When It's Forever by Leah Atwood

Author:Leah Atwood [Atwood, Leah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Falling Leaf Press
Published: 2017-09-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“Do you think I overreacted?” Sybil paced in her kitchen while talking to Rysa.

Rysa swirled the straw in her cup. “Do I have to answer that?”

“Yes.” She sat down at the table across from her friend. “I want the truth from someone who doesn’t have the trust issues I do, and that’s before the hormones are factored in.”

A long sigh came from Rysa. “I can understand why and how you feel betrayed and manipulated. However, I can’t find it in me to believe Jared meant to hurt you.”

“But he did.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean he meant to.” Rysa crossed her arms on the table and leaned forward. “And Sybil, it’s been two weeks. Hurt or not, you need to talk to him and work this out.”

She knew that, and in her heart, she knew she’d overreacted, but pride kept her from admitting it to anyone, even Rysa. “He probably realized I’m crazy and moved on.”

Rysa rolled her eyes. “Which is exactly why he sent flowers, issued a handwritten apology, and leaves you a voicemail every day hoping you’ll talk to him.”

“I’ve been a brat, haven’t I?”

Pinching her fingers together, Rysa nodded. “Just a bit.”

She buried her head in her hands and moaned. “What do I do?”

“Talk to him.”

“And if he refuses?” She lifted her head from her pity party.

Rysa gave a wry grin. “We’ve already established that won’t happen. The boy wants to talk to you. Put him out of his misery.”

“My answer still stands. I won’t marry him.”

“I think that is wise.” Rysa stopped talking but her mouth stayed open as though choosing her next words wisely. “But I also wouldn’t discount a relationship with him. He cares for you, and whether you admit it or not, you care for him. Would it be so bad to fall in love?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” The look in Rysa’s eyes matched the challenge of her tone.

Sybil wrinkled her nose and reminded herself she wanted honesty from her friend—and sometimes that meant answering the hard questions. “I don’t want a broken heart. Time after time, I watched my mom fall for men and then they’d toss her aside. She pretended it didn’t bother her, but I saw through that. Eventually she gave up and turned the table—using the men before they could use her.”

Rysa reached across the table and laid a hand on hers. “You can’t judge all men by those who hurt your mom.”

“Like you have with churches?”

Pain exploded in Rysa’s eyes, followed by a hiss from a sharp intake of air. “That’s different.”

Heavy with remorse, Sybil’s shoulders sank. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“You’re right, though. My parents and church family shunned me, but that doesn’t mean they’ll all be like that.”

“I’m still sorry.” She offered an impish, apologetic smile. “Can I blame it on mood swings and we pretend it never happened?”

Rysa winked. “Pretend what never happened?”

Relief spread through. “See, I stink at friendships. I’d be even worse as a wife.”

“You underestimate yourself.” Rysa glanced over at the clock on the stove.

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