In the Absence of Light

18

Guys... I take five days off and I come back to almost 4k reads 😭 How are you all so amazing!!!! I truly can't thank you enough. I know I keep saying it but I truly feel so lucky to have you ❤️ Also, happy holidays you beautiful souls!!!!

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Ivys POV

I walk over the pavement, cautiously sticking to my side of the footpath. I don't want to get too close to Isaac, but I don't want to end up walking on the grass either. These boots are brand new. It's too soon to ruin them.

Isaac is being just as careful as I am. He's so far away from me, he's basically walking on the curb. If he veers any further to the side, he'll be walking on the road. I'd be afraid of getting hit by a car if I were him, but he doesn't seem concerned.

I should've driven to campus today. That would've made this trip a whole lot more bearable—mostly because the drive only takes 5 minutes. I don't even like walking. The only reason I do is for the endorphins.

When I suggested we talk at my apartment, I knew it would mean we'd have to walk there together. What I didn't realise, was that we would be walking in silence.

It's awkward and tense, mostly because we know exactly what we're both thinking about and what we're about to discuss. And it definitely isn't a pleasant topic. It feels weird to make small talk when we both know what's coming.

"I've gotta stop in here for a sec," Isaac breaks the silence, pointing at the 7-Eleven coming up ahead.

"Okay," I nod.

"You can wait out here if you like."

"No, that's okay."

We're in a pretty busy and suburban area, so the chances of getting attacked are relatively low. But, there's still a chance. I'd much rather take a quick break from the outside world than stand here, on my own.

Isaac and I part ways as soon as we enter the store. He heads to the counter while I head to the coffee machine. I'm not even tired, or thirsty. I just want something to keep my hands busy.

The machine whirs as it pours the milk onto the cup, but the sound is low enough for me to overhear Isaac talking to the clerk. He asks for a brand of cigarettes I haven't heard of before. But then again, I haven't heard of many.

I put the lid on the cup when the machine is done and join Isaac at the counter. He's leaning to the side, waiting for me, with just a pack of cigarettes and a pile of protein bars on the counter. They look like the ones my brother used to get, except these are coconut flavoured.

"That's all?" He asks me.

"Yeah."

"I've got you," he motions for me to put it down on the counter with his things, but I shake my head.

"It's fine," I tell him. "I can pay for myself."

"Are you sure? It's only like three bucks."

"Yeah, don't worry about it," I shrug. "I'd offer to pay for you too, but I'm not going to buy you cigarettes."

An amused smile pulls at his lips.

"What?" I ask.

"Nothing," he smirks. "You're just so innocent."

"Why? Because I don't like smoking?" I scowl. "It's so bad for you."

"So is coffee."

"But coffee won't give me cancer."