Again, my fault.
Nine days. It was too long for him to decide what I was worth to him. I’d already shut myself off from it two days ago, and I wasn’t willing to open that door again. It was too late.
The truth of that settled in and forced me to exit out of the text before I stood from my place on the steps and went inside.
I understood why he’d freaked out, even if I didn’t know the specifics behind it. That didn’t excuse the way he’d made me feel in the process. I gave him time. Further than that, I clearly communicated how much I could take. Maybe he thought I was too nice to hold him to that, but I wasn’t. The tears that had been falling since he texted me last night made me want to be, but I couldn’t.
Roman might find himself someday, but it wouldn’t be with me. Trying to hold onto this had made me angry, and I just didn’t want to be angry.
“You come see me, I go see you. Promise.”
After turning the lock on the front door, I flipped the light switch, casting the porch in darkness.
No more flour fights, movies, and tacos on the couch. No more drawing and camping trips or swimming holes and dancing in my backyard.
No more ‘hey’ and ‘hey back.’
No more promises.
Chapter 43
New Years Day
Roman:Hey
Can we talk?
January 5
Roman:Hey
January 10
Roman:Travis
January 15
Roman:Hey
I’m sorry. Can we please talk?
January 20
Roman:I fucked up. I know that, but I’m figuring things out. I want to do that with you
January 31
Roman:God damnit, Travis. Talk to me
Travis:You promised
Roman:I know
Answer the phone
Just answer the phone. Please
Please, Travis. Answer the phone