Page 76 of Chase

Well, that hurts.

He lets me go, and storms to the door, leaving, slamming the door behind him.

Chapter Thirty One

Four days later

I bought a new phone and I text Nikki and my parents, giving them my new number and telling them I am fine. Here I am, a couple days after my heart was crushed, holed up in some random motel, lying down in bed feeling sorry for myself. I’m listening to Passenger-‘let her go’ on repeat on my iPod.

Only hate the road when you're missing home

Only know you love her when you let her go

And you let her go...

I know I am going to have to go back and face him. All my things are there. But I needed time to think. It’s not just me to think about anymore. I glance down at my stomach. I have to think of my baby.

My period had been a week late, but that wasn’t too unusual for me. So I waited an extra week before I started to worry. The day I saw Chase kissing Aubrey, I had just done a pregnancy test that morning. It was positive. And Aubrey had perfect timing. I was already feeling vulnerable before she sprung all that on me. Chase doesn’t have my new phone number, but he’s been emailing me nonstop. I haven’t read any of them. My phone rings with Nikki’s ring tone ‘About a girl’ by Nirvana.

******

Chase

Nikki is standing in my kitchen, surrounded by myself, Kade and James. We are all staring at her, as she dials Layla’s number. She hands me over the phone, and my hand is shaking. It took about an hour or two of convincing her to do this, as she felt like she was betraying Layla. Layla had only given her new number to her parents and Nikki, no one else. We convinced her that Layla was over reacting, and that she needs to get her ass home. Kade pulled her into the room and had a chat with her, and she somehow relented. Fuck, I needed my woman home. I was over this shit. I’m fucking miserable without her. I explained to Nikki about the kiss. Aubrey is pulling out all the stops to keep Layla away from me. Manipulative little bitch.

******

Layla

“Hey Nikki,” I greet tiredly.

“Layla, don’t hang up!” Chase says in a hard voice.

“Nikki’s so dead,” I say irritably.

“Layla, let me fucking explain. I deserve that at least. Which motel are you at? I’ll come and get you. Please, Layla,” he begs, hurt leaking through his voice.

“You don’t deserve anything, Chase. But don’t worry, I’m coming home tomorrow; I need to pick up my things. It would be considerate if you made sure you weren’t home.” I say bitterly.

I hear Chase growl, he wants to say so many things, but he’s scared I won’t come home tomorrow.

“Fine,” he hisses through what I imagine are clenched teeth.

I hang up.

******

I spend the morning throwing up. I haven’t told anyone about the baby yet. I feel guilty; Chase deserves to know, even if we aren’t together. I need to tell him today. I check out of the motel and drive home. It’s only about an hour away. I pull up and see all the car’s gone, except Chase’s car and motorcycle. I take a deep breath, and mentally prepare myself. I’m still sitting in the car when Chase walks out. He walks up to my car and opens my door and I take a good look at him. He looks exhausted. Probably the same way that I look. He puts his hand out to help me out, which I ignore and get out myself. Petty maybe, but if I need to keep my walls up and touching him won’t help me with that. He sighs at me, and pulls me towards him in a hug. A hug which I don’t return.

“I missed you so much baby,” he whispers in my ear. I pull away, and walk towards the door. We walk inside, side by side, but miles apart at the same time. Once we’re inside, I head to my bedroom and start pulling my clothes out of my cupboard. Chase stands behind me, so close I can almost feel his body heat. The air is thick, heavy.

“Layla, stop.” He says in a tortured voice.

I don’t, I continue to angrily grab my clothes, throwing them on my bed. Chase gently grabs my hand, stopping me from moving. “Layla, stop. Please.” His voice is almost a whisper.

I pull my arm away from him and step back. “You kissed her!” I yell suddenly, causing him to flinch. “What else did you do with her?” The intensity in my voice surprises even me.

“Nothing. I did nothing with her, Layla. Listen to me!” He sounds so frustrated, and a little defeated.

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