Page 8 of Love Triangle
My eyebrows flew up. “What? Why?”
“Why?” He scoffed. “You just ruined my dreams, Trig. My chance to get away, to make something of myself. All because you couldn’t keep your word to me for a few measly hours. I’m tired of cleaning up your messes. I’ve been doing it for so long. You wreck everything, and I’m especially done when this is a mess that can’t be fixed.”
I was so shocked, I just nodded my head and started packing. Even with my executive dysfunction issues I managed to pack everything because I was so zoned out thinking about what the hell was going on. I knew I fucked up, and really badly, but he’d never been like that before.
When I finished packing, he didn’t even say goodbye as I left. He just watched me go, hands stiff at his sides, the way he’d watch a stranger. I ended up going to stay with another friend for the rest of the semester before moving back home.
I moved back to Isawsa Falls and eventually got a teaching position. I was glad for it, but I missed Cliff. His parents both died in an accident; I don’t think they were missed by many. I tried to reach out to him but he never responded.
Then I saw him on Main Street one day and heard him say to the tailor he was moving back. I was so happy. But that was soon crushed when I tried to talk to him.
“Get away from me. Nothing has changed. You stay on your side of the highway; I’ll stay on mine.” He stiffly walked away toward the museum, leaving me alone in the street with an ache in my stomach and tears in my eyes. And nothing has changed between us since.
Chapter Eleven- Crystal
“Oh, you poor thing. That’s not fair at all. You made a mistake; he shouldn’t punish you so harshly.” Though I have to admit to myself that it sounds like Trig really was a mess back then.
Trig sighs and slumps in his seat. “There’s just no getting through to him.”
“It’s his loss then. You’re a real sweetheart, I can just tell,” I say with a smile.
I’m not trying to flirt so I make sure my voice is bright, cheery, and nowhere near seductive. I can’t afford to flirt and risk bringing trouble to this town. He is so gosh darn cute though.
I do allow myself to place my hand on top of Trig’s in a gesture of comfort. His smooth skin is warm and pleasant, and though his fingers are delicate, they’re still strong when they turn and interlace with mine. Trig closes his eyes and relaxes while I comfort him..
It’s good that his eyes are closed because then something real weird happens, and I don’t want him to see it.
Where he holds my hand, it glows a bright greenish-blue and is kind of see-through. My eyes widen and my jaw drops at the sight of it.What the hell?
I take my hand out of his and slap it into my lap under my other hand to hide it. He opens his eyes, brow furrowed in confusion, eyes turned down in what appears to be sadness.
“I’m sorry, it’s just that you scratched me,” is all that I can think to say.
It’s not entirely a lie because itmightbe an injury, I don’t know yet. The excuse seems to work though because the look of sadness and confusion clears up into understanding and he nods.
“Ah, sorry. I’m very accident prone. I hope you aren’t too hurt?”
“No, it’s fine, I was just surprised.”
“Okay good. Because if you need me to get you anything, I can.” He sits up at attention, ready to help.
“No, really, it’s fine. Are you okay? Like, emotionally?” Time to turn this back to the topic at hand and then get him out of here quick.
“I’m feeling much better just having been able to talk about it, actually. I know he doesn’t want to fix things but being reminded that I was just an idiot, and not someone who was cruel or something, is helpful. So, thanks.”
I genuinely smile at that. I’m so happy to help this man. I glance down at my hands and see they’re no longer glowing. Alright, this is a good time for him to go.
“Trig, hon, I have to get going. Sorry to kick you out so fast. My dog is going to need me.”
“Oh! I love dogs! Go take care of him and give him a snuggle for me!” Trig grins as he buttons his coat back up. “And if you’re cold or lonely you can maybe give yourself a snuggle from me too.”
His cheeks turn bright red, and he looks away from me as he tugs on his hat. I can’t help but let out a girlish giggle that I should be embarrassed of, but it makes him break out in a crooked grin back at me.
“Oh, you,” I say as I walk him to the door. “I’m sure Plato will appreciate the hug.”
Maybe he’ll get the point that I’m only considering the dog part of his offer. Whatever point he gets however just makes his grin broader as he steps past the threshold.
“Goodnight, Crystal.”
