Page 141 of The Breaking Pointe
“Here, have some coffee. It’ll make you less cranky,” she offers, holding up her cup from the holder for me.
Itakeit,makingafrustratedfaceasIsipthecaramel flavor, savoring it like a hassle—but deeply loving the taste. “After last night, I thought you would be so much more relaxed.”Sheshrugs.“IguessIneedtoworkhardernext
time,” she says innocently.
I swallow my sip, scrunching my brows. “Harder? I’d love to see what that means.”
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” Her eyes fall down my bodyasshetwistsaroundacurlfromherheadandsitsback.
How can someone be so sweet and endearing, but also sexy and hellish at the same time?
Ieaseintoaparkingspot,rightneartheentranceof Steven’s dorms, cringing more as I take a good look at it.
“What if I just go alone?” I ask suddenly, putting the car in park.
Noelle turns to face me again, laying a hand on my thigh. “It’s obvious this is really bugging you out, but don’t take it out on Steven.”
I nod, looking down.
“I’m sorry.The habit of worrying isn’t as easy to overcome as everything else,” I admit, looking up again. I lean forward and gaze at how tall the building is.
“It’s okay,” she says kindly. “Go see him, Cole,” she adds with a smile, smashing a kiss against my cheek.“I’ll be right here.”
“Okay,” I comply, nodding and opening the car door, boosting myself out.
Itrudgetothefrontdoorofthebuilding,openit,and go inside.My eyes roam around in search of the nearest elevator to get to his dorm, finding it quickly and using itto send myself to the seventh floor.It takes seconds, and moves much quicker than the elevator in my condo complex, appeasing my anxiety.Upon walking up to his door, I can already see it cracked open—allowing anyone who chooses to waltz in on him and help themselves to any activity.
That’saredflag,ifI’veeverseenone.
I push the door open with my hand, looking to my left and seeing a neatly made bed and clean living space. Then I turn to the right, seeing the complete opposite. Clothes all over the floor, take-out containers in scattered places, and homework spread around the work desk, with no care. The topper is realizing there is a body buried under covers in the twin bed that sits amongst it all.
“Steven,” I say with my chest, closing the door and walking to his bed to give him a gentle shake.
Thenoisethathereleasesfromhisbodyisdemonic.He
throws back what seems to be his shoulder, pushing my grip away with disinterest.
Sighing, I speak again. “Steven, don’t make me be an ass. You can’t stay in bed, alright? You got me worried shitless— if you’re gonna do this, just come home.”
Adeepgrumbleintohispillowensues.“I’mgood.”
I shut my eyes, groaning in despair before becoming alert again and taking a nice hold of his comforter, snatching it away like a magician. When I do, a massive waft of his body odor swings in my direction.
“Get up. Right now,” I demand, watching him curl up as the room air hits his legs and arms. “Pack some clothes— and pick some nice stuff. You said you’d go to Chicago, and you’re not allowed to go back on it now,” I add, looking around for his suitcase and seeing it poke out of his closet. I pace over to it and pull it out, setting it on the floor.“And God—please take a shower. I beg of you,” I exasperate.
“What the hell?!”His scratchy voice yelps a complaint, shivering as he sits up on the edge of the bed and rubs his eyes. “What the hell?” I repeat him, remaining calm as we finally look at each other. “What the hellis you ignoring me, and causing me to seriously worry.So here I am.”I take a few steps closer to him.“It’s just you and me right now, buddy, and I’m not letting you stay trapped in this small room. Especially not during the holidays. So pack a bag.”
He glares at me with exhausted eyelids, red taking over the whites of his eyes.“Since when do you care so much about showing up and being there?” he asks, not moving an inch.
Listening to him speak, it grows more dull by each word. So does the life in his eyes and expression—all empty.
“We….” I drag the word, thinking of how to connect with him. “We have to be there for each other. Even if it’s not our strongest element as brothers. You’re important to me, and to Noelle. We couldn’t do this without you. Didn’t you get my calls? Messages?”
“Can you just…go away?”he states, reaching for the comforter.
I move it away, retrieving it from his reach.“No—I will notgo away,” I respond. “You don’t have to explain anything to me, Steven. I’m not here to parent you. But I’m not going until I know you’ll be on that plane with us to Chicago.”
He huffs, visibly becoming more agitated by my persis- tence.“Fine,canIatleastbealonetogetready?”he expresses.
