Surf, Scars, and Broken Promises

Gabrielle's POV

Regina Quimby gave an awkward laugh before quickly changing the subject.

But I knew her too well. One look at her expression, and I could tell my words had hit a nerve.

When Jayden York came back, he didn't seem to notice the tension in the room. He put the payment receipt in the drawer beside Regina's bed, then poured some water into a cup.

"Your lips are getting dry. Drink some water."

He handed the cup to Regina.

She glanced at the cup, then at me. She smacked him lightly on the arm. "What is wrong with you? Can't you see Gabby's here? Give it to her first!"

Jayden rolled his eyes at her. "You're such a pain," he muttered.

Still, when he handed the cup to me, he thoughtfully reminded me, "Careful. It's a little hot."

Jayden and I had grown up together. He was only a few months younger than me, but he had always been the one looking after me.

I'd never had to worry about running out of pads because he always made sure I had some stocked up. I never bothered checking the weather forecast either. Whenever it was going to rain or get cold, he'd be the first to remind me to bring an umbrella or grab a jacket.

For all these years, Jayden had never once handed me food or a drink without making sure it was at the right temperature.

So when he cautioned me that the water was a little hot, I didn't feel cared for. It made me realize he hadn't even thought to get me a drink.

Or rather, ever since I arrived, I was practically invisible to him.

He was still caught up in the thrill of having survived something dangerous with Regina, just like all those other times they'd done something extreme together.

For the next few days, I doubted he'd have much attention left for anyone but Regina.

Sure enough, the next thing I heard was Jayden saying, "Regina's not getting out of the hospital anytime soon. Why don't we cancel tomorrow's gathering? You can celebrate your birthday here."

Before I could say anything, Regina immediately snapped at him, "Are you crazy? Gabby's perfectly fine. Why would she spend her birthday here? She's not the one who's admitted. You're basically jinxing her!"

Jayden tilted his chin defiantly. "Why are you being so superstitious? I'm just worried you'll be lonely here by yourself!"

The two of them started bickering again, this time over whether it was superstition. I sat there listening to them, but my thoughts couldn't help drifting back to what I'd seen at Jayden's place before coming to the hospital.

Jayden and Regina were neighbors. When I first found out they'd bought places in the same complex, I actually thought it was pretty convenient. If I went to see my boyfriend, I could easily drop by and see my best friend too, and vice versa.

But when I found out they lived right across from each other, I couldn't help feeling a little uneasy.

If Regina hadn't had a boyfriend when she moved in…

If Jayden hadn't repeatedly assured me that his mother had handled everything, from the moment he decided to buy a place in Haine to getting the property officially registered…

Maybe I would've started suspecting something between them three years ago.

I was busy with work, so Jayden usually came to see me. I rarely went to his place.

If I hadn't suddenly remembered last night about the document I'd left at Jayden's place, I wouldn't have gone there today. And I certainly wouldn't have found all Regina's personal belongings in his home.

It was almost as if they weren't neighbors living right across from each other.

They were more like a couple living under the same roof.