Nathan I swear to god if you come back here with fifty more pounds I will leave you in a gym until you get your hot abs back. I threatened, and just as I said that an old lady happened to be walking by. I shot her a small smile as she continued to stare at me with an odd look.
I heard a deep chuckle from his end and unconsciously smiled. God I missed that sound so much.
That’s a bit harsh don’t you think ? He asked me teasingly.
So was the way you handled me with a gun that day. I shot back quickly.
Okay now you’re really killing me. Nathan said in a flat tone, causing me to laugh.
I know, I was secretly hoping it would encourage you to come back soon… I trailed off honestly.
I heard a small pause from his end. Skylar… He trailed off.
I didn’t realize why he couldn’t come back now. It had been three months, that’s enough time to be hiding away from the cops if you asked me. The case had already been closed weeks ago and no one was out looking for him.
No it’s fine. I just… really miss you. I’m sorry I shouldn’t be pressuring you. I rushed out, before looking up to see Jess and Ella walking out of the store with triumphant smiles on their faces and a bag in Ella’s hand while Landon trailed behind them sulking.
Sky- Nathan started but I cut him off. I couldn’t talk to him any longer. It was hurting too much already. In the three months that he had been gone, every time I’d bring up or suggest him coming back, he would never answer my question directly or always found a change in topic.
Look Nathan I have to go. I’ll talk to you later. I said now, doing everything to make sure my voice didn’t break.
Skylar don’t… Nathan spoke, sounding pained too now.
Love you. I whispered, afraid that my voice would give away my emotions right now. I quickly ended the call and put my phone away, wiping my eyes before looking up to see my three friends staring down at me now with serious expressions.
Landon looked at Jess and Ella, trying to tell them something with his eyes. They seemed to understand as they looked at me with small smiles, before turning and leaving only Landon and I now.
What happened ? Landon asked softly, sitting down on the bench beside me now and turning to face me.
I… It’s Nathan. I managed to get out, before I felt the tears finally escape all at once.
Landon quickly took me in his arms and held me as I silently sobbed into his shirt. I didn’t know how long we stayed like that but it felt like hours as I cried until there were no more tears left. I let out all the anger and pain I had been bottling up in these past three months. It felt good to finally break down and throw my hands up in surrender. And it felt even better to know that Landon was right here to hold me up as everything crashed down on me.
Wiping away what was left of my tears, I looked up to see Landon looking down at me with a mixture of anger and sadness in his eyes. But he quickly erased that expression and offered me a small smile instead. Wanna go home ? He asked me softly.
What about Jess and Ella ? I asked, wanting nothing more than to go home and hide away under my safe blanket. But I didn’t want to ruin their day. They had come here to shop and have fun like the kids our age should be doing, and here I was bawling my eyes out like a big baby because I couldn’t stop missing my boyfriend.
Don’t worry about them, they’ll be here for hours. I already told them I’m taking you home. Ella’s mom will pick them up. Landon explained.
I gave him a thankful smile, before nodding. I was so lucky to have Landon here. I don’t know what I’d do without him, honestly.
Let’s go then. Landon smiled down at me, before standing up and pulling me up too. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we walked out of the mall and towards his car, giving me mental and physical support.
The ride home was spent in a peaceful silence. When we finally reached my home, I stepped out of the car as did Landon. He walked me up to my door and turned to me.
Will you be fine on your own ? He asked me now.
I glanced at the driveway and saw Tyler’s car. Yeah, I should be. I answered, knowing that was a lie.
I would stay with you but my parents want me home to help out with some things. Landon said with a sad smile.
I nodded weakly as I turned to ring the doorbell.
I could always tell them I can’t and stay if you want, I know you’re not okay Sky. Landon said now as I turned to him again.
I couldn’t help but smile at that, and this time it was genuine. Landon, you’ve already done more than enough. I am so lucky to have you and I don’t know how it would even be possible for me to be standing here smiling without your help. I said honestly. And no I’m not okay, but I know I will be soon because I have you, Tyler and everyone else around me that I know will help keep me up.
Landon smiled down at me now. Good. I’ll come over later today then to see Max and the guys.
I nodded with a smile. Landon reached down and gave me a much needed hug, causing me to slightly relax. Hang in there. You’re the strongest girl I know and I don’t want some idiot boy to break you down like this. He whispered in my ear.
I pulled away and looked up at him with a full smile now. Thank you. I said softly, before turning as the door opened with Tyler standing there.
He looked between Landon and I, and somehow seemed to understand as he stepped out and took me in his arms, hugging me close.
I closed my eyes and sighed in content. I was too blessed to be stressed. I had these amazing people around me and I couldn’t be more thankful enough.
Landon said goodbye, before turning and leaving, driving off in his flashy car. Tyler guided me back inside the house and sat me down on the sofa in the living room.
I’ll go grab the ice-cream, you pick a DVD. He said as he turned to go to the kitchen.
I grinned at him, before going over to the DVD rack and skimming my finger down the many labels. I stopped on one and grinned, before pulling it out. I popped open the case and inserted the disc.
Soon enough, I was settled in on the couch with my favorite blanket surrounding me and Tyler next to me, handing me a tub of my favorite ice-cream and a spoon, while he had his own tub of ice-cream and spoon. He picked up the remote and hit the play button, laughing once he saw the title of the movie pop up.
We continued to watch the animated Disney film we grew up watching and still laughing at all the funny parts, even though we had watched it enough times to know all the lines. And as the minutes passed by, I noticed that my spirits were getting higher and that large pang of pain was diminishing little by little. Although I still missed Nathan like crazy, I was able to put the thought of him to the side and enjoy this moment, because I had other people around me who I felt happy around.
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