| VEXED |

chapter | forty three

Alex

3 days later

I sat on the swing on the porch of my childhood home, just basking in the cool pre-winter weather.  

The leaves have already changed colors, and for the most part, the trees are bare. it reflects what I'm feeling right now, in a weird metaphorical way.

Elena and Ryan are almost done packing. I can't help but feel like it's my fault for making everyone's life hell. I mean Ryan and Elena are literally going to move for their safety. Most of my friends are moving into a secure mansion so they don't get killed in spite of me. 

"Why are you out here, it's cold?" Grayson appeared in front of me, breaking me from my thoughts. "after today I don't know when I'm going to be here next. im just thinking and reminiscing I guess." I shrugged and played with the blanket that was on my lap.

he tapped my leg lightly signaling for me to move over, so I did. "that's not all you're doing." he spoke as he sat down beside me on the swing.

"what do you mean?" I asked looking over at him. "I know that look. You're torturing yourself," he responded quietly and I looked away from his brown eyes. "I'm not," I argued and I heard him hum under his breath sarcastically.

"I'm just being honest with myself gray. none of this would be happening if it wasn't for me. maybe you were right, I shouldn't have come home." I admitted, looking over at the tree I was studying earlier.

"Hey," he spoke but I didn't say anything. I felt his hand touch the side of my face and bring it to face him. "I didn't mean that. You coming home was the best thing that could have happened," he spoke softly and I shook my head slightly. 

"Alex, I mean it. none of this is your fault." his eyes steadily stayed looking into mine and I nodded slowly. 

the door made a creaking sound, signaling that it was opening. Grayson moved his hand quickly and moved away slightly. 

"I was looking for you." Ethan stepped outside and immediately shivered a little. "Ryan is getting the last of their things together. it's about time to say bye." he said the last part slower and I felt my heart beginning to race.

I felt Grayson rub my leg reassuringly from under the blanket, he wasn't even looking at me but he knew somehow.

I breathed out slowly and stood up. 

-

we packed the last bit into the car, they packed sort of lightly. "Call me if you need anything man. you're my brother, remember that." Jordyn looked at my brother before they bro hugged each other tightly. I breathed in slowly keeping the tears back. 

"Jordyn, keep an eye on her." Ryan smiled. "Dude, I don't want to sound like a bitch, but I'm gonna miss you." Ryan groaned looking directly at Jordyn. "It's like we're 12 years old again leaving for football camp." Jordyn joked punching Ryan on the arm lightly.

"We'll see each other again one day man. Love you." Jordyn added as they hugged tighter this time. Jordyn then stepped back and wiped away what I thought might have been a tear, I could be wrong. I smiled at their relationship, I love that they got close again.