The Ink That Brands Us ✔️

Chapter Twenty-Three

My stomach was in knots as I was getting ready for the day. I could hear Jensen up and moving around in the kitchen probably making breakfast for us, but I wasn't sure if I could stomach anything today.

I had sent Alex a message as soon as I was up, asking if he could meet me at the park. His response was pretty quick.

    The smell of bacon wafted into my room and I had to press a hand to my stomach as it rolled. Food was definitely out.

    "Frey! Food's ready!" Jensen called.

    With one last look in the mirror, I made my way to the kitchen. A smile lit Jensen's face as I rounded the corner.

    I took a deep breath and words rushed out of me.

"No food for me. I have a few errands to run and I'm already running late. I'm sorry, but thank you."

    "Oh," he said, his shoulders sagging.

    I had decided against telling Jensen that I was leaving for the weekend. Something told me it wouldn't go over well, and I was afraid that he would ask me to stay. Or worse, he wouldn't.

It was a conversation I was determined to avoid. I was, however, planning on telling Saw and I needed to beat her out the door or she would be over here before I could stop her.

    I grabbed my bag off the back of the barstool and hurried to the door, tossing a 'see you later' over my shoulder before I closed the door behind me. Saw's door swung open and she stepped out, raising her eyebrows when she spotted me.

    "Where are you headed? I was just coming to visit." Before she could close her door, I ushered her back into her apartment. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

    I shut her door, then turned to face her.

"No. I'm not okay, but you knew that. My life has gone completely sideways and I can't figure out which way is up anymore."

    "Freya," she said, reaching out to take my hand. "I want to help you; I just don't think there is anything that I can do."

    "There isn't, and that's okay, but I'm going to go stay with my parents for a few days. See if maybe getting away from all of this will help."

    "You're leaving?"

    "It's only for a few days."

    She stared at me for a moment, then let out a breath.

"I can't say that I blame you." She leaned in wrapping her arms around my waist. "Does this include getting away from me?"

    "Of course not," I chuckled, giving her a squeeze.

    "Do you think maybe I could come with you?" She pulled back to look at me and I could tell that she was serious.

    "I would love that!" I shrieked. "Do you think Mack would be okay without the both of us?" She patted me on the shoulder and pulled her phone from her pocket.

    "You let me worry about that," she winked.

    "Thanks, Saw." I headed for the door, then turned back to her. "I gotta get going. I'm late meeting Alex this morning. It's time to finally cut him loose."

    "Yikes. Good luck, though it's way overdue."

    I rolled my eyes at her and pulled the door open stepping out.

    Alex was waiting for me right inside the park. He was pacing in a circle with his hands in his pockets. When he looked up, he smiled and waved at me. My heart raced as I tried to figure out how best to break up with him. I hadn't thought this through.