Attention Runner-Up

Chapter 44

I never did end up going to see Lexi in rehab. After my breakdown, I sort of just stayed far away from the situation and addressing what happened. Kenzie kept trying to get me to talk but I just didn't want to. I dove headfirst into my work and resumed activity as normal.

Sure, I talked to Lexi all the time on the phone. And yes, Kenzie and I often cuddled on the couch and watched tv in silence. But when it came to addressing what happened, I couldn't. I didn't want to.

Well, whether I want to or not. I have to. Because today is the day Lexi returns home. Dawson went to pick her up, I waited at her house. Her brother certainly did a number on the house. I had to call a local housekeeping service to come in and clean it up to prepare for Lexi's return.

Kenzie's working today, so it's just me.

Lexi doesn't want a big welcome home thing. I don't really blame her. Nothing says welcome home like celebrating your failed suicide attempt and history of drug abuse.

When the door unlocks my heart skips a beat.

"Ta-da! See, totally not a disaster." Dawson says.

Lexi and I lock eyes.

"Hey!" I jog over to her and hug her.

"Tell me the truth, you paid to have my house cleaned didn't you." Lexi raises an eyebrow at me.

Dawson tries to signal to me in silence not to tell her behind Lexi's head.

"Uh... no?" I say.

"I knew it!" Lexi whirls around to face him.

"She said no!"

"Dawson!"

"Okay, okay, I may have had a party or two here."

"Dawson!"

"It's clean isn't it?"

"Ugh," Lexi sighs.

I giggle and pull her into my arms.

"Relax, you're home now and it's clean. That's all that counts."

"Don't be nice to him, he doesn't deserve it." she pouts.

I laugh.

"Well, I'll get out of your hair for a few hours. I have a hot date today." He says.

"Yuck, spare me," Lexi says.

"Be good, if you need me, call." He ruffles her hair before walking off to his room.

"How are you? Want to go get something to eat? My treat." I say.

She smiles softly at me and engulfs me in a hug. I hug her back.

"Missed you," she says softly into me.

"Well here I am, and soon we'll be all alone." I hold her tightly.

She moves to kiss me. I'm caught off guard and jerk back. She looks up at me, an unreadable expression on her face.

"Sorry, you surprised me. Here, let's try again." I lean in to kiss her.

I peck her on the lips and before I can give her more, she pulls away.

"Actually, I am pretty hungry." She says.

"Okay, I can take you to your favorite place. By the beach." I say.

"Okay."

"We can walk the beach, collect shells. Just like we did that one time." I grab her hand in mine.

"Well let me get ready," she pulls her hand away.

I frown after her as she walks to her room.

She's acting off.