A week had passed since Quinn had last spoken to Ethan, and the silence between them was starting to weigh heavily on her. The void left by his absence was louder than any argument or drama could ever be. But she didn't know how to fix things—didn't know how to face him when everything felt so... complicated.
It wasn't just about Ethan anymore. It was about her. She needed space, needed time to breathe without feeling suffocated by the constant cycle of confusion and miscommunication. And so, when Ava and Jayden suggested taking a break, Quinn didn't hesitate for a second.
"Ava, Jayden," Quinn began, sitting with them in the living room later that evening, "I've been thinking about it, and I think I need to get away for a bit. A vacation. Just for a couple of weeks. Clear my head."
Ava, who was sprawled across the couch with her feet up, raised an eyebrow. "A vacation? You've never been one to drop everything for a trip."
Quinn smiled faintly. "Yeah, well... I'm tired of feeling like I'm stuck in one place, you know? I need to do something for me. Something that's not all about work or... whatever this is with Ethan."
Jayden leaned forward from his spot on the armchair. "You're sure about this? A couple of weeks might be just what you need. Get out of your head for a while."
"I think I am," Quinn said, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders just by saying it aloud. "It'll be good. A fresh start, even if it's just for a little while. And you guys... you've always been there for me. I can't thank you enough for that."
Ava grinned. "Of course. We've got your back. So, where are we going?"
Quinn paused, a playful smile forming on her lips. "How about a beach resort? Somewhere quiet. Somewhere... away from everything."
Jayden chuckled. "Sounds perfect. As long as there are cocktails and sunshine, count me in."
And just like that, their plans were made.
---
The following morning, Quinn sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone. Her fingers hovered over the screen, indecision making her heart race. Should she tell Ethan? Should she tell him where she was going?
She wasn't ready to face him. Not yet.
But she knew she couldn't just leave without saying something. She couldn't keep pretending everything was fine when it wasn't. So, with a deep breath, Quinn opened a new message to Ethan.
*Ethan,*
*I need some space to clear my head from everything that's been happening. I'm going away for a bit with Ava and Jayden, just for two weeks. I think it's the best way for me to sort through everything and figure out where I stand.*
*I just wanted you to know, in case you were wondering where I am. I'm not running away, just trying to get some clarity. I'll be okay.*
*Quinn.*
She stared at the message for a moment longer before hitting send. It wasn't much—didn't go into details about what had really caused her to pull away. But she knew she had to keep it vague. She couldn't explain everything, not yet.
---
Quinn spent the next couple of days preparing for the vacation, trying to focus on the excitement of the trip instead of the gnawing unease in the back of her mind. She and Ava had planned everything meticulously—where they'd stay, the activities they'd do, and most importantly, the time they'd spend completely unplugged from the world.
When they arrived at the resort, Quinn immediately felt a wave of relief. The sound of the ocean, the warm breeze, and the clear blue skies seemed to wash away some of the heaviness in her heart. This was what she needed.
She wasn't running away from her problems—she was giving herself the space to breathe.
"Look at this place!" Ava exclaimed, twirling around in excitement. "It's like paradise."
Quinn smiled, watching her best friend with amusement. "It really is. I can't remember the last time I just relaxed like this."
Jayden, already lounging by the pool with a drink in hand, looked up at them. "You've been too busy with everything back home. You deserve this."
As the days passed, Quinn allowed herself to truly unwind. They spent their mornings at the beach, soaking in the sun and laughing at silly things. In the afternoons, they explored the local area, and at night, they dined at local restaurants, enjoying the peacefulness that came with being far from the chaotic world they'd left behind.
But even in paradise, Quinn couldn't escape the weight of her thoughts. Late one night, after Ava and Jayden had gone to bed, Quinn sat alone on the balcony of their resort room, staring out at the ocean. Her phone was on the table beside her, silent, still. She hadn't checked it in days, but the temptation to do so was overwhelming.
She wondered if Ethan had sent anything. If he had tried to contact her.
But what would she even say to him? Could she keep avoiding him forever?
For the first time since they'd started this complicated, whirlwind arrangement, Quinn felt a deep sense of uncertainty. She was trying to figure out what she wanted, but she had no idea what that even looked like anymore.
She picked up her phone, her fingers moving instinctively toward the messages app. But before she could unlock it, she stopped herself. No. She couldn't go back to that. Not yet.
She had made her decision to take a break, and she needed to honor it. She needed time, space, and the freedom to think without the weight of Ethan's presence looming over her every decision.
Quinn closed her eyes, letting the sound of the waves lull her into a rare moment of peace. Tomorrow, she'd be better. Tomorrow, she'd figure things out. But for now, she was content to let the world spin on without her.