The Boy Next Door

Chapter 37

The clouds blanketed the sky in a soft gray color, the chilling air nipping at my face as I knocked on the front door. Adeline's frame stood in the doorway, her eyes slightly puffy as she gave me a weak smile. "Hey," she said softly. I winced at the booming voice of Mr. James and Cole's dad yelling at each other.

"Hey," I tried to say enthusiastically, though my voice was just as weak and soft as hers. Adeline stepped past the threshold, her head turning slightly at the sound of heels clicking against the hardwood.

"Make sure you're back by five," Mrs. James said sternly. "I don't need you missing this appointment." Adeline nodded her head before walking out to me, her mom giving us a once over while begrudgingly closing the front door.

"What's your appointment?" I asked once we settled in my car, her hands resting in her lap as she stared out the front windshield.

"An ultrasound." She breathed out, her voice so faint that it's almost fragile. I nod my head, not like she was looking at me as she looked down at her lap. I started the car and drove out the neighborhood, small talk not doing us any justice as I was the one who majority of the time.

Hayden and Damon's car was nestled in the driveway as I approached my house, Adeline's attention caught by the vehicle as her body tensed. "She's not here," I explained while shutting off the engine. "Hayden wanted to see you."

He called after I left Adeline's last night, his emotions everywhere as he asked me question after question. The fact Kristen told him about the pregnancy made me madder, it not being her place to speak about the pregnancy.

We silently exited the car, my fingers fumbling with the keys as I turned it in the keyhole. Our footsteps echoed in the air as we walked in the living room, Hayden's body shooting up from the couch immediately.

"Come here, Addy," he breathed while walking over to us, Adeline practically collapsing in his embrace as I gave them space and sat down beside Damon. He rubbed my lower back as I laid my head on his shoulder, my eyes glued to Adeline and Hayden hugging it out.

"How's she doing?" He asked lowly in my ear, his voice heavy with concern. I shrugged slightly, not really having an answer for him. She's so quiet and impassive, I've never seen her like this before and I don't know how to help.

They walked over to the other couch, Adeline's face buried in his chest as he held her tightly. Her soft tears filled the silent space and I couldn't take hearing her cry anymore, being why I walked into the kitchen.

"Come here, baby," Damon said while walking into the kitchen, my arms crossed over my chest as I paced the side of the island counter. I shook my head, not really denying his words as he wrapped his arms around me.

"You didn't hear the shit she said to her." I muttered with the side of my face against his chest, my arms still folded together.

"Hayden's pretty mad at her too," Damon said while resting his chin on top of my head, "but Adeline needs you right now. Just forget about her right now."

"That's easier said than done, don't you think?" I asked, although it was more of a statement. I can't even hear her name without wanting to tell her off, so how am I supposed to face her tomorrow? On top of that, I don't need her guilt tripping Adeline into forgiving her.

Damon shifted and palmed the sides of my face, my brown eyes meeting his green ones as he pressed a feathery kiss to my forehead. "I know," he whispered.

I put on a soft smile, trying to mask my underlying emotions as we walked back into the living room, snacks in hand. Adeline has herself wrapped up in one of my blankets from my room, Hayden's arm wrapped around her shoulders as he eyed the bags of chips in my hand.