There was something deeply messed up about the idea of giving each other space.
The distance had been meant to last a day- maybe two.
Not a whole week.
Every time Malcolm worked up the courage to speak to Amy, she flinched or froze. To him, those reactions were worse than a clear rejection. At least rejection had words- or faces depending on a person.
"Are you two still not talking to each other?" Elijah asked while changing the lights in the newsroom.
Malcolm shook his head, hands shoved deep into his pockets. "She's not ready to face me. I think."
Elijah stared at him. He hadn't had his daily dose of Amy in days, all because she wasn't ready for Malcolm? No, thank you. "And you think she ever will be?" he said flatly, "with you looking like she broke you every time she sees you?"
"I don't do that," Malcolm protested.
"Oh- hi, Amy!" Elijah called out suddenly.
Malcolm froze.
Two seconds. That's all it took for his entire system to shut down- more overwhelming than the exhaustion at the end of every school year.
"And that," Elijah said, climbing down the ladder until he stood in front of Malcolm's flushed face, "proves my point."
He softened. "Look- being rejected romantically isn't the same as her not loving you as a person" Elijah continued, "This shouldn't be the end of your friendship"
"But it's hard not to feel betrayed by her," Malcolm muttered, scratching the back of his neck.
"That's your ego talking, not love," Elijah replied firmly. "I'm not Amy, but I'm pretty sure she loves you- just not as her man. But someone who makes the world feel less crappy"
Malcolm understood what Elijah meant. Still, it had been too long without clearing the air.
"Good. I found you guys-" April's voice cut in as she jogged toward them, breathless.
"Why were you running," Elijah asked, pointing at the phone in her hand, "when you have our numbers?"
"Funny you should ask," April said, slipping the phone behind her back.
Malcolm- grateful for the change of subject- asked quietly, "Did something happen?"
April hesitated, then turned to him. "Amy's boyfriend is here."
"What?"
"She has a boyfriend?"
Malcolm and Elijah spoke at the same time.
"But that's not all," April continued. "The boyfriend's wife- and his mother- are here too. Right now."
Malcolm felt like he'd been dropped straight into hell, and the exit key had gone missing. "How are they here when Amy only rented this place after I personally guaranteed her privacy?"
"So… remember the bash last Friday?" April began, offering a nervous smile.
"Did someone post her?" Malcolm asked, his voice tightening.
"Worse," April said- then stopped when Elijah spoke.
"She recorded herself making out with the DJ," Elijah said, eyes fixed anywhere but Malcolm, "and he posted it on his social media account."
Yes, Elijah had been there. Yes, he knew better. But Amy had been playful for once, and he hadn't wanted to drag reality into that night. He knew it wasn't a strong excuse.
Malcolm couldn't even form a sentence. Disappointment weighed heavier than anger.
Turning to April, who was now visibly distracted by the pain on her brother's face, Malcolm asked, all business, "Where are they now?"
"Your office lounge," April replied absentmindedly.
"Does Amy know they're here?" Malcolm asked, straightening his clothes.
April shook her head slightly. "I don't think so."
"Alright," Malcolm muttered.
"Can I come with you?" Elijah offered.
Whatever crossed Malcolm's face made Elijah step back.
Without another word, Malcolm headed for the lounge.