Double Tap: Decode [BXB]

CHAPTER 19

Teagan

"You seem quiet," I observed, noticing Sullie's silence since the cafeteria incident. Perhaps it was weighing on her mind. "Hey," I called to her, prompting her to look up at me in surprise. "Are you okay?" I asked, my concern evident.

"I'm just wondering," she replied, her tone pensive.

"About what?" I inquired.

"About earlier," she said, drawing my attention. "Why did you do it, Teagan? Why did you take that punch?" Her question caught me off guard.

"It's a long story," I responded, hesitating to delve into the details.

I noticed Sullie stopped walking after my answer. When I glanced at her, I saw her bowing her head, her gaze fixed on the ground. It was unusual to see her like this, and it piqued my curiosity. I wanted to know what was troubling my best friend.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked again, reaching out to touch her shoulder.

"Please, Teagan," Sullie suddenly pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears. It was a startling sight—I had never seen her cry before. "Tell me," she begged, referring to the earlier incident. I wasn't sure why she was so insistent, but her tears made it clear how much she needed to know.

"Zion has a rare condition called CIPA," I began, noticing Sullie's confusion. "It's a congenital disorder that prevents him from feeling pain. Even the slightest injury could be life-threatening," I explained, watching as understanding dawned in Sullie's eyes.

"Is it serious?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"Yes, it is. He's essentially like a ticking time bomb," I admitted, taking a deep breath. "He could die at any moment."

"Is that why?" Sullie questioned, and I nodded in response. "Why are you doing this for him?" she pressed.

"At first, it was just an act of kindness. I wanted to repay him for helping me when I was injured," I explained, noticing Sullie avert her gaze. "But then it became more than that. I realized I wanted to help him because I genuinely cared. Do you understand what I—" My words trailed off when I saw Sullie sobbing. It was a jarring sight—Sullie was usually upbeat and lighthearted. Seeing her cry like this was completely out of character.

"I'm...sorry," Sullie managed between sobs, catching me off guard. It was the first time I had seen her like this, and it left me at a loss.

As curiosity gnawed at me, I felt an overwhelming urge to uncover the truth behind Sullie's tears and her sudden change in behavior.

"What happened?" I asked gently, trying to comfort her.

"Nothing. I just got carried away," Sullie replied, but I could tell it was a lie.

"Tell me. Friends are supposed to confide in each other," I urged, hoping to coax the truth out of her. Sullie shook her head, refusing to divulge anything. Instead, she abruptly began walking away at a brisk pace, as if in a hurry.

"Sullie? Please!" I called after her, hurrying to catch up. I stood in front of her, blocking her path.

"Move, Teagan," she demanded, not bothering to meet my gaze.

"No."

"Please," Sullie pleaded, attempting to sidestep me, but I stood my ground.

"Not until you tell me what's wrong," I insisted.

"Not right now," she replied, trying to push past me. I stopped her, feeling a surge of frustration. "I said stop, Teagan!" she snapped, her sudden outburst catching me off guard. Anger radiated from her, and I realized she was on the verge of losing her temper.