Page 43 of Fractured Faceoff

"So," she said with a playful grin as she released my hand, “what’s next?”

“I’m not sure,” I replied truthfully this time. “We’re just taking it one step at a time.”

“Well,” she said with a mischievous glint in her eye, “you better keep me updated.”

“Of course,” I promised, forcing another smile as my mind buzzed with the weight of maintaining this facade.

Autumn’s brows furrowed. “But why Jared? What about Brody?”

"Well, I grew up with him," I said, trying to sound casual. "And my sister is dating his brother."

Her eyes widened. "What? I forgot about that."

I sighed. "I should say, they’re engaged. We just found out."

"Wow," she said, frowning. "How are you? Are you sure you're not rushing into things, Is? I know Brody is an asshole, but you’re allowed to be alone."

"I know." I looked away, guilt gnawing at me for lying to her. "I think I want something new... something casual. And Jared happened to be there."

"And he just asked you out?" Autumn asked, skepticism creeping into her voice.

"Well, he heard about the Brody thing," I said. "Right before our session the other day, Brody called and was an ass, so Jared overheard the conversation and just… wanted to make me feel better about it. Like I said, we've known each other a while. I think he's just… being protective."

"And… you’re happy?" Her voice softened.

"I… I don't know just yet," I admitted, feeling the weight of my own uncertainty. "But I'm better."

She nodded slowly, absorbing my words. She reachedout and squeezed my hand again. "Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself."

"I will," I said softly.

She studied my face for a moment before nodding again. "Okay. But if anything feels off or if you need to talk... I'm here for you."

"Thanks, Autumn," I replied, feeling a surge of gratitude for her unwavering support.

She stood up and stretched, a yawn escaping her lips. "Well, it’s late and we both need our beauty sleep. Big day tomorrow?"

"Yeah," I said, getting up from the couch as well. "Big day."

We hugged briefly before heading to our respective rooms. Her, to her bedroom, me to the couch. As I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, a mix of emotions washed over me—relief for having shared part of the truth with Autumn and anxiety about what lay ahead with Jared.

I slipped out of my clothes and into a pair of worn, comfortable pajamas. The soft fabric felt like a small comfort against the uncertainty gnawing at my insides. As I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, brushing my teeth, I couldn't help but replay the events of the evening in my mind.

Was I doing the right thing? Pretending to date Jared seemed like a solid plan in theory, but now, standing alone in the quiet of the bathroom, it felt shaky. What if this backfired? What if it only made things worse?

I rinsed my mouth and splashed water on my face, trying to wash away the doubt. My reflection stared back at me with eyes that seemed too tired forsomeone so young. I sighed and turned off the light, making my way to the couch.

The cushions felt familiar beneath me as I lay down and pulled the blanket over myself. The night outside was silent except for the occasional hum of a passing car.

Jared’s words from earlier echoed in my mind. “We have a show to put on tomorrow.” The reality of our arrangement weighed heavily on me. Could I really pull this off? Could we convince everyone—convince ourselves—that this was real?

I closed my eyes, trying to push away the uncertainty and focus on breathing. In and out, slow and steady. But sleep didn't come easily. Every time I thought I was drifting off, another wave of doubt would crash over me.

I rolled over, adjusting the blanket around me and willing myself to relax. The couch creaked slightly under my weight, a familiar sound that should have been comforting but only served as a reminder of how temporary everything felt right now.

Eventually, exhaustion began to win out over anxiety. My eyelids grew heavy, and the chaos in my mind started to blur into something more manageable—more distant.

As I finally slipped into sleep, one last thought lingered: Tomorrow would bring its own set of challenges, but for now—for this moment—I could rest.

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