Chapter 20
I stayed the night in a hotel near the hospital. As soon as I turned off airplane mode, my phone flooded with messages from Sybia
“Why did you take the day?”
“Where are you? Why isn’t your phone reachable?
“Hudson, are you okay?
“Please call me back—I’m really worried.”
After reading through all her messages, I decided to call her back with a video call
The second she answered and saw me, relief washed over her face. “Thank goodness, Hudson! You finally called me. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting? Where did you go? Why didn’t you answer? Am still your girlfriend ornot?
I just give her a quiet stile, letting her get it all one. After a moment’s pause, 1 decided to keep things simple
“Something came up suddenly, so Thad to me back to Adenville. I was in such a rush that I forgot to call you sorry for making you worry!”
She looked skeptical but nodded. “Alright, fine I’ll let it slide this time. So, when are you coming back?
I couldn’t help but feel a little touched. That was just who she was. She didn’t press me for details, didn’t question my choices—she just waited patiently until I was back.
A playful thought crossed my mind, and asked, “Aren’t you worried get into trouble her Ademile?”
“I trust you. You wouldn’t do anything you shouldn’t. But you ever did cross a line, just promise not to tell anyone I’m your girlfriend! I don’t want to be embarrassed like that.” the lighed.
Hearing this, a pang of doubt hit me Taking care of selena–was that somet
would see as “crossing a line“?
Noticing my silence, Sylvia’s expression grow conremed.” everything okay? You seem distracted”
Staring at her on the screen, I couldn’t shake the urge to get her opinion. “If someone who was once very impactant to you was going through a tough time and needed you to care for them, but other people might misunderstand your intentions would you still go?
She looked at for a long moment, her expression shitting She seemed to weigh the question heavily before answering, “That that would depend ”
She paused, and almost thought she would change the subject instead of responding tut then she said sortly, “If they truly mattered to me, then I’d help. Misunderstandings can be fixed later, but some people..you only help they’re really worth it
“I wouldn’t want to waste my time on someone who didn’appreciate risk puning myself out there for the wrong reasons.
There was a hint of sadness in her voice, she were recalling something painful from her past–something thadn’t known about.
“I think –. I think I understand now,” I said.
Her expression was right, like she was trying to shake off pleasant memory. She forced a small smile. “Alright then just take care of yourself, okay? be here when you get back.” And with that, she ended the ca
staring at the phone, guilt started creeping in again I couldn’t help but wonder how Sylvia would feel she knew the reason that rushed from Carzonia to Adeeville was to see
How would she feel about?
