Odds Are Against Us

Is it love?

– Where's Tom? – I asked the G's once I got to the living room after resting in Tom's room after lunch.

– He went to the hospital. – Georg answered as I sat next to them on the couch.

– What about you and his parents?

– We can't visit him all at the same time. So we decided to go later in the evening. – he explained.

– Oh, right. – I nodded.

– For how long have you been living here with them? – he asked. I noticed how Gustav was more of the shy kind as he simply listened attentively to our conversation instead of speaking.

– A few weeks.

– That's more than enough for Tom to turn your life into a living hell. – he chuckled.

– I think you're right. – I sighed.

– Don't worry. He'll come around. – he said.

– Don't lie to her. – Gustav said and Georg gave him a look.

– He's not that bad. – Georg said.

– He can be. – I told them.

– Trust us, we know. – Georg said.

– He loves hiding his feelings. And when he can't take it anymore he turns into an asshole. – Gustav said. His words made me remember a conversation I had had with Bill while we were at the beach with their dogs.

"– I had no idea Tom was so sentimental.

– Oh, you've seen nothing. He just hides it.

– He hates being alone. I know him.

– He doesn't hate being alone. He just hates being without you."

– The accident and what happened to Bill made everything worse. – I said as I picked at my nails and stared at my hands.

– It surely did. But it wasn't easy for you either and yet he probably treats you badly sometimes. – Gustav had a point.

– It's Tom. He won't change. – Georg said what I had always feared. I feared he would stay like this forever. Cold hearted.

– He's cold. Like, really cold. – I smiled slightly, even though I felt like crying.

– He's a sweet guy. – Georg said.

– Not too sweet since what happened. – Gustav sighed.

– Yeah, the accident. We've said that already. – I said.

– No, not the accident. – Gustav said and Georg gave him a look. I raised an eyebrow, curiously.

– Then what? – I asked.

– Well, there was this one girl- – Gustav started.

– Gustav! That's Tom's business. He confided to us. – Georg interrupted him abruptly. – Sorry, Avery. – he said, facing me.

– No, it's okay. I understand. – I nodded. A girl? What was Tom hiding from me? Had something happened to him? And would that "something" be what was stopping him from opening up to me?

***

– I hope I have food once we get back. – Georg said playfully.

– I'm definitely ordering a pizza. Don't get too expectant. – Tom told him.

– That's good by me. – Georg shrugged. I watched as Tom's parents walked towards the front door.

– Here, take my car. – Tom handed his car keys to his father.