Page 163 of Unspoken Rules

Mila: I’m a horrible person! I just don’t know how to face him after everything.

Me: You’re not a horrible person. And trust me, I get it. I’m living it.

Mila: I’m so sorry, Bry. I want to see him, really I do, I’m just not ready to face him yet.

Me: Well, just so you know, I think he’ll be reaching out to you more often.

Mila: Why? What did you say??

Me: I didn’t say anything lol It’s just him. He almost died, and he’s trying to make different decisions now that he has a second chance.

Mila: I should text him…

Me: Only do what feels right.

Mila: He doesn’t remember anything?

Me: I wouldn’t be here if he did.

Mila: Love you, Bryson

Me: Love you too

I drop my phone into my lap, rest my head back, and wish Monday would come sooner.

Chapter Sixty-Nine

Bryson

The next two days pass mostly the same. Chris and I spend the day together, hanging out and having fun. Being lazy and not worrying about anything. Cole goes to work, comes home to cook, and we eat dinner together. It’s all normal. Routine. It’s nice. Chris is getting better each day. He has more energy, and his bruises are going away. He says the headaches aren’t as bad as they were. We were planning on going to Mila’s tonight, but I’m really not up for it, so Chris is going alone.

It’s not that I want to be here alone with Cole, but this week has been stressful on me. I’m not ready to put on a happy face for so many people, but Mark and Onyx will be there too.

Chris still remembers nothing. I’m worried he may never while also worrying that he will at any second. He has a follow up with his doctor next week, and I told him to make sure he calls me and lets me know what happened since I won’t be here.

“You going to drop me off in your fancy car?” Chris asks when I get downstairs.

“Was hoping your dad would, but if you really want me to?” I plop onto the couch beside him.

“I’m so bummed you aren’t coming,” he says.

“I’m sorry. I’m just so tired. The time change, stress… I just don’t feel like socializing.”

“I get it. It’s how you’ve always been, so I shouldn’t expect anything different.”

My phone dings with a text.

Cole: I’ll be home late.

Me: How late?

Cole: About 7 probably

“Why is he texting you and not me?” Chris asks.

I freeze and glance to my side. Chris is right there, looking at the texts.

I shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe he’s worried about your headaches.” I get to my feet. “What time are you going to Mila’s?”

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