Page 71 of Midnight Between Us
She was scared.
And I wasn’t there.
Not because I didn’t want to be—but because I never fucking saw it.I would’ve waited until things had settled.
How did I miss this?
What else was she going through while I was too wrapped up in my own war to see hers?
She didn’t run because she wanted to.She ran and it feels like her entire existence depended on her leaving Birchwood Springs.Is this why she hates me—because I didn’t fix her problems in the end?
It enrages me a little, though.She should be old enough to realize that I wasn’t responsible for her and her future.Fuck, give me a break.Yes, I was an asshole for not saying goodbye and for telling her to fuck off, but maybe she should be a little more lenient with that poor asshole who was just trying the fuck out of here alive—and without committing a crime.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
Keir,
I made it to Seattle.
Not sure how this is all going to play out.
The people helping me said I should rest tonight.We’ll talk more tomorrow.They’ll figure out how to help me—whatever that means.
I feel kind of hopeful again.
Which is weird, because a week ago I couldn’t imagine how my life would unfold.I didn’t even know if there was any solution.A solution that didn’t include losing my future and fucking anybody else’s along the way.I kept hoping you’d help me—but you left before I could even say anything.
Truth is, I was scared to tell you.
Part of me thought you’d notice something was wrong.
Part of me hoped you’d ask.
Maybe if you had ...but I guess the “ifs” don’t matter anymore, do they?
Hopefully, tomorrow’s better.I’ll keep you updated.It’s not like you’re reading these, but it feels like I need to tell you anyway.
It’s our thing, right?
I talk.You listen.This makes life feel less lonely.
Love,
Simone
ChapterThirty
Keir
She made it.
That should feel like a relief.And maybe part of me is relieved—because at least I know she got out of what seemed like an impossible situation.But the rest of me?It’s just gutted.
I left before she could say anything.
She was waiting for me to notice.To ask.To give her the opening she never learned how to take.
And I didn’t.
