Page 56 of What I Like About You

“Ihate the house,” I say.

“Damn it, Halle,I know.”

Gramps’s voice reverberates off the windows before silence settles in the car; the only noise I can hear is the angry beat of my broken heart. I don’t think I’ve rendered Ollie silent before.Ever. I’m never loud enough. My words are never sharp enough.

For the first time since I arrived in Middleton, I don’t try to filter what I’m feeling.

“Then why did you do it?”

“You can’t evenimagine.” Gramps’s voice cracks. “It’s like half of me died.”

I exhale. Twist the key in the ignition and shift the car into drive.

“Me too. Butyou’re not dead, Gramps.You’re not.”

We shift into silence and eventually I start to drive again. I’m struggling for the right words to say, the right way to tell Gramps,I am hurting too and I am here.

Instead, I hold my breath the rest of the ride home, thinking for a girl who loves words, I’m pretty much the worst at articulating the first draft.

September 29

Nash Stevens

LOL remember when I said “Progress!” re: Halle? I take it back.

8:30 AM

You were right.

8:31 AM

As of today, I am officially done trying to be Halle’s friend.

8:32 AM

i’m sorry

8:33 AM

You’re not going to say “I told you so”?

8:33 AM

there are, in fact, some cases in which i don’t like gloating about being right. this happens to be one of them

8:34 AM

i DID, however, screenshot

“You were right” for future reference

8:34 AM

I set myself up for that

8:35 AM

seriously though—are you ok?

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