't really answer. I'm not sure what he's doing." I blink quickly when I feel tears threatening.

Lucy reaches to pat my hand. "What I've said before still stands. That man is crazy about you, but he's got some kind of demon that keeps him from telling you."

"Lucy, you're a hopeless romantic."

Lucy grins. "Truer words were never spoken. Let's watch Pretty Woman."