My heart pounded in my chest as the door creaked open, my excitement mingling with nervous anticipation. I hoped to see Troy standing there, his warm smile lighting up the room, but instead, my heart sank as Tyrone stepped in.
"He has to be somewhere else. He'll drop by later," Tyrone explained, his voice tinged with regret. I nodded, trying to hide the disappointment that washed over me. I longed to see Troy so badly, but now, all I could feel was upset that Tyrone was the one who came instead.
"Are you mad at me?" Tyrone broke the heavy silence, his voice cracking with emotion.
I hesitated before responding, unsure of my own swirling emotions. "Does Mom know about this?" I asked, trying to shift the focus away from Tyrone. I saw him sigh, his eyes filled with apology for a situation beyond his control.
"Nope, I made up some excuse. I knew you wouldn't want her to worry," he replied, his concern evident. "Diane, are you angry with me?"