Melanie

I close my laptop with a heavy sigh, the weight of the past few days settling heavily on my shoulders. Work has been my only escape, the only thing that manages to distract me, if only temporarily. But now, as I stand up from my desk and walk out of my room, my mind is flooded with images I'd rather forget.

Daniel's tears haunt me, his heartbroken face etched into my memory. And then there's Marcus, hovering over me, fucking me senseless. The conflicting emotions swirl inside me, leaving me feeling lost and overwhelmed.

I close my eyes and shake my head, trying to banish the images from my mind as I make my way to the kitchen. The sound of Mallory bustling about reaches my ears, and I'm grateful for the distraction. She's probably cooking, as usual. The sweet smell of cinnamon rolls confirms my suspicions.

I step into the kitchen and greet Mallory with a half-hearted smile. "Better make those cinnamon rolls good," I tease, trying to lighten the mood. "Mom makes the best."

Mallory shrugs nonchalantly, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. "Well, lucky for you, it's her recipe," she quips, flashing me a knowing look.

I take a seat at the kitchen island, watching as Mallory glazes the warm cinnamon rolls with practiced ease. The aroma is intoxicating, and I resist the urge to snatch one up and devour it on the spot.

"Careful, Mel," Mallory warns as she sets a plate of cinnamon rolls in front of me. "They're still hot from the oven."

I nod, resisting the temptation to dive in immediately. Instead, I wait for Mallory to join me, the two of us sitting side by side, cinnamon rolls in hand.

"How are you feeling, Mel?" Mallory asks, her voice soft with concern.

I take a moment to consider her question, searching for the right words to convey the jumble of emotions swirling within me. "A bit better," I admit finally, a small smile tugging at my lips.

Mallory returns my smile, her eyes warm with affection. "I'm glad to hear that," she says sincerely.

"I'm sorry you're spending so much time babysitting your big sister," I say, feeling guilty for monopolizing Mallory's attention. "You should be out with your friends or spending time with Adam."

Mallory shrugs, her grin unwavering. "My friends can come visit too, you know," she points out. "And I see Adam all the time anyway. But I do feel a little bad for Adam. Poor guy's stuck at home with our mom."

We both burst into laughter at the thought of Adam navigating the trials and tribulations of spending time with our mom. "I'd love to be a fly on the wall, just to hear Mom's comments on Adam," I chuckle, imagining the scenarios playing out in my mind.

Mallory nods in agreement, her laughter subsiding into a warm smile. "I'm sure Mom's made plenty of them," she agrees, her tone fond. "Poor Adam."

Mallory and I share another round of giggles. Feeling a sense of ease settle over me, I decide to take a tentative bite of the cinnamon roll in my hand. Surprisingly, it's cooled down enough to eat, and the taste is heavenly.

"These cinnamon rolls are just like Mom used to make," I remark, a note of nostalgia in my voice as I savor the familiar flavors.

Mallory's face lights up at the compliment, a proud grin spreading across her lips. "Thanks, Mel," she says genuinely, her eyes shining with delight. "It's actually a pretty easy recipe."

We continue to enjoy our cinnamon rolls in comfortable silence, the only sound filling the kitchen the soft rustle of pastry and the occasional contented hum from Mallory.

As we finish our snacks, Mallory turns to me with a curious expression. "So, what do you want to do tonight?" she asks, her voice laced with anticipation.

I pause, considering my options. I want nothing more than to pour out my thoughts and feelings to Mallory, to unburden myself and seek comfort in her. But the truth is, I haven't been entirely honest with her. I've been keeping secrets, hiding what is really going on between me and Marcus. And right now, I don't want to start untangling that web.

Clearing my throat, I summon the courage to speak. "I think I'd like to be alone tonight, if you don't mind," I admit reluctantly.

Mallory's brows furrow in surprise at my request, her eyes searching mine. "Are you sure, Mel?" she asks, her concern evident in her voice.

I nod firmly, mustering up all the conviction I can muster. "I'm sure," I reply, trying to convey my sincerity through the firmness of my tone.

