Page 166 of Isolation

My suspicions are confirmed. It is because of Milo. Irritation surges through me.

Why does she still care so much? He doesn’t!

Following the irritation comes my anger. I feel like that fifteen-year boy again. Raging hormones. Out of control. Out of my mind.

“Milo,” I repeat angrily. “Is this because of him?”

“Just trust me when I say that it’s not a good idea for me to go back to that house.”

“Why don’t you want to be around him?” I press.

“He is still angry with me over how I left,” Raven says faintly. “I am not ready to face him. You know me. I hate confrontations.”

I don’t want her around him either. As much as I hate for them to be in close proximity, Raven’s well being is more important than my jealousy.

Plus, seeing them together will determine whether or not I can deal with their past. If Raven still has unfinished business with Milo, then I need to know.

I refuse to be her second choice yet again. I need her to choose meoverhim. For that to happen, they need to be in the same room together.

“Look Rave, everyone is moving back. How awkward can it be with everyone around? He works all the time so you’ll probably never even see him. Plus, you already live in New York. You are going to see each other sooner or later. You might as well bury the hatchet.”

Raven stares at me and I know that my logical words are getting through to her.

“If it makes you feel better,” I continue, “I will stick by you every second of the day.”

“Even while I sleep?”she asks meekly.

I laugh. “I’ll move into your damn room if you want. I have no other commitments after moving back home. You’ll never be alone, so you can avoid an awkward conversation with Milo for as long as you want.”

Raven takes a deep breath, and nods firmly. “I guess I am moving back home.”

I give her a kiss on the cheek. “You are making the right decision.”

CHAPTER 8

March 11th, 2020

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Reid

It takes a few days to move my things and all of Raven’s things into the house. We are finally settled in, but something is off.

Raven seems down. Her spirit is heavy and her smiles are few and far between.

Last night I thought she was having a mental breakdown. We went to her room and she kept staring at a spot on the carpet by the bed.

Later, I caught her trying to scrub the carpet with some paper towel and bleach.

There is something going on with her.

I decide to go on a long run to clear my head. After I am back, I take my shirt off and throw it in the hamper when I notice a few texts from Raven.

I peek into her room, calling out her name. Then I hear the shower running and notice that the bathroom door is wide open.

That’s odd.

None of us, other than our parents, knock when we enter each other’s rooms. So, if you are indecent, you lock the door. If you are in the bathroom, you lock the door.