Chapter 8: 8
Tyler's thoughts:
I didn't ghost them this time…
I just got a part time job at my favorite used bookstore…
So I told mom I was really busy and tired from work.
Chris's Mom:
*On the phone
Are you eating right?
I'll have Tyler drop off some food.
Tyler:
*On the phone
I'm eating fine!
I even have some groceries in the fridge.
Chris's mom:
Mmmm.
I'm planning to save a seat for you tomorrow… unless you are working?…
Tyler's thoughts:
His showcase…
… where he will probably be kissing the girl he likes…
I feel sort of sick when I think about him kissing someone else…
Tyler:
I have a shift…
I'll try to get it covered…
No need to save a seat…
I'll just catch you guys at the end if I can make it…
Chris's mom:
Okay sweetie…
Tyler:
*clenches teeth
Talk to you later mom.
*Hangs up
*slumbs onto his bed in the tiny apartment
Tyler's thoughts:
I miss hearing him play…
I miss seeing his face…
I miss feeling his lips…
I've never missed a performance…
I know from his texts he thinks I am mad because he touched me…
But I'm not…
I'm not mad at him…
I'm mad at me…
For wanting more… more of him…
… he doesn't belong to you Tyler…
*Young Tyler
*Sitting at the small table in the small kitchen
*Red eyes from crying
*His dad brings him a microwave meal and sits down across from him with his own.
Tyler's Dad:
*sigh
Tyler… you can't act like this…
Young Tyler:
*Sniffle
*grumbles
Why? I love him.
I love him more than I love you.
I love him more than anything!
He's mine!
Tyler's dad:
*Slams fist on table*
Stop it!
You're being weird!
He doesn't belong to you Tyler!
*DING!
Tyler:
*sits up from bed
Tyler thoughts:
Pizza… again…
*Opens front door
*Pays pizza guy
*Takes pizza
*closes door
*Sits at table and opens the box
*pizza smelling steam emerges
I can cook…
It's just not worth the mess to only cook for one person…
I cook all the time for him…
*Knock! Knock! Knock!
Huh? Did I steal pizza guy's pen?
*walks to door
*Checks peep hole: It's Chris: Looking gloomy
Tyler:
*Turns and leans back on door
*Looks shook
*Turns head to side
… Why are you here?
Chris:
*places hand and forehead on the door
Mom told me you said you have groceries… I didn't believe it…
Tyler:
Well I do. So you can go.
Chris:
Tyler… I saw the pizza guy…
Plus I know you hate making any messes in this place…
You don't have to let me in. I'll just leave the food out here…
Just… tell me… you're still coming to the performance…
Tyler's thoughts:
He sounds so…
broken…
Tyler:
I don't think I can this time…
You'll do great. You always do great.
Chris:
No…
I won't…
If you aren't there… I can't…
Tyler:
Yes you can. You love performing.
Chris:
No… I don't…
If you aren't there…
Tyler:
What… are you saying?
Chris:
Come to the showcase…
hear me play…
Tyler:
*Sigh——
Okay. I'll be there…
Silence——
Silence——
*opens door
*a grocery bag with some leftover containers inside
*A note: I love you.
Tyler's thoughts:
… that's not mom's handwriting…
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone