Page 137 of The Space Between
We’re circling something we already admitted, alreadyconsumed. But we haven’t spoken about what it really means. I don’t know. I don’t think he does either.
But where does that leave us?
Do we just… go on?
“Miss Walker?”
I glance up. One of my quietest girls, Sophie, is lingering by my desk. “Yeah, sweetheart?”
She shifts her folder against her chest and says, “Are you okay?”
I blink. “What do you mean?”
“You looked kind of sad today. So, I just wanted to check on you.”
She’s so sweet.
God, I want to tell her I’m not.
That I’m just tired.
But I don’t. The things I carry are too heavy for a child.
And I’m not sad. I’m not.
I’m in love with man who loves me back. A broken, beautiful man who accepts that I’m broken, too.
But the past and the ugly parts of it are still there.
“I’m okay, sweetie,” I tell her gently. “But thank you for checking. That’s very sweet of you.”
She nods and ducks out and I exhale and sit at my desk, resting my head in my hands.
It’s been eight days since Tyler showed up. Eight days since he was arrested.
It’s quiet in the empty hall. Too quiet.
As I wait for Gruene to come pick me up, I sit behind my desk.
He didn’t ask, we didn’t talk about it. We just go to his cabin every night. He brings me to and from work, like he’s scared I’ll just drive past the school and out of town.
That’s not true. He doesn’t think that. He’s being loving, supportive, and protecting. And I love it. I value it. It’s just so… different.
He’s trying. But behind it all, I can see he still has a fear that I’ll leave. That I’ll regret this. Regret him.
Never.
My phone lights up.
Gruene
I’m here.
Ready or do you need a few minutes?
I don’t respond, I just grab my things and walk out. The brutal Texas heat greets me, but I smile as I see him just out front, waiting in the truck. He gets out when he sees me and opens the door.
He came straight from the river. His shirt is soaked through with sweat, it clings to the ridges of muscle and scars on his back. His hands are slick but the bandages across his knuckles are gone. Only small scabs and new, pink skin remain as reminders of him breaking Tyler’s face and ribs.
