CHAPTER 19: CHAPTER 19: IF YOU’RE NOT GOING TO TELL THE TRUTH, I MIGHT

📍 Location: The Brooks House

⏰ Time: 7:12 PM

Aaron’s dad opened the door like he wasn’t even surprised to see me.

"Again?" he said with a tired smile.

"Yep," I replied. "I’m the emotional support friend."

He laughed, which was nice and also tragic, considering he had no idea what was happening under his roof.

Yet.

I followed the sound of soft kitchen noises to find Aaron and Elena prepping dinner.

Together.

Too close.

Too quiet.

Too synchronized.

My stomach dropped.

🍴 7:14 PM — Watching the Dance

I leaned against the wall, arms folded, pretending not to be watching.

But I was watching.

Elena laughed at something Aaron said.

He brushed her arm.

She didn’t flinch.

Innocent? Maybe.

Comfortable? Definitely.

Dangerous? Absolutely.

I’ve seen Aaron flirt. I’ve seen Aaron fall.

This wasn’t a game anymore.

This was something else.

Something real. And real was worse.

🧠 Flashback: The Moment I Knew

Last week, he said:

"I didn’t mean to fall for her. It just... happened."

I didn’t push.

But I should’ve.

Because this wasn’t a crush.

This was a full-on slow-motion disaster movie, and I had front row tickets with popcorn.

🧭 7:26 PM — Elena Notices Me Noticing

She caught my eye as I poured water for the table.

Just one look.

Her expression tightened — not guilt exactly, but something worse:

Recognition.

She knew I knew.

And neither of us said a word.

🍽️ 7:40 PM — Dinner Table Landmines

Dinner was mostly quiet, which in this house meant everything was loud.

Aaron’s dad talked about car insurance. His aunt called mid-meal. The salad was underdressed. Elena offered to do the dishes.

I said nothing.

But I watched Aaron shoot Elena a look when she stood up.

Like a silent check-in.

And she gave a tiny nod.

Code.

These two had code now?

I almost choked on a crouton.

🧨 8:05 PM — The Question

Aaron and I sat on the porch afterward, letting the night cool everything off.

"You okay?" I asked.

He nodded, too fast.

I leaned forward. "You still seeing her?"

His face tensed.

I added: "You said you’d stop."

He didn’t respond.

So I pushed: "Then why do you look more in love than last week?"

Aaron clenched his jaw. "Because I am."

🚨 8:12 PM — Intervention, Lite Version

"I’m not judging you," I said, softly. "But I am your friend. So I’m allowed to be worried."

"You think I don’t know it’s wrong?"

"I think you know it’s wrong but you want it anyway."

He exhaled.

I added: "That’s the scariest kind of wrong."

🥀 8:23 PM — What If?

"What if I told your dad?" I asked suddenly.

He froze.

"I wouldn’t," I said quickly. "But someone might. Elena’s not invisible. You’re not subtle. And secrets get heavy."

His voice was hoarse. "Please don’t."

"I won’t. Yet."

🧾 9:10 PM — Milo’s Private Note

Later that night, I wrote it down — everything I knew, just in case.

Not to use.

Just in case I needed to protect Aaron from himself.

Or Elena from him.

Or all of them from the fallout.

Because someone was going to break.

And it better not be me.

📘 End of Chapter 19

💬 YOUR TURN!

Was Milo right to press? Should he stay silent — or blow the whole thing up?

Do you think someone else will catch on next?

👇 Drop your predictions — and your warnings — in the comments!

❤️ Like if you’re living for Milo’s loyal-but-done energy.

🔔 Follow now — Chapter 20 brings confrontation, a secret nearly exposed, and the return of someone unexpected...