The Only One » cth [en]

13. jade hates conflicts

"Okay, what is going on?" My cousin's voice stops me as I tiptoe through the living room, a mandatory room of passage to any other place in the apartment. My mission of trying not to be noticed obviously fails.

Ashton mutes the tv and sits straight on the couch, looking at me.

"Hum, I don't know what you're talking about. I am going to bed, bye."

"Jade." The concern in his voice stops me in my tracks. I should have texted. "That's exactly my point. Since when do you only come home after 11?"

"I am 19 so technically I can."

I know this is bullshit but I feel really embarassed.

Some seconds of silence feel like an eternity when you are being judged by the person you love the most in this world that you are pretty sure you just disappointed.

"Can you sit next to me, please?" He sounds tired and I feel guilty.

"What's going on that suddenly you don't tell me anything?" I lower my gaze, hearing my heart beating louder. "This didn't happen since... your mom."

"Don't say that. I never want to be like that again."

He nods with an apologetic look.

"So is there a reason you've been avoiding us? Did Calum do anything? I asked him but he said you haven't been answering his calls."

I can't bare looking up.

I've been wandering off for the last days, finding quiet spots to draw so I could silence my mind too. But I don't tell Ash where I am or that i'm coming home late. I've just been feeling this strange sense of loneliness for no reason and the weight of my conversation with Luke has been pushing me down.

"Did I do something?" The uncertainty in his voice is all it takes to make my heart crack.

I grab his hand. "No! You never do anything wrong. Nor does Calum. I just... something feels off again."

"Jade, you're having a dreadful week, I get it. You could have texted me, still."

"I know."

"Look, I am not trying to lecture you. I was just worried. We all were."

"I know." I finally look at my cousin's emeralds. "Thank you."

"Is part of all this sorrow the reason why Luke had an ass face all week, maybe?"

"Maybe. We fought. I really hate that."

"There had to be a reason why you both have been rejecting human interaction. Talk to him. You always talk it through."

But this time it felt different.

My phone lights up and I grab it, unsure if I should answer or not.

"He calls me everyday and leaves a voicemail wishing I am okay." I show Ash my phone and he smiles.

"I love you." I whisper before hugging my cousin.

"I love you, cous." He says against my hair and I couldn't be more grateful.

I answer the phone before the call ends and leave for my bedroom.

"Jesus, you're alive. I was starting to think I had lost you."

His voice fills my ears and I really feel stupid for ignoring everyone this past week.

"Nope, not yet."

☘☘☘

oof, new mistery added to the plot

hope you're enjoying ♡

-mags