20 Days In His Bedroom

Chaper Fifty six

Two days later...

Sometimes, life feels unbearably hard. It's like a tide that drags you under, then pulls you up again—only to crash you down once more. The weight on my chest had been growing heavier each day, and I found myself locking the door to my room, retreating from the world. Thank God Dad came to visit. But even with him around, my heart was shattered. I whispered to myself, It's okay. I'm strong. I can move on. I have to.

Kyle called me over fifty times in the past two days. Fifty. Each missed call flashing on my screen like a reminder I wasn't ready to face. But honestly, the things he said that night—the truth he spilled—were enough for me. He knew exactly what he was saying. Maybe his family forced him into it? Maybe they made him say those things? I didn't know, and honestly, I didn't care. I loved him—no, I still do—but I'm not going to be the girl who cries over her ex. Wait—is he even my ex? I don't think so.

College was starting in three weeks. I needed to prepare, not just for classes, but for myself. I didn't want to see anyone, but I knew I had to force myself out of this dark hole. So I signed up for a volunteering job for a week. It felt like a small step—something to fill the silence inside me.

"Hello." I stepped out of my room, almost surprised at the sound of my own voice.

"Finally!" Mom's eyes softened, though there was a hint of pity there. I had told her everything—the love, the heartbreak, the shock. She admitted she'd been part of that "surprise" Kyle pulled that night, though she definitely didn't expect him to say those cruel things.

"Yeah," I said, pressing my lips into a thin line. "Mom, I signed up for a volunteering thing. I submitted an online form. They said they'll email me soon. I think I need to do this."

"That's a good idea." She smiled faintly. "What kind of volunteering?"

"I'll be a receptionist for a charity program." I threw my arms up, trying to sound enthusiastic.

"Do you think you'll be good at that?" she asked, eyebrow raised.

"I'll try. Better than sitting around doing nothing." I sighed, already tired of my mood swings.

Mom just nodded, silently cheering me on.

The email came sooner than I expected: I was accepted. But I wasn't excited anymore. My emotions felt like a rollercoaster on a stormy night. Still, I told myself: Do it anyway.

⸻

"I'm here for the volunteering job," I told the girl at the front desk. "Had an online interview, got accepted."

"Right, right," she said, barely looking up. "I just need the manager's signature. You can wait here. He's coming today. Lucky you."

Lucky? I thought, rolling my eyes. More like a technical delay. I'd hoped to start immediately.

Then a woman with short black hair and bright green eyes appeared. "You can come with me. I'm Sabrina—I handle orientation."

"I'm Twyla," I said, shaking her hand.

She showed me around, explaining the basics. The job seemed easy so far.

"You should know," she said, lowering her voice a little, "today our VIP investor is coming. He's our most important visitor. You have to greet him with a smile, be professional. Ask him what he wants to drink. He's handsome and charming—but serious. No jokes or inappropriate chatter."

Her words made me nervous. Why did she feel the need to warn me so much?

⸻

I had just finished helping a few people with their donation forms when a voice cut through the quiet.

"Excuse me."

My head snapped up.

No way.

Kyle.

He was standing right there, leaning casually against the wall.

Is he following me? Has he come here just to ruin my first day?

"What are you doing here?" I raised one eyebrow.

"I could ask you the same thing," he smirked.

"I'm not joking. I work here. Please leave. Someone important is coming soon, and I need to greet him properly. Go before security throws you out." I huffed, trying to sound firm.

"Fine," he shrugged, "but hurry up. I don't have all day."

"What do you want?" I crossed my arms. He was acting ridiculous.

"Greet me properly," he whispered, eyes gleaming. "I'm the person you're waiting for. I always will be."

"What?" I blinked.

"Yup." He cut me off, smug.

"Don't tell me this is some kind of coincidence." My face flushed. This was insane—like a scene straight out of a movie. Could real life be this dramatic? Apparently, with Kyle, yes.

"Twyla, we need to talk again," he whispered.

"Get out of here," I hissed, trying to control my temper. "I thought you said everything you wanted to say that day." I glanced around nervously. I didn't want any of the other volunteers or staff overhearing this nonsense. "I can't believe she told you all those things about you—the handsome, charming investor. I don't care. You're a jerk."

"Is that what they told you to say?" Kyle smirked.

"That's none of your business." I slammed my hand on the counter.

Without warning, he reached forward, grabbed my head, and pressed his lips roughly against mine. Then he pulled away and walked off.

What the hell? What did he want? He said he didn't want me, but then he kissed me? Such a contradiction. Such a jerk.

"Didn't the investor come yet?" Sabrina's voice startled me.

"No," I said, catching my breath. "Maybe he came and left. Something must've come up." I lied.

She narrowed her eyes. "Is something wrong?"

"No. I'm fine." I forced a smile. "By the way, do you normally inform the investor when you hire new volunteers?"

"I think so," she said. "But Mr. John likes to give special treatment to our VIPs. You know how it is. But stop overthinking."

I laughed weakly.

"I need to leave early today. Could you cover for me?" I asked.

"Sure, it's your first day," she nodded. "Hope you had a good one."

I sighed, grabbing my bag and signing out. "Yeah... a very good day."

⸻

Author's note:
Lately, I've been updating more often! Hope you're enjoying the story.
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