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"What is it?"
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as I prepare to reveal my secret. "I've decided to move out of Bryce's place. I can't keep pretending like everything's okay when it's not. It's time for me to move on."
"Just remember," she says softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "Whatever happens with Bryce, I'll always be here for you."
I smile gratefully at her words, feeling a surge of gratitude wash over me at the thought of having a friend like Cindy by my side. But as I watch her disappear into the crowd, I wonder if I'll ever be able to untangle the mess that is my relationship with Bryce.
Chapter 26
Bryce
I'm pacing around my living room, my mind racing with thoughts of Marissa, when my phone rings. I glance at the screen and see Cindy's name. Frowning, I answer the call. "Cindy? What's going on?"
"Bryce, I need to talk to you about Marissa," Cindy says, her voice laced with concern. "She's planning to move out."
My heart drops, and I sink onto the couch, struggling to process her words. "What do you mean, she's moving out?" I ask urgently, my voice desperate. "Why would she do that?"
Cindy sighs. "She's been feeling overwhelmed lately," she says softly, her voice filled with sympathy. "And she thinks it's best if she finds her own place, some distance away from the apartment complex you two are living at."
The thought of Marissa leaving leaves me reeling. I need her more than I've ever needed anyone.
She pauses, her voice softening as she continues, "She told me not to tell you, but I don't want you guys to miss each other."
I'm silent for a moment, trying to wrap my head around this new information. "I ... I don't know what to say, Cindy. This is a lot to process."
"I know, Bryce," Cindy says gently. "And I'm sorry to dump this on you, but I thought you should know. Listen, I have to go now, but promise me you'll think about what I said, okay?"
I nod, even though she can't see me. "I will. And Cindy ... thank you for letting me know. I really appreciate it."
Before I know it, I'm driving to Chris's apartment, my mind racing with thoughts of Marissa and the future I'm so desperate to hold on to. I knock on his door, my heart pounding in my chest as I wait for him to answer.
When he opens the door, his eyes widen at the sight of me. "Bryce? What's going on?"
I step inside, my hands trembling as I try to find the words. "Chris, I need your help," I say, my voice raw with emotion. "It's about Marissa."
He turns to me, his brow furrowed with concern. "What's going on, Bryce?"
I take a deep breath; the words tumbling out of me in a rush. "It's Marissa. She's planning to move out, and I don't know what to do. I can't lose her, Chris. I can't."
Chris is silent for a moment, his gaze searching mine. "Bryce, I know you care about her. I've seen the way you look at her, the way your eyes light up when she's around. It's like she brings out a side of you that no one else can. I've known you all my life, Bryce, and I've never seen you as happy as you are when you're with Marissa. She makes you laugh, she makes you smile, and she brings a sense of peace to your life that I know you've been searching for."
Chris's words strike a chord deep within me, and I feel my heart swell with emotion. He's right. Marissa does make me happy, happier than I've ever been.
I shake my head, my throat constricting with emotion as I think about the possibility of facing rejection. "I can't. I can't risk losing her friendship."
Chris nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Bryce, I'm going to ask you something, and I need you to be honest with me. Do you love her?"
The question catches me off guard, and I feel my heart constrict in my chest. Do I love her? The answer is so clear, so obvious, that I can't believe I've never said it out loud before.
"Yes," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "I love her, Chris. I love her more than I've ever loved anyone."
"Then you need to tell her, Bryce. You need to let her know how you feel before it's too late."
I shake my head, my fear rising up to choke me. "But what if she doesn't feel the same way? What if I ruin everything?"
Chris reaches out to squeeze my shoulder, his gaze filled with understanding. "Bryce, you'll never know unless you try. And trust me, the regret of not telling her will eat you alive."
His words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I know he's right. I have to tell her. I have to let her know how much she means to me, and how much I need her in my life.