His After The Heartbreak (BL)-Chapter 12: He is Back

Chapter 12 - He is Back

Tyler's POV

The sunlight stabbed through my closed eyelids, pulling me out of sleep. I groaned, rolling onto my side, trying to escape the brightness, but it was useless. The heat of the sun made my blankets feel too warm, and my body felt heavy, like I had barely rested.

With a sigh, I reached blindly for my phone on the nightstand, squinting at the bright screen as I checked the time.

10:23 AM.

Shit.

Panic shot through me, and I sat up quickly. I was supposed to be at school. I threw off the blanket, about to jump out of bed when it hit me.

I wasn't going.

Not today. Not for a while.

After everything that had happened—the fight, the breakup, Logan kissing me, and then Alexis proving she had the loyalty of a goldfish—I wasn't about to step foot in that school until I was ready. Until I could walk down those halls without feeling like the entire world had seen me crumble.

No matter how much I wanted to pretend like everything was fine, I wasn't ready to face the stares, the whispers, or worse—the pity.

I let out a deep breath and ran a hand through my messy hair. I needed today to just breathe. To feel normal, even for a little while.

My mind drifted to my mom. She was probably awake by now. She was never one to sleep in. I wanted to check on her, but first, I needed to shower. I felt gross from tossing and turning all night, my body still sore.

Dragging myself out of bed, I stretched my arms over my head, my muscles aching slightly. I made my way to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face before grabbing my toothbrush. As I brushed my teeth, I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

I looked... exhausted.

Dark circles under my eyes. My hair was a mess. My expression was empty.

Sighing, I stepped into the shower, letting the hot water pour over me, washing away the tension in my body. I stood there longer than usual, watching the steam curl around me, letting the heat soak into my skin. The silence was nice. For the first time in days, my mind wasn't racing.

Once I finally forced myself to turn off the water, I stepped out, my skin still warm. Water dripped from my hair as I grabbed a towel, drying myself off. I reached for my lotion, rubbing it into my skin before spraying on some chocolate-scented body spray.

I made my way to my closet, pulling out a pair of soft grey joggers and a fitted black T-shirt. Comfortable, but not too lazy-looking. After slipping on my comfy crocs, I grabbed my cologne and sprayed a little on my wrists and neck.

Alright. Now I felt a little more human.

I made my way downstairs, the smell of something cooking filling my nose. My stomach growled, even though I didn't feel particularly hungry. As I stepped into the kitchen, I saw my mom moving around at the stove, humming softly to herself as she cooked.

"Mom," I said, leaning against the counter. "Why are you cooking? It's already past ten. You should be resting."

She turned to look at me, giving me a playful but firm look. "No matter how old you get, I'll always cook for my baby."

Before I could argue, she wiped her hands on a towel and walked over, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.

I sighed but smiled, wrapping my arms around her.

She smelled like home.

Like warmth, safety, and everything that made me feel like I wasn't completely falling apart.

I kissed her forehead, holding onto her just a little longer.

I didn't want to let go.

Lately, I had been so caught up in my own problems—the heartbreak, the betrayal, the confusion—that I hadn't really stopped to appreciate her. Everything she did for me.

We finally pulled away, and she gestured toward the dining table. "Sit down. I'll bring your plate."

I obeyed, watching as she set a plate in front of me. Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, golden toast with a little butter melting into it, and a side of fresh-cut fruit. A simple meal, but it looked perfect.

"You sleep well?" she asked as she sat down across from me.

"Yeah," I said, taking a bite of my eggs. "What about you?"

She nodded. "Yes. And thank you again for agreeing to go to the wedding with me."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Mom, stop thanking me. I love you, and I'd do anything to make you happy."

She smiled, a little sad but warm. "You're a good son, Tyler."

We ate in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of forks clinking against plates filling the air.

Then she spoke again, her voice softer this time.

"I know about what Alexis did after cheating."

I froze, my fork stopping mid-air.

She sighed. "I know what happened, sweetheart. And I just want you to know that you're not alone in this. If you ever need to talk, my arms are always open."

I swallowed, pushing my food around my plate.

"Thanks, Mom," I murmured. "I just need a few days. I'm not going back to school yet."

She reached across the table, taking my hand in hers. "Take as long as you need. I won't pressure you. But don't shut me out, okay?"

I squeezed her hand, my chest tightening. "I won't."

She gave me a reassuring smile before we continued eating.

Just as I was about to finish, a knock sounded at the door.

I was about to stand up, but my mom wiped her hands on a napkin and shook her head. "I'll get it."

I nodded, still focused on my food as she walked to the door.

I heard it creak open.

Silence.

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My chewing slowed. Usually, I'd hear her talking to whoever it was by now. But there was nothing.

A strange feeling crawled up my spine.

I put my fork down. "Mom?"

No response.

Something was off.

I stood, my stomach twisting as I walked toward the door. As soon as I reached it, I saw my mom standing completely still, her hands slightly trembling at her sides.

"Mom?" I stepped beside her, frowning. "What's—"

Then I saw him.

My breath caught in my throat.

My stomach twisted into knots, my chest tightening so hard it was difficult to breathe.

Tall. Dark hair. The same piercing eyes I hadn't seen in years.

A slow, smug smile curled on his lips.

He looked exactly the same. Too much the same. The same man who had walked away years ago without looking back.

The same man who had left us behind.

My hands clenched into fists at my sides.

"Hello, son." His voice was smooth, almost amused. "Miss me?"