20 Days In His Bedroom

Chapter Sixty two

I can't believe what just happened. He still loves me, doesn't he? Kyle came after me. He asked if I dated anyone. That has to mean something, right? It has to.

I open the door, then stop. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him—his car pulling away quickly, tires skidding on the pavement. Oh my God. He's running after me... but then he's gone.

I drag myself to my room. Thank God no one is awake. I grab makeup remover and scrub the terrible mess off my face. Tears have ruined my eyeliner—it's usually perfect, but tonight it's a melted mess.

I splash cold water on my face, slip into my pajamas, but I don't have the energy for a shower. I hope he's thinking about me the way I'm thinking about him. I hope he dreams of me tonight.

Suddenly, a scream pierces through my mind.
"No, I don't know how to drive!"

I'm trapped inside a speeding car, hands gripping the wheel I don't know how to control.

"You can," Kyle says softly.

"No, help me!" I yell, panic rising.

His hands wrap around mine—so warm, so steady—and just like that, the car screeches to a stop.

"Kyle, we're alive. We survived," I laugh shakily.

"Yes. Together, we'll survive. Believe me." His blue eyes, those eyes I admire the most, lock with mine.

"Sure?" I whisper.

"I love you, Tayla. I mean, Twyla."

"What?? You forgot my name?" I hide my face in my hands, laughing and crying all at once.

I wake up. It was a nightmare.

What does it mean? That he's a liar? That he doesn't love me? What the hell is wrong?

I want to cry, but more than that, I don't want to lose him. I want him to look me in the eyes and say it.

I call him back from the fake number he used before. No answer. Probably tossed that phone.

Jakob called three times, but I can't face him. He doesn't know the mess I'm in. God, please help me get through this.

I throw on black pants and a yellow T-shirt and decide to run around the house. I need something to pull me out of this spiral.

"Hey."

Someone calls from behind me.

I spin around. A tall blonde guy, unfamiliar face.

"Uh, sorry if I seem creepy," he says nervously, "but today's my girlfriend's birthday, and I want to surprise her. I don't know why I asked you, but maybe it's good luck?"

I blink. "Uh... I'm not sure how I can help. Want ideas?" I narrow my eyes, unsure what this is about.

"Yeah, I hope so." He nods.

"Sure." I sigh, part of me amused. But it reminds me of Kyle and how sad that makes me.

"I'm sorry if I'm wasting your time." He smiles sheepishly.

"No, it's fine. I don't have much to do anyway." I shrug. "Maybe this will lift my mood." I whisper it so quietly he doesn't hear.

"Let's go." He gestures ahead. I don't want to argue, so I follow.

"What do you want to buy her?" I ask.

"A ring." He smiles softly.

Aww. He really loves her.

"That's sweet." I say. "Are you planning to propose?" I can't believe I didn't notice before.

"Yup." His eyes close briefly, maybe from nerves.

We reach a jewelry shop. It's a little far, but beautiful inside. Everything looks expensive.

"Pick one for her." He says as the jeweler shows us the collection.

"I've never chosen a ring before, so this might take a while." Excited and nervous, I scan the sparkling diamonds.

"Take your time." He smiles, patient and kind. I feel a flutter in my chest, almost like I'm the one he's buying for. Is he flirting? No, stop it, Twy. If he was just flirting, he wouldn't be buying a diamond ring.

"What's your budget?" I ask.

"It doesn't matter." He chuckles.

Wow. He's rich. I don't know how much a ring costs here, but this place isn't cheap. He wears a blue shirt and jeans—a polished, wealthy look.

"Okay, I choose this one." I point at a simple diamond ring that glimmers like a promise.

"Perfect." He tells the jeweler.

"Did you like it?" I ask him. He barely looks at it.

"A girl knows better than a guy." He raises his eyebrows.

"I'm sure she'll love it." I smile.

We head to the cashier, but he suddenly seems uncomfortable with me watching him pay. I don't understand why.

"Thank you so much." He smiles at me.

"Could you give me your Instagram? I want to see her reaction."

"She'll be jealous, sorry." He shakes his head.

His bluntness embarrasses me. Is he rude?

"I think you shouldn't have made me choose the ring." I roll my eyes.

"Why?"

"Because she'll be jealous." I tease.

"Sorry. Wish I could give it to you. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

"No problem." I say and walk back home.

No calls from Kyle.

I make coffee, feeling emptier than before.

Suddenly, the doorbell rings.

I open the door. No one.

"Hello?" I call out.

I'm about to close the door when something catches my eye on the ground—a small red box.

What's this?

I pick it up. Inside is a note.

Kwyla,

Kwyla? What? It's Twyla!

Kyle?

My heart races.

I open the box.

A diamond ring—the same one I chose today.

⸻

Hey guys, sorry for the delay. Life's been crazy. Please send good vibes my way.

Do you want more chapters or should I wrap this story up? I've got ideas for both. Your support means everything!

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