Guilt

Tanner is fairly certain they will all come running—every single one of them. As Tay anxiously tries to call for help, he taps "send" on the message he has already typed. Yet, he doesn't drop his act and continues whining.

"I think I just broke my bone! Jeez! Why is it so painful? I bet it's a fracture," he exclaims, clutching his leg dramatically.

As expected, they all rush into the kitchen. Now, all Tanner hopes for is that Tyler acts fast.

"We should help you to the living room so you can lie down comfortably while we check it out," Joe suggests.

"No, please! Just do it here. I can't move that far; it's too painful. My bone must be affected—" Tanner groans.

I don't even know if I'm saying anything that makes sense___ he thinks.

Rachael starts heading toward the door. "Let me get you some painkillers," she says.

Tanner acts quickly, thinking on his feet. "No, wait! Help me to the living room instead. I think I'm in a bad position—that's why it hurts so much. I'll take the painkillers when we get there."

There's nothing about Tanner that actually suggests he is hurt, but he keeps insisting about the "fracture." By asking to be moved to the living room, he hopes to buy time—walking slowly and dragging everything out.

After much effort and fuss, he finally hears his phone vibrate. That must be Tyler, and it means he's done.

°

As they help him walk to the living room, Tanner noticeably eases his movements—but not too much, still feigning some pain.

Once they reach the living room, he sees Tyler sneaking in through the front door. Everyone's attention shifts immediately to Tyler, almost forgetting about their "injured" patient.

They lay Tanner on the sofa, and Joe ties a bandage loosely around his ankle while Rachael hurries over to her son.

"I'll call the doctor. This needs to be examined," Joe says, pulling his phone from his pocket.

"No, it's fine! It doesn't hurt as much now. I think it was just a simple sprain. I can even try walking," Tanner says, standing up slowly and pretending to limp slightly.

Tay jumps to his side, insisting on helping him walk.

"What about your stomach?" Joe presses.

"I'll be alright after drinking that water. You worry too much, Joe," Tanner reassures him.

Joe nods reluctantly. "Okay, if you say so."

◇

Rachael stands in front of Tyler, her voice softer now. "Honey, everything will be alright, okay? It's not the end of the world. You'll find someone to love you again, and you'll be happy again."

She seems like a completely different person from the one who had been screaming earlier, almost losing her mind with worry.

"She's right, Tyler. I'm sure there's someone out there who will love you with everything they have," Tanner adds, watching Tyler closely for any reaction.

Well, he is just trying to speak for himself.

Joe chimes in with his own words of encouragement, followed by Tay, who laces her fingers with Tanner's and says, "You don't have to rush anything. Look at me—I've been single my whole life, thinking there wasn't anyone for me to love. But look at me now. I've found him, and I'm happy. You'll find the right person too."

Tyler's eyes drop to their joined hands, and his heart sinks. Abruptly, he starts walking. "Okay, fine. I don't want to talk about it anymore. I made up my mind last night, and I'm cool with it. I'm hungry—I want to eat."

He heads to the dining room, and everyone follows like sheep. Tanner tries to unlace his fingers from Tay's, but she won't let go, so they end up walking like that into the dining room.

As they sit down for breakfast, Rachael breaks into a warm smile. "By the way, we didn't have time to talk about you two." He refers to Tanner and Tay. "But I don't think there's anything left to say. Congratulations! May you last forever," she adds.

"My once-feared boss is now my son-in-law," Joe adds with a laugh. "Life is so unpredictable. You know, Tanner, you've emphasized something for me—don't judge a book by its cover. Not in my lifetime did I imagine you could be so friendly."

Rachael agrees wholeheartedly, and the table erupts into conversation.

But Tanner isn't really listening. His mind is entirely on Tyler, who can't stop glancing at their laced fingers.

"See, babe? I told you there was nothing to worry about," Tay says, leaning over to peck Tanner on the lips.

Lips Tanner kissed Tyler with just hours ago. The thought makes him feel sick.

Tyler freezes mid-bite, his eyes fixed on the pair. Then he stands abruptly. "I'll take a shower. Thanks, Nanny," he says before leaving.

"You haven't eaten much," Ms. Alena protests.

"I'm good. I'll be sleeping, so I don't want anyone to bother me—not even on the phone. Actually, I might as well just turn it off," Tyler says, his eyes lingering on Tanner before walking away.

Why does it feel like he's addressing me specifically? Tanner wonders. Making a quick excuse, he follows Tyler.

Tyler is seething—furious with himself. Furious that he has betrayed his sister. Furious because he feels jealous seeing her and Tanner together.

Furious because, after what happened last night, Tanner seems perfectly comfortable with Tay.

He has no right to be mad at Tanner, but he is.

Everything around him feels suffocating. His thoughts, his emotions, his guilt—it's all too much.

Just as he reaches his door, Tanner calls out. "Tyler, wait. Are you okay?"

Tyler stops but doesn't turn around. "What do you mean by that? I'm fine," he says, his voice clipped.

"Okay, I was just wondering if we could—"

"I'm not doing this with you right now, Tanner. Please, maybe later," Tyler interrupts, cutting him off without even knowing what Tanner wants to say.

He just needs Tanner to leave. He feels like anyone could see what's going on between them, and that's the last thing he wants.

Without another word, Tanner leaves, walking back to his room. Confusion and guilt tear at him.

Tyler must be mad because of last night. And now here I am, letting Tay kiss me—with the same lips I kissed him with. How did I get myself into this mess?

Tanner sits on his bed, his thoughts spiraling.

~ I've dealt with so much in life, but this—this is something entirely new. I feel like a confused teenager! Maybe I should really start thinking like an adult again. Only three days left until my holiday is over... maybe it's time to leave and figure myself out.