Worth the Chance (Watertown University #2)

28. Garrett

Chapter 28

Garrett

M y mind has been a mess since I got that letter. I thought ending it with Eliza would make it feel less messy. Unfortunately that isn’t the case and I wake up, from the minimal sleep I was able to find, with a heavy heart and even messier mind. The hurt in her eyes. The tears she blinked back when she said I never even gave us a chance. I wish she could see I was doing her a favor. I’ll never be able to allow myself to love her the way she deserves. One day, I’ll be nothing but a distant memory to her. The thought of that feels like someone is stabbing me in the chest but it’s what’s best for her, for me, for us.

El is already gone for the day by the time I make it downstairs. I heard her up and about earlier than usual today. She must’ve been trying to make sure she didn’t run into me. I can’t blame her even though it’s killing me to not be able to see that beautiful smile.

The rest of my day goes as usual, classes, lunch, practice. When I get home from practice El’s car isn’t in the driveway which is odd. She’s always home on Monday nights. When I walk into the house there’s no sign of her anywhere. It’s eerily quiet. I wander into the kitchen knowing I’ll need to make myself dinner tonight. There won’t be any leftovers plated for me. Not after what I did.

As I open the fridge I’m shocked to see a piece of paper that has a few lines of pink on it. I reach for it quickly, desperate for some kind of interaction with her.

Garrett,

Eat this or throw it out.

There’s vanilla ice cream in the freezer.

-Eliza

That’s all there is to it. Sitting next to the note is an apple pie. An apple pie that she made while I was busy avoiding her. I cut a hunking piece of pie, heating it up in the microwave before slapping a big pile of ice cream on top. I guess I’m going to eat my feelings tonight.

I’m eating my second piece of pie on the couch and starting to get worried that Eliza isn’t home yet. I know she probably wants nothing to do with me but this is still her home and I can’t imagine she’d stay out all night. I know it’s only eight but she isn’t someone who says out late. She prefers to be at home watching her shows or baking. She has a routine and because of me she’s not sticking to it.

Maybe she’s just out with Mia. That’s probably it. I finish up the pie and then clean up the kitchen. By the time I get upstairs it’s nine and there’s still no sign of El. Not able to take it anymore I give in to the urge and send her a text.

Me

Hey. I know you probably want nothing to do with me right now but you’re not home yet and I’m worried .

I stare at my screen for five minutes but nothing happens. No texts come through. No little bubbles like she’s typing. I get ready for bed, throwing on a show on the small tv in my room while I wait for a reply. My phone buzzes from the nightstand and I reach over the moment it does. Disappointment courses through me when it’s not Eliza’s name on the screen.

Mom

Hi sweetie. I know it’s been awhile. I’m sorry. I’d love to see you for Thanksgiving if you’re free.

I’m only half surprised to see my mom’s text. We have a complicated relationship. When my dad went to jail he always blamed me since I was the one who called the cops on him. My mom never blamed me really but she continued to visit my dad and continued to stay married to him. I never understood how she could but she was dealing with a whole mess of issues after Aubree passed.

Our family truly became a mess. I contemplate her text. She messaged me a few times this past summer and to congratulate me on winning the championships earlier this year. That’s when it hits me, the words from my dads letter saying she stopped visiting. Before I can think too much about it, I respond. I need to find out more about that.

Me

Hi Mom. I’ll be there

I watch whatever Netflix suggested, only half paying attention. It’s nearly ten now and there’s no reply from Eliza so I decide to try again. As pissed as she might be I still need to be sure she’s safe.

Me

El, please answer. Are you okay?

Again, I stare at my phone for the next five minutes but it doesn’t make any texts appear. I flick my attention back to the tv trying to distract myself. It doesn’t really work. Where the hell is she? This isn’t like her. I pick up my phone and press call.

“Garrett what’s up?” Bryan’s groggy voice fills my speaker.

“Were you sleeping?”

“Not yet but I was about to fall asleep.”

“Have you talked to Mia today?”

“Maybe. Why?”

“Are you with her now?” I let out an aggravated sigh, running a hand through the stubble on my chin.

“Yeah. She’s here.” I can pretty much hear the smirk in his voice.

“Fuck. That means El’s not with her.”

“El is definitely not with her.” There’s silence before his next words. “What did you do?”

“I…” I don’t even want to finish that sentence because it pains me. My own freaking actions pain me but it had to be done. “I broke it off last night. She hasn’t been home since this morning.”

“That’s why you were so off today.” He muses like he understands why my attitude has been in the gutter. “What happened?”

“I don’t want to get into it right now, I just need to find out if she’s okay.”

“Hold on, let me ask Mia.” There’s some shuffling in the background and muffled voices.

“Is that him on the phone?” I hear Mia spit the words. “I’m not saying anything.”

“Mia please he just wants to make sure she’s safe.” His voice is soft as he speaks to the blonde.

“Ugh. Fine. You’re lucky you're cute. She’s…” I can’t hear the rest of the sentence through the muffled speaker. There’s mo re shuffling and then finally Bryan’s voice fills the speaker again.

“Mia said she’s safe but won’t divulge any more information on her whereabouts.” I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding in. I wish I had more information but knowing she’s safe is going to have to do for now.