awful. And living in Ophelia’s house without him is the hardest thing I’ve had to do. I thought that with time, the hole in my chest would hurt less, but the pain is as acute as ever.
My parents decided to stay married and give it another try. They’ve been seeing a therapist, and I hope they can work things out. I don’t know how Mom had it in her to forgive him. I know I couldn’t forgive my husband if he had an affair, and to be honest, I haven’t forgiven Dad yet.
Glutton for punishment as I am, I’ve been watching all of Troy’s games on TV. Whenever I see him on the screen, it feels like a dagger is piercing my chest. God, I miss him so damn much. Is it fair that I’m putting us through this misery when my parents have already decided to put the past behind them?
Ophelia’s words come back to haunt me. I said I needed more time, and I think—no, I know—I’m ready.
I pick up my phone and pull up Troy’s number. I want to text him, but I don’t know what to say. Sorry doesn’t seem to cut it. He told me he’d wait for me, but I feel like I’m the bitch in this story. He moved out of his own house so I wouldn’t have to look for a place to live. He was the perfect boyfriend, and I’m a fucking shrew.
Instead of calling or texting him, I text Jane instead, asking if she can talk. If I’m going to ask Troy to forgive my idiocy, I have to show him how much he means to me. She replies to my message a minute later and tells me she’ll come over.
As I wait, I begin to run through ideas of what I could do for Troy. The time speeds by, and before I know it, she’s knocking on my door. I’ve been leaving it unlocked during the day since it’s such a pain to move these days.
“Come in,” I tell her.
“Hi, Charlie,” she greets me, then closes the door. “You know it’s not safe to have the door unlocked, right?”
“I know. I’m just too lazy to get up from the couch. Don’t tell your brother, okay?”
She makes a face that I can’t interpret. “I haven’t mentioned you to him at all.”
My heart sinks. Why did I think Jane would be sympathetic to me?
“Oh. You must think I’m awful for breaking up with him.”
“I get why you did it, but I hate seeing my brother hurting that bad. Are you sure you can’t get past what my mother did?”
“I miss Troy terribly, Jane. But I was too caught up in my own pain to be able to stay with him.”
“Was?” she asks. “Does that mean you’re not sure about your decision anymore?”
“What I did was awful, I know. I hurt him. So saying ‘I’m sorry, can I get you back?’ won’t do.”
She widens her eyes in surprise. “Oh my God. You’re getting back together!”
“If he wants me back.”
Insecurity takes hold of me. He told me he’d wait, but honestly, I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t.
“Charlie, my brother is crazy about you. I’ve never seen a guy more in love with someone than he’s in love with you.”
I smile weakly. “I feel the same way about him. You have no idea how agonizing the six weeks have been. Which proves that I’m the stupidest girl alive for ever letting him go.”
“I’m not going to say you weren’t, but I’m also not going to hold that over your head. I’m guessing you want my help with wooing my brother back?”
“Yes. I want to sweep him off his feet.”
Jane laughs. “Sure. It’s nice to see a girl making the big, romantic gesture for a change instead of the guy with the boombox outside the girl’s window.”
“Right? So what should I do?”
She eyes my cast and furrows her brows. “You know Saturday’s game is the last one in the season, right?”
“Yeah, I’m aware. I’ve been following the games on TV.”
“I have an idea, but it’ll require Andy’s assistance and a cheerleader uniform.”
My eyes widen. “Oh boy. I’m afraid to ask.”
TROY
Six weeks have gone by since I moved out of Grandma’s house. I haven’t talked to Charlie at all during that time, but I’ve seen her on campus on a few occasions. Those instances were brutal, and it just made the wound in my chest bleed more. Thank God for football, which has kept me