DON’T STOP (Lila and Darrell) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Lila

I stayed in my room with my face still pressed into the pillow, the fabric damp from tears and my own exprd breaks En did I do that? Kiss Jerry? It had felt like the only thing could do in that moment a despite we to prove soment Ryder To prove I was fine. That I didn’t need from that I could move on

But now, lying here alone, it just felt wrong. Empty. Like I’d used Jerry to hurt someone else and the guilt var heavy chest

“Lila?” Jerry’s voice called from downstairs.

I froze. Hasn’t he left? What was he still doing here?

Damn.

I slowly pushed myself up. My legs felt weak. I walked to the window and peeked through the curtain. Jerry stood below looking up at my room, hands in his pockets.

“Aren’t you going to leave?” I asked softly. My voice came out hoarse.

He smiled up at me. “Can we exchange numbers? Would love to chat with you.”

I sighed. My phone was dead – I’d forgotten to charge it all day. “My phone is dead,” I called back. “Forgot to charge it today.”

“It’s fine,” Jerry said. He pulled his phone out. “Just tell me your number. I’ll save it and chat with you later.”

I hesitated for a second. Then I nodded and called out the digits. He typed them in quickly.

“Saved!” he said, holding the screen up so I could see.

I gave a small smile and nodded.

He grinned wider. “Don’t we look like Rapunzel and Eugene like this?”

I chuckled despite myself. “You’re really good with words now, aren’t you?”

“That’s my favorite Disney princess, by the way,” he said.

“Really?” I laughed softly, shaking my head.

“I knew it!” he called up. “You look just like her.”

I laughed again, the sound surprising me. It felt strange-light-after everything.

“Anyway,” he continued, “you should charge your phone right now because I’d love you to be online”

I nodded with a small smile. “Okay.”

“So… goodnight?” he asked.

“Yeah. Goodnight.” I waved.

Chapter 52

#winkal themed around and walked away.

I watched him go und he disappeared down, the driveway Then sighed and let the run up fall bark or to place Nose Delt bad for him He was such a good guy kind, bigny, and patient And Ed kissed him because of Ryder Because I wanteda hurt Ryder The thought made my stomach twier

I picked up my phone from the nightstand and plugged it in The reen hit up slowly as it started charging

Suddenly, a knock came at my bedroom door

I froze.

I’d locked it when I rushed inside after the kiss. No one should be able to get in.

My heart started racing again. Was it Jerry? But I’d seen him leave. I’d watched him walk away

Who else could it be?

I was alone in the house. Completely alone.

The knock came again. It sounded soft but firm.

I stared at the door. My pulse thundered in my ears.

I didn’t move.

I didn’t breathe.

The knock came a third time.

I quickly grabbed the broom from the corner of my room. My hands shook as I held it tight. The knock on the door stil echoed in my head. I moved slowly down the stairs, heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my ears. The house was dark except for the faint glow from the porch light coming through the windows.

“Who’s that?” I asked softly when I reached the bottom step. My voice came out smaller than I wanted.

“It’s me, Delaney.”

My eyes widened. Relief and panic hit me at the same time. I hurried to the door and opened it.

Delaney stood there with a small suitcase and a tired but warm smile. She looked exactly like I remembered – kind eves, soft hair pulled back, and the same gentle way she carried herself.

“Oh!” I said. “I didn’t know you would be coming. I thought it was tomorrow.”

“Plans changed,” she said as she stepped inside. “Didn’t your uncle tell you though?”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

“Really?” She raised an eyebrow and set her suitcase down. “Anyway, where is he?”

“Hmm… he isn’t home,” I said softly.

“Really? Why?” She sounded surprised.

“I have no idea,” I replied. “Maybe he’s out drinking or something.”

1:56 am P PP

標

he sighed softly and shook her head

Phat man She trule off and he wded towar the crem

I locked the front don behind her and follosged quietly She knocket on fire bedroom door cont hers, then opened i stood in the hallway while she disappeared inside

A few minutes later, she called my name

I walked to het doorway She was already in a towel, about to step into the bathroom

“You must be tired and hungry,” I said. “Should I prepare something? There’s no food right now so yreal home

Delar ey chuckled. “I got some things while coming. We can just cat those I guess your uncle will miss this one

I forced a small smile and nodded. “I’ll call you when it’s time.”

She smiled back. “Thank you, sweetie.”

I left and went back to the kitchen. I set out the food she’d brought – sandwiches, fruit, a small salad Single Ex arranged everything on the table and waited.

When she came down, she’d changed into comfortable clothes – loose pants and a soft swearer. She looked refreshed Ar sat together. Ate. Talked. Laughed a little about small things – her flight, the weather, and funny stones from the any felt almost normal. Almost like nothing had changed.

Then she asked.

“So how was it staying with your uncle?”

I choked on my food. The bite stuck in my throat. My eyes watered instantly.

“Oh my! Take!” Delaney said quickly. She passed me a glass of water.

I drank it down fast. “Thank you,” I whispered.

After a few seconds, I managed to speak. “It was fine,” I said. “Uncle is really a good cook.”

Delaney smiled and nodded. “He is. Always has been.”

We finished eating. I thanked her again. We said goodnight. She went to her room. I went to mine

Chapter 33