No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Then you should head back. But not alone in your state," Conrad paused before glancing at Dustin, "Bro, take Felicia with you, okay?" Dustin nodded, "Sure."

I wanted to refuse, but I knew it was futile; they would never let me go back alone given my condition.

"What about you?" I glanced at the bandage wrapped around Conrad's head.

"I'll wait for Jefferson. We'll go back together once he's out," Conrad insisted, and it made sense.

Jefferson, being bullied in a foreign land, would definitely feel worse if he found himself without a familiar face upon release.

Yet, seeing Conrad like this, I feared Jefferson might feel even more guilty.

"He's going to blame himself when he sees you like this," I warned Conrad.

"It's fine, I'll come up with another excuse. Won't mention the accident," Conrad stood his ground.

Realizing more arguing was pointless, I just asked, "Can Jefferson still compete after this?"

"That's still unclear. Depends on what his club decides and, of course, how Club Q handles this situation," Dustin chimed in.

Deep down, I knew Ernest could smooth things over, but asking anyone else seemed pointless, especially since Ernest was avoiding me, perhaps even done with me. The thought choked me up, prompting me to immediately book a flight home on my phone.

"And mine," Dustin interjected.

surprised me; I hadn't considered booking his ticket too. With nothing else to say, I just responded,

when I thought he was sending his info, he said, "Done, got

your bags, we're heading to the airport in an

was speechless

better, but

a gentle nudge to Conrad, yet it reminded me

now carried a

the eye contact after a

held him back, "Rest up.

to listen or

Dustin's feelings for me, but Dustin's openness in front of

I

I

if Dustin had

on

IMS

my focus wasn't on deciphering Dustin's

me, I hadn't started packing

packed light, just the