PART 18

The deck overlooked a forest, apparently there was a small cliff at the rear end of the house, allowing you to see the sunset above the ever winding forest below. I took in the sight as the door behind me opened.

My head stayed glued to the scene in front of me, but a soft voice pulled me away, “Hey.” 

I could tell by the sweet softness  it was Rynn, “Hey.” 

She took a deep breath “I know you're probably confused but you have to trust me. Okay?” I nodded, as she came up and leaned on the banister with me.

“Justin,” She paused,  “He- You know that he’s always wanted me. That he’s always,” She took a deep breath, “Loved me.” 

My teeth gritted, I wasn't sure if I still loved her as I had before but the thought of Justin Loving her made me sick. The fact that she might love him back made me even more sick. 

“And my father, I assume you know about him, about how he's like- super successful and stuff.” She looked down at her hands. 

“Macy told me about him, and your parents and stuff. Just the rundown.” I said, trying to hide my emotions with a rough standoffish tone. 

“Okay, well he called that day. He said someone had called him saying that I had been sleeping around and not doing my work at school. He threatened to cut me off, and do a bunch of other stuff.” She looked at me, but I kept my head down. “I went back home and shut down. I couldn't do it. Then Justin visited.” I tried to hide the disgust that covered my face. “We hung out, you know, then after he told me that he knew about us. He said that he knew you were just a fling but at any moment he could tell the school. He threatened to tell my father about us if I didn't get with him. I shut down again, and did the only thing I knew how to do, flee. I knew you'd be able to find me But I wanted to see if you would.” 

My eyes widened the further the story went on. Part of me was doubting all of this, but part of me full heartedly believed her, and was terrified because of it. 

 The doubt fronted first, “You have to be kidding me. That's outlandish. I thought You left because your father was mad. That's all, but no, we're suddenly in a movie? And you think I’ll believe you?” 

She defended herself. “Do you think I would've done what I did willingly? Leaving you like that was tourture,” Her eyes started to water, “I don’t have any proof. I mean, how would I even get any? I need you to trust me.” 

I reasoned, she was right. There was no other way this could’ve added up to this moment, even my theory was a stretch.  Even so, I didnt wanna believe it. 

“Why wouldn't I think that?” I said loudly “I was never your only one.”

“Well I didn’t have to be yours. You could’ve gotten someone after I left!” She yelled back. 

“I did!” I yelled and immediately regretted it.  

Her eyes widened, and her eyes flashed with fear, then hurt. “Who?” She said softly. When I only stared back blankly She prompted me again, this time more aggravated, “Who?”

“Macy.” I almost whispered.

She only looked at me. Her expression unreadable. 

Trying to turn it back to her I started again, “It’s not like you didn't have your fair share.” I paused, “But why couldn't you have told me? I was there the whole time. You promised. ” I grimaced, the pain coming back. "You promised me, no secrets. So why?"

“Do you want me to be honest?” She asked. 

“Please.”

“You were meant to be a fling. I never wanted to get close to you. Maybe a fuck buddy, but never more than that.  Then we spent time together and you started to mean something to me.  That scared me. So I started to pull away, I took the easiest way out. I only promised you because I thought you wouldn't care. It was stupid. I’m sorry.”

My already falling heart sank to the ground, All of the worries I had, came true. 

My voice shook, “Do you regret it?”

Her voice was breaking worse than mine as she responded, “I could never regret the time I spent with you. And if I could go back I would have told you. But I didn't.” Her voice shattered and sobbs broke loose, “And now you're here in the middle of nowhere because I pulled you here.” 

She collapsed, her back heaving as sobbs disrupting the forest below. 

I layed a gentle hand on her back and rubbed up and down, unsure how to help in the moment. I was furious at her, but I still didn't want her to hurt. I wanted to help, even if she didn't deserve it. 

I couldn't help but wonder if she regretted leaving me, or making me hurt. Because one meant she had pity, and the other was genuine feelings. My mind was full of running thoughts about the situation but I was interrupted by a voice. 

“Evilyn?” Rynn was looking at me. 

“Yes?” I looked at her curiously. 

“I love you.” 

She looked me dead in the eye, her face still red and swollen, yet her eyes displayed sincerity. 

“I know.” She said before I could start. “I know you can't say it back. I don't deserve to hear it from you. I just need you to know that. That I genuinely do. I love you Evilyn. And I’m sorry. ” The sobbs returned with ravaging force. The pang in my heart thrashed and sent me following suit. I reached for her and she folded. 

**IM SORRY OKAY,  ALSO DID YOU NOTICE THAT THE SCENE GOING ON RN IS THE LITERAL COVER ART OF THE STORY :)))