If I Stay Gayle Forman Novels & Stories

Her phone chimed against the counter. The sound cut through the stillness, scattering Laura’s thoughts like startled birds. She ignored it. Ignoring things, especially small urgent things, had become an art form for her lately. The yogurt smelled fine. She dipped a spoon in, scraping at the pale surface, her tongue prickling with anticipation and a touch of dread. That was how people died, probably. Not dramatically. Not by shipwreck or murder or some glamorous Victorian illness. They stood alone in an apartment kitchen, sniffed at questionable dairy, said "eh," and made a terrible decision.

That’s the debt I’m paying. It’s been almost a month. Gayle called off her wedding to Carlos. She said the accident made her see clearly—she never loved him. Maybe the crash gave us all a brutal sort of clarity. I don’t know. I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, a nervous habit, as Paul steps back to let me into the penthouse.

His stocks didn't plummet, nor did investors and collaborators pull out. Of course, it was quite a scandal, but being gay in this twenty-first century was nothing new. Gay people have always existed. Is. And forever will. As Ana, Rahim, and Tessa got into the car and drove away, they didn't look back. Well, only Rahim did. He was feeling as guilty as fuck. Harry was left all alone to himself as he brooded and wallowed in self-pity. Meanwhile, Hailey, over at her workplace, had just seen the news as she scrolled through her I***a profile.

'Alright, go on then, enter the streets, don't blame me when you get mugged or kidnapped. I suddenly feel extremely nervous. I'm not experienced in going out, I never go out. I mean, I used to with Cole bu- 'But that's gone and you are never going to get that again.' I can't go out there alone. But I can't stay here either. I don't want to be trapped here any longer. It's painful. 'Come on Xavier, make your mind up!' I weigh between the two options. Go or stay. Go or stay.

I look at the itinerary and notice it’s an overnight layover to which I reply that I have a spare bedroom and he is more than welcome to stay here in a bed rather than the airport. After a little back and fourth, he texts me saying he would be very appreciative if he could stay with me, so I agree and when his flight comes in I pick him up at the airport. We get back to my place and chill for a little while and he decides to take a nap. A short while later I get a text from him asking if I can help him with something. He said his gf didn’t help and since he knows I’m gay he was wondering if I could. I shoot a text back saying get naked and open the bedroom door when you’re ready.

He shared our laughter and dreams, painting a picture as if I had never left his side. [On a drizzly afternoon, I swung by Anita's hospital to pick her up. The director couldn't stop raving about how they'd never find another doctor with my patience and kindness. Pride swelled in my chest. Anita, my omega, wasn't just my mate. She was a force in her own right, her passion for her work making me feel invincible, even in the face of pain.] [Lately, Anita's been mad at me, and I'm at my wit's end trying to make things right. I've covered the hills with moonflowers again—could she really stay away and not even peek?]

"Cyrus, why are you here?" "Move out," Cyrus said firmly. The smile on Florence's face stiffened. She asked in disbelief, "What did you say?" "I said, move out. Right now." Cyrus scanned around and said, "You can no longer stay here." Florence slowly stood up and looked at him. Her eyes instantly reddened. "Why? Cyrus, what happened?" Cyrus said, his voice an octave higher, "I want you gone! Gayle is mad. I need to let her know that you will no longer stay here."

“I do not want anything.” Gayle stands a little longer and then turns to leave. When she reaches the doorway, she looks back towards Ally. Ally quickly turns around and looks at Gayle. “Can I have phone or something? I would like to read up on current events.” Ally asks Gayle. Gayle immediately shakes her head.

“Yeah, for about five seconds! C’mon, go finish your shower and we’ll head out to Charlotte’s. I haven’t seen Bob in a while and I miss that all-knowing grin of his.” “And the fact he always gives us some great advice, not to mention an extra few ounces in our drinks. I’m feeling better already. Thanks Gayle, I don’t know what I would do without a friend like you. Why can’t men be more like women?” “Because then they wouldn’t be able to drive us crazy.” Jenny left to change clothes leaving Gayle to watch the rest of the newscast.

She was seated next to Rye, sitting on a carpet. "Let's introduce ourselves first, okay? I'll go first!" He said. "Hi, my name is Gayle." "Perhaps a homo," the man said, laughing. "Be quiet, babe," said Gayle. "Okay, okay, I'm gay, so what? Is this an issue for you, Khali?" She was startled. The man knew her name. After that, she just shook her head. "Alright, charot!" said Gayle, laughing.