Mallory studies me for a moment, as if searching for any hidden doubts or uncertainties. Finally, she nods, accepting my decision. "Okay," she says softly, her voice tinged with understanding. "But promise me you'll call me immediately if you start feeling lonely, okay?"

I manage a small smile, touched by Mallory's thoughtfulness. "I promise," I assure her.

Mallory nods in response, a reassuring smile playing on her lips. "Good," she says, her tone filled with warmth. "I'll text Adam to come get me then."

With that, she reaches for her phone, quickly typing out a message. Placing her phone back on the kitchen island, she turns to face me, a curious expression in her eyes.

"Can I ask you a question?" she asks tentatively, her voice hesitant.

"Shoot," I reply, wondering what's on Mallory's mind.

My heart skips a beat as Mallory hesitates before asking her question, and when she finally speaks, her words catch me off guard. "I was just wondering... what do you think about Marcus?" she ventures, her tone tentative.

I hadn't expected Mallory to broach this topic, and I can feel a knot forming in my stomach as I try to process her question. "What do you mean?" I ask, my voice coming out more uncertain than I intended.

Mallory takes a deep breath, her gaze searching mine. "I know you probably don't want to talk about it, or even think about it," she begins carefully, "but what do you intend to do about Marcus?"

I bite my lower lip, uncertainty gnawing at me. What should I tell Mallory? Before I can formulate a response, Mallory lets out a frustrated groan, her frustration evident. "I hate this," she admits, her voice tinged with exasperation. "I'm just going to be honest, okay? I can't lie to you, Mel."

I swallow my guilt and nod, steeling myself for whatever comes next. "Okay," I murmur, my voice barely audible.

Mallory takes a deep breath, her expression solemn. "Adam and I have been talking to Marcus," she reveals. "We've let him know about you meeting Daniel last night. I know it's still early to say, but... should Adam tell Marcus that there's hope?"

I take a moment to mull over Mallory's question, weighing the options carefully in my mind. Marcus must be going crazy not knowing what's going on, and rightfully so. But I still can't bring myself to talk to him directly, not yet. Perhaps sending a message through Mallory and Adam would be the best course of action.

After a brief moment of contemplation, I make up my mind. "Tell Adam to let Marcus know that I need some time to myself right now," I instruct Mallory, my voice firm. "And... yes, tell him there's hope."

Mallory's face lights up with excitement, and she throws her arms around me in a tight hug. "Oh my gosh, Mel! I'm so happy for you!" she exclaims, her voice filled with genuine joy.

I chuckle softly, returning Mallory's embrace. "Thanks, Mal," I reply warmly.

As we pull back from the hug, I can't help but voice my lingering doubts. "I said there's hope," I remind Mallory, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I'm not sure how much time I'll need. What if Marcus gets tired of waiting?"

Mallory shakes her head adamantly, a determined glint in her eyes. "Nuh-uh," she insists, her voice full of conviction. "That dude's smitten, Mel. He'll wait forever if he has to."

Mallory's words send a shiver down my spine as I recall the text Marcus once sent me.

"As long as it takes."

"We'll see," I reply softly, a tentative smile playing at the corners of my lips.

Mallory's assurance brings a sense of comfort, but Daniel's tear-stained face still haunts my thoughts, casting a shadow over my fragile optimism. My smile falters as his pain weighs heavily on my conscience.

"What's wrong?" Mallory's concerned voice breaks through my reverie, pulling me back to the present.

I shake my head, unable to articulate the turmoil swirling within me. "I just can't shake this feeling," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can't move on and be happy knowing I've caused so much pain to someone who gave his all for me. I feel... I feel so guilty."

Mallory's hands find their way to my shoulders, her gaze locking with mine as she imparts her wisdom. "You shouldn't feel bad for your own happiness," she says firmly, her voice filled with conviction. "Daniel will find his way to happiness too, I'm sure of it."

Despite Mallory's words, I still can't shake the overwhelming sense of remorse that gnaws at my conscience. The thought of Daniel's pain weighs heavily on my heart, and I can't help but feel responsible for it.