The Roommate | zdh ✓

Eleven

EDITED 7.10.2020
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Zach's p.o.v

How could I be so stupid? I got caught up in trying to hurt Nick, I ended up hurting the girl I care about. I don't know how Everly can ever forgive me. If the roles were reversed, I'd be pissed at her.

After the party, I make my way back to the apartment. I'm hoping to find Everly and apologize to her.

The room is dark, and it seems like the apartment is empty. Where could she have gone?

"Damn it, Everly." I cursed to myself.

I hope that she is just staying at one of her friend's dorms. I keep telling myself that at least as I wait on the couch, and surround myself with silence.

I must have fallen asleep, because I wake up to the sound of banging coming from the front door. I quickly get up and swing it open. It's Everly.

Her hair is knotted, dark circles appear under her eyes, and dry mascara marks smear down her cheeks. I caused this. I just want her to let me explain why I did what I did. Except, she didn't.

Everly speaks with no emotion, "I forgot my keys," and walks past me. Not even eye contact. She slams her bedroom door, and I know then that she isn't going to come out anytime soon.

I watch as heavy rain crashes against the tall windows. I can't just sit here while Everly is broken down the hall. I have to talk to her.

I get up from the couch, and make my way towards her bedroom door. I'm tempted to open it, but I don't want her to throw me out. So, I speak to her from outside of the door.

"Hey, Everly?" I say in almost a whisper, and give a small tap to her door. I hear nothing, so I assume she doesn't want to talk. Well, she's going to have to listen then.

I continue, "I want to explain what happened tonight." More silence. "It was my fault."

Gosh, that hurts to say out loud. I let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding in. I then slide down to the ground. This is going to be tougher than I thought. If I want her to understand, and to know I'm serious, I have to tell her everything.

"Look, you're going to hate me, I know it already. I just need you to listen. Please, just hear me out." I plead.

Nothing comes out from the other side of the door, so I continue. "I wanted to hurt Nick, and only Nick. He hurt my brother, okay? I know what I did was awful to you, but I couldn't just stand on the side and let him get away with it. I didn't think about the after part, and it was stupid of me to not consider the people who'd get hurt in the process, you. I payed that girl to pretend to say he messed around with her. I know Nick didn't lay a hand on her, and I'm sorry for letting you think that. Once I saw you, and how much pain I caused you, it hurt me more than you'll ever know. I know how you feel, because I was cheated on by a girl I thought loved me as much as I loved her." I feel a tear escape, and quickly shoo it away.

"Ugh, suck it up, Zach." I whisper to myself.

"Anyways, I just wanted to say how sorry I am. I know that probably doesn't mean anything to you right now, and I'd understand if you don't forgive me. Hell, I wouldn't even forgive me if I were you."

I take a breather, and slowly let the air go. Am I really going to do this? Once I say the words that I have kept in the back of my mind, they're out there. Here goes nothing I guess.

"Everly, I like you. Like, a lot. I might even love you, who knows. I can't believe I'm even saying this to you, at the worst time too, but I wanted you to know that. I know that I act tough around school, and I'm sure you've heard tons of stories about me, but the truth is–you've changed me, Everly. I don't know how, but you did. I don't want to keep hurting people that are close to me. I want to not be a disappointment to my own mother. I want to be a good brother. I know my actions lead to such mistakes, and a lot of them can't be fixed. Yet I know that what I did to you can. You don't have to forgive me right now, and you don't have to be friends with me. Just please say anything, so I know you at least heard what I had to say."

I wait for Everly's voice, but again, no sound came from the other side.

I'll try again later. I should give her space. I'm about to leave to go to my room, until the door opens wide. I quickly get up to my feet, and immediately face the girl who looks broken. I'm mad at myself for making her feel this way. Everly's eyes brim with tears.

She clears who throat before speaking. "Thank you, Zach. I might need a little time to forgive you, but thanks for everything you said."

Hearing my name from her makes my heart ache. God, the effect she has on me.

"Yeah, okay." I respond.

I give her a faint smile and she returns one. Unexpectedly, she gives me a short hug by wrapping her arms around my neck, and then letting go to close back her door. I stand there, replaying what had just happened. Her hug was warm, and it gives me this weird feeling. Weird.

I walk to my own bed, and shut off the lights. I then let the soft-silky sheets take me into a deep slumber. I can't believe I told Everly how I felt about her. I can still feel her embrace, and the small smile she gave me. If she has any feelings for me back, I for sure can't mess anything up. I can't make any more mistakes to hurt the people I care about.

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Yay! How do we feel about Zach confessing his feelings to Everly? Let me know :) Also, thanks for 6k reads! Crazy how far this book as gone. Speaking of the book, I think this is near the end of The Roommate. Honestly I only picture a few more chapters. weird to say that, but all books have an end, sadly. Anyways, I'll try to update soon! -Izzy <3