Obsessed

Chapter 27

I sit still. His words replay in my head. What's gotten into him? He's never like this... More importantly, what's gotten into me? I never have my eyes buried in my phone. I never text frantically and I never...

Did he actually leave or am I dreaming?

"Excuse me miss." I look to my left and realise Toby is standing there waiting for me expectantly. "Where did Kyle go?"

"He left." I say as quiet as a mouse. "He left." I whisper again.

"What?"

"He was my ride." I say realising I have no way home. Home. Anywhere but here. I sink back into the chair.

"What a douche. I can't believe he left you here alone."

"Mmm."

"Luckily for you, my shift just finished. I can drop you off."

"Mmm."

"C'mon Kris." He offers me a hand. I stare at the empty seat in front of me, where Kyle sat only moments ago. "Before tomorrow please." My stomach drops. Kyle said that to me earlier. This isn't the end is it? He hasn't broken up with me... but we aren't even dating...

I take Toby's hand and we walk out of the restaurant to a bike. Kyles bike.

Even though riding it felt familiar, holding onto Toby didn't feel right. I wish I could let go, but of course he rides faster than Kyle, meaning I'd no less then die if did.

He pulls up on my driveway and I take my time taking off the helmet that I've worn so much, it smells like my shampoo. I hand it to Toby and in return, he says, "If I was your boyfriend, I wouldn't have left you."

"But you aren't. And neither is Kyle." I accidentally blurt out. Before I have the chance to regret what I said, I run into the house, up the stairs and slam my bedroom door.

I wash the makeup off my face in a desperate rush, but tears are already streaming down my cheeks. A blur of black under my eyes and bright lipstick smears over my face. I've never felt uglier, more alone and more stupid in my entire life.

I sound like I'm chocking, trying to hold back the tears, be strong, and not wake up Mum or Gran. Strangled gasps. Yuck. I'm so pathetic. This isn't the end. Kyle will forgive me. Won't he?

What if he doesn't, and I lose the only guy I've ever really cared about? Or worse... I end up alone and a crazy cat lady...

My phone ringing interrupts my upsetting thoughts. Sierra's name appears. I ignore it.

Trying to finish Chase only led to finishing me.

***

It was a miracle, but somehow I fell asleep last night. And somehow, I got out of bed. And somehow, I started walking down the street.

I don't know why. I guess I want some air, and time to clear my thoughts. I haven't tried communicating with Kyle yet. First I have to think of the right apology.

I start craving ice-cream, so I walk down to the supermarket. I laugh when I reach the path where my plastic bags broke. That was a horrible day...

By the time I've picked an ice-cream, and a second one for later... it's already been half an hour. I can't believe how picky I am sometimes. I go to the counter and pay. "Kristen? Fancy seeing you here again." A familiar voice says. Donahue.

"Oh hi." He pays for some bread and then walks with me.

"You come here often?"

"Yeah." We both laugh, but of course my laugh is half-hearted.