Page 49 of Your Side of the Offense

Jaden opens the door and moves out of the way, and I see him. My throat clogs with so many emotions and I can't stop the tears. He looks so tired, deep dark circles around his eyes, a drip on his arm. I walk in and they all turn to me.

"Come on, don't cry, Peach." Arch has a small sad, tired smile.

I walk in and go to his side. I can barely see much when I take his hand.

"I'm sorry." I apologize.

This feels like it’s my fault. I neglected him. I know his mental health struggles; I know how easily he falls into depressive episodes and the longer they persist the more it could trigger his mania, but I thought he'd be fine.

"Peach, it isn't your fault. I'm just…I'm sorry, this isn't your fault. I'm just…it's hard for me but I don't want you to feel pressured to anything, okay? I will be fine. I just…miss you. I…"

"Shh, don't apologize. I…I should have been here for you." I feel like shit.

"You don't have to stay. It's great just seeing you. But I know you have another life now."

That cuts me in my soul.

"That's bullshit, Arch. I'm not leaving."

The room falls into silence as we stare at each other. He holds my face and wipes my tears even though he looks exhausted.

"Can you guys please give us the room?" he says.

I had forgotten we had an audience. They all leave silently but not before they give me hard looks that communicate what they won't say. 'Don't fuck with him.'

"Sit." He scoots a little, brushing the space next to him. I hike my ass on the bed and face him crossing my legs so I'm comfortable. His gaze goes to my exposed leg, and I see the flash of want in his eyes.

This is a serious moment, but I stifle a laugh because men could be on their deathbed and still spare a moment to look at titties if they present themselves.

"Were you on a date with him?" he asks casually.

"We were going but he hadn't picked me up yet." Honesty is the best policy and I feel like maybe that's where we should begin. I am here for him but as a friend, but I am here, nonetheless.

He nods, hurt in his eyes, which he masks very quickly.

"Did you tell him you are coming here?"

"I told him I had an emergency."

"He still hates us?" I see the little smile as he says it, like he likes the fact that Logan sees them as a threat.

"You are my ex…"

"And he's your boyfriend…" It's a statement but it also comes as a question.

"Arch, listen, I…don't like discussing him with you. It's weird for me."

He chuckles lightly. "It's weird for me too, Peach. It's really weird for me."

"So, can we not talk about him?"

"Pretend he doesn't exist? I can do that." He has a small grin on his face, and I pinch his other arm slightly.

"Ouch," he says tiredly. But he smiles before a small silence falls between us again.

"Can we…be friends at least?" he finally asks.

Bringing his hand to my lips, I kiss it. "Of course, we can. I am here for you. I meant it. I am not leaving you again."

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