Page 25 of Liam

We broke for the night, and I went home to find Charlie there.

"I hope you don't mind," he said. "I wanted to be here when you got home." He sidled up to me and stepped in close against my chest. He ran his hand into my hair and set his lips on mine.

I moved back from him, breaking the contact before his intention turned into a kiss. "I don't want to do this." I lowered his hand away from my neck.

"Fuck, Liam!" Charlie threw his arms wide. "What the hell is going on with you?"

"I can't fuck you anymore."

"But that's our thing. The hot angry sex. Remember?"

"Then maybe we're done."

"Are you breaking up with me?"

"We were never together, Charlie. Even you said that. It was only supposed to be sex."

Charlie placed his hands on his hips. "Maybe it became more than sex for me."

I tipped my head as I stared at him. "You said it hadn't."

"I lied."

"Fuck, Charlie." I turned away from him and paced the room. "I don't feel the same way. You know that. I was very clear about that. So were you."

"I hoped you’d change your mind over time."

"I haven't."

"So … that's it?"

"It's time we brought it to an end, Charlie. I'm sorry."

Charlie sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. "It's late. Can I stay here?"

I was too emotionally exhausted to argue with him. When I joined him under the covers in bed, he snuggled close to me, and put his head on my chest, his hand on my stomach.

For the first time ever, he wanted to cuddle.

I stroked his hair. "I'm sorry, Charlie. I really am."

"I get it. You're not feeling it, but I need you to hold me tonight. One last night."

"I can do that." I wrapped my arm around him and hugged him tightly against me. His breathing evened out and softened as he fell asleep.

The feel of Charlie in my arms felt like closure.

We were done.

Chapter Six | Jamal

Afternoons at the Rainbow Youth Centre were always busy. Kids came here straight after school. Some walked and biked. Some needed to take the bus. They came from all over the city.

I rolled into the gymnasium. Noah had a group taking shots on an empty net with hockey sticks and plastic pucks. He was, of course, proficient at it. He'd played some hockey as a kid.

He saw me and came my way. I hadn't talked to him since before he went away on his honeymoon. The kids had missed him. There had been loud squealing and clapping of excitement when he showed up today. Noah was one of their favourite volunteers.

Noah stood beside me, holding his hockey stick.

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