Hey! Dear God, it's been a long time. Sorry. The reasons previously stated in Chapter Fifteen MOSTLY still apply. I apparently have ADHD and an anxiety disorder, and now I apparently have a blood disorder. I'm getting tested for leukemia. Fingers crossed that's not it.
Another reason- not excuse, reason- for not being able to write is the fact that I currently do not have a computer. I am writing this on my mother's, which I can pretty much never use. Thank you all for your patience.
"Toby." I said hesitantly, reaching out to touch his arm.
He jerked his hand back, and that hurt me more than any words ever could. "Toby, I'm sorry-"
He held up his hand. "Don't."
For some reason, that one word and his refusal to touch me made me furious.
"Toby, I said I was sorry. I couldn't answer the phone. Aria was injured and I had to go see her!"
"That doesn't matter!" he yelled back. "It doesn't matter because-"
"Oh that's excellent!" I shrieked back. "My boyfriend thinks that my being here for him every minute of every day is more important than the fact that my best friend is in the hospital!"
"That's not the issue here!"
"Well than enlighten me O Intelligent One," I responded sarcastically. "Tell me what was so fucking important-"
"You can't just leave like that!" he yelled. "God, Spence, do you even know how- I mean, I'm just sitting at home, all day, staring at my phone- I can't even-" he choked, not seeming to be able to explain how he was feeling, tears gathering in his eyes, but not falling. He took a deep breath. "You were gone for twelve days, Spence. Twelve days. Just- never do that again! And please understand why I am so angry about this!"
I looked at him hesitantly. He'd been worried about me. Which shouldn't have surprised me, we were in a relationship, but the extent of his emotion was still shocking to observe. Carefully, in case he retreated again, I stepped forward and pulled him into a hug.
His arms immediately encircled my back, holding me tightly to his chest. I could feel his body shaking around me, and slowly rubbed my hand in circles on his back.
"Hey, Spence, do you want me to-"
Toby slowly pulled away at Hanna's voice. I turned on the spot, and looked at her. "Yeah?"
Hanna looked embarrassed, understanding that she'd walked in on an extremely emotionally charged moment. "I was just wondering if you wanted me to make us something to eat."
I smiled at her tiredly. "No thanks. I'm exhausted. I think I'll just go to bed."
I turned to Toby. "Do you want to stay?"
Behind Toby, I saw Hanna's jaw drop.
Toby nodded, and walked into my room, me following close behind.
Ok, I realize this is ridiculously short. But when I finished it, I could not decide wether to change the rating the M, not have them do anything but sleep, or imply more than sleep, while keeping it T-rated. I will do my best to update, and I may write what happens in a separate story, but I'd like all of your opinions on this one.