the other side of us | ✓

2.11 | a shadow on me all the time

Mason woke up the next morning to sunlight streaming through his bedroom window. The rays touched his eyelids and warmed his cheeks as he blinked himself awake. His conversation with Devin and Ash hadn't gone the way that he'd expected it to, but he was glad that it happened. He wanted so badly to have Charlotte back in his life, but in reality, Mason knew he didn't deserve her.

He didn't deserve for her to forgive him, or to let him love her again, and he knew that. But he also refused to give up.

His mother's voice echoed in his head.

Carlyle's don't quit.

Adam had helped him come to terms with the fact that Charlotte may not want to be in his life when they'd first discussed moving back. It had been right after Mason received his one-year chip.

They'd gone out to celebrate his one year of being sober, some small taco place that served virgin margaritas. Adam had leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.

"You want to go back to Hollytree?" He'd asked. Mason had nodded, playing with the wrapper from his taco on the plastic tray in front of him. "Why?"

"I think I need to." He'd replied, his lips twisting into a sour smile. "I didn't exactly leave in the best way."

"And you think you need to make amends for that? You know you don't have to."

"I know." Mason had looked Adam in the eye then, to show that he was serious. "I need too."

For weeks, Mason had had a nagging feeling that he needed to do something. As soon as he'd made the conscious decision to go back to Hollytree, he'd known he was making the right choice.

"You know she might not forgive you." Adam had said gently. He was doing his job as a sponsor, encouraging him while making sure he knew the risks.

"I know." Mason had said again.

Adam looked around the crowded lot they were seated at and sighed, rubbing his hand over his eyes. In the time that the two had known each other, Adam had seemed to age slowly. Mason couldn't blame him; he was a handful.

"She could have moved on." He'd warned.

"She didn't." Mason had responded, so sure of himself that he was almost shocked.

"But if she did, it's got to be okay."

Adam had held Mason's eyes until he'd nodded in agreement.

"I can't give up again." Mason had said softy, wiping the crumbs off of his fingertips. "I've spent the past year trying to get my life back. Charlotte is a part of that. I won't give up until I've done everything that I possibly can."

Adam had called up an old college friend and set up a new job for himself the next day, and a month later, the two were on their way back to Hollytree.

A glance at his phone told Mason that he was going to be late for work if he didn't get up soon, so he reluctantly rolled himself out of bed and stumbled into the shower.

Kendrick was, once again, working out in their shared living room. He was wearing headphones, though Mason could still faintly hear the music echoing through the small devices. They nodded at each other as Mason made his way back to his room to get dressed.

"Mase!" Adam yelled from the next room. Mason tugged his shirt over his head before leaning through the doorway.

"Adam!" He responded, grinning. He couldn't help his good mood.

Adam held up his keys and jingled them lightly. "Want a ride? I'm going in early today."

Mason nodded enthusiastically and stuffed his work apron into his backpack, zipping it and slinging it over his shoulder in one smooth motion.