Fragile

Chapter 7 - Internship

I wished I could say the same for myself.

As he took slow sips, my mind wandered back to my phone. To the unread message from Leah.

She was probably wondering why I hadn't responded. Maybe she regretted reaching out in the first place. Maybe she didn't care at all.

I exhaled softly, rubbing my temple.

I had made my choice, hadn't I? I was the one who ended things, the one who ignored her messages, the one who pushed her away.

So why did I feel like this—being in England, being in her world again—was opening a door I wasn't sure I was ready to walk through?

"Mom?"

I blinked, looking up. Riggs was staring at me sleepily, his cup of hot chocolate half-finished.

"Yeah, bud?"

He yawned, rubbing his eyes. "Can we go home now?"

I smiled softly, reaching across the table to ruffle his hair. "Yeah. Let's go home."

And as I carried him the last few blocks back to our apartment, his small body curled against me, I tried not to think about the fact that I still hadn't answered Leah.

Or that I wanted to.

I barely got him into his pajamas before he collapsed onto the bed, his tiny body sinking into the blankets like gravity had tripled. He mumbled something incoherent when I kissed his forehead, already half-asleep.

I smiled softly, brushing his hair back before stepping out of the room, leaving the door cracked just in case.

The apartment was silent now, the kind of stillness that let my thoughts creep in.

And my phone was still sitting on the kitchen counter, screen lighting up every few seconds.

I sighed, grabbing it, already knowing what I'd see.

Leah: So we're doing the leaving me on read thing now? Cool, cool.

Leah: Should I take the hint?

Leah: Or do you just like torturing me?

I huffed a small laugh, shaking my head. Even through text, I could hear her voice—half teasing, half insecure. It was so her.

I hesitated for a second, then typed back.

Me: Sorry, Riggs was running off, and then I had to keep him awake for the time change. Just got him to bed.

A response came almost immediately.

Leah: Oh. Right. That makes sense.

Leah: Not that I was waiting or anything.

I smirked, leaning against the counter.

Me: You totally were.

Leah: Was not.

Me: You definitely were.

Leah: Shut up.

I chuckled, shaking my head. The conversation felt easy, like slipping into something familiar. And maybe that's what scared me a little.

Me: So... you were surprised to see I'm here?

Leah: Uh, yeah?? You just randomly show up in London after months of ignoring me? Bit of a shocker.

I winced, guilt creeping back in.

Me: I know. I'm sorry.

Leah: ...Yeah. Okay.