Page 50 of When Forever Falls Apart
I’ve always been one of those people who needs to feel a connection before jumping into bed with someone. It explains why I haven’t slept with many men, and why every time it’s someone new, it feels raw and uncertain, like stepping into the unknown.
With my headphones securely in place, I run through the quieter backstreets of town before hitting the scenic path by Peppermint Lake.
The pulsating beat of Olivia Dean fills my ears as sweat beads trickle down my forehead. I fight to catch my breath, resting momentarily by the park bench to avoid getting a stitch in my side.
It’s no surprise the park’s buzzing with kids darting between swings and slides. The warm weather makes it the perfect day to be outside, soaking up the sun and the hum of laughter. Near the play equipment, a small splash pad sprays mist into the air, and children race through it, shrieking as the cool water hits their skin.
Then my phone rings—cutting through the cheerful chaos—and Aston’s name flashes on the screen.
“Yo,” I answer, breathless.
“Why is Everleigh acting weird?” he questions abruptly.
“Um, what?” I take a seat, trying to make sense of what the hell Aston’s talking about. “Nohello, how are you today?”
“You answered the call with ayo.I assume we’ve passed the formalities,” Aston grits, but then he continues before I have a chance to speak, “Can you please shed some light on what I’ve done to make your best friend somoody?”
“My best friend? She’s your fiancée.”
“Yes, she is. And she’s acting like she doesn’t want to bemy fiancéeanymore.”
I press my eyes shut, grappling for a response that will satisfy my brother. “Why don’t you guys sit and talk? I don’t really want to get involved.”
“So, you know something?”
“Aston, I’m busy, okay?”
“That isnotan answer,” he says coldly. “Fuck, is Everleigh leaving me?”
I snicker softly. “Yeah, right. Just talk to her, okay? I’ve got to go.”
“Madelina!” Aston shouts before I hang up the call.
My fingers type quickly, sending a text to Eva.
This has got to stop. It’s unbelievable that Eva thinks she can continue to hide this from Aston without consequences.
Me
You need to tell Aston. I refuse to be in the middle of this.
Eva
I will.
Me
When?
Eva
Soon.
Me
Just tell him the truth. He’s really worried. If he asks me again, I won’t lie.
Minutes tick by, but Eva doesn’t respond. I slide my phone back into my arm strap with frustration, then gather my breath and propel myself into a full sprint. Each step sends a pulse of energy through my legs, but it’s not long beforeexhaustion creeps in, and the struggle to get to the finish line takes every ounce of my energy. The last time I ran this intensely was the morning after I called off the wedding.
