Chapter Twenty

Dylan's Point Of View

Present Time

(The flashbacks are over now)

"I'm leaving now." I smiled as I focused on the road during my call with Lyla.

She called me earlier, asking if we could talk about something. I agreed of course because I'm just awesome like that.

"Great." Lyla hung up.

"Um what?" I said aloud as I stared at my phone in disbelief.

I wonder what's wrong with her.

—-

"Let's go to the park." Lyla said as she sat down, not even looking me in the eyes or even a greeting.

"Ok." I tried to sound cheerful, to lighten the mood.

Lyla continued to stare ahead, her lips pressed into a thin line, her hands grasping her purse tightly.

Something's wrong.

But, Lyla needs her space. I've learned that the hard way years before.

—-

"We're here." I parked the car, speaking in a sing-song tone.

Lyla unbuckled herself and stepped out of the car, slamming the door unnecessarily hard.

I sighed, unbuckling as well and stepped out of the car. Lyla was already walking towards the park when I got out. I sighed and jogged to catch up with her.

Lyla stopped walkin after a few minutes.

I paused as well, staring at her intently.

She took a deep breath and looked up at me for the first time.

All I saw was fear. Fear was clouding her eyes. Sadness as well?

I let her speak first.

"Dylan, I, I'm so sorry." Lyla's lip trembled as tears fell from her eyes. Her beautiful, sparkling eyes.

"No, don't cry. I hate it when you cry." I moved forward to hug her. But, she backed away from me.

"I can't do this anymore." Lyla closed her eyes tight and shook her head.

"Lyla, what's wrong?" I asked, worried for her.

Is someone hurting her? Does she still have nightmares? Why haven't I asked her about those yet? I'm such a bad friend.

"Dylan, I'm not fine. I know that I said I was, but I'm not." Lyla looked up at me, begging for help.

"Hey, it's okay. It'll be okay." I reassured in a calm tone.

"Don't hate me." Lyla said suddenly.

"I could never hate you." I stepped forward, reaching out to her. Yet she still backed away.

"Promise me!" Lyla raised her voice.

"I promise Ly." I nodded my head, a frown still on my face.

Lyla stared at me with hopefully eyes as she swallowed and rolled up her sleeves.

I backed away, my eyes wide.

"Dylan-" She began

"Don't tell me you did that!" I demanded, clenching my fists.

Lyla's jaw dropped slightly as she stepped backwards.

"I did."

My nostrils flared.

What's happening? Why am I acting like this? I need to calm down. I need....

To...

Stop

"What is wrong with you?" I spat. "You can't just hurt yourself! That's not the answer to anything!"

Lyla's eyes watered.

Dylan, you're making her cry.

I stepped forward quickly and held her forearm.

She cried out in pain.

What are you doing, you moron!

"Dylan! Stop! Please! You're hurting me!" Lyla pleaded.

I released her.

She held her arm close to herself. "I knew this was a horrible idea." Lyla whispered, tears spreading her mascara down her cheeks.

I only frowned. "You're killing yourself." I told her.

"That's the point!" Lyla yelled.

And with that, she dashed away from me, leaving me alone,

I breathed heavily.

Dropping to my knees, I began to shake.

Sobs escaped my lips.

"What is wrong with me?" I shouted into the empty air.