Illusion

Chapter 13

Avery's POV

'...and he keeps trying to get me to hang out with him, like I don't know if I want that yet?' Ivy's voice speaks distantly across from me.

'Niall's a sweetheart, you totally should. Zayn doesn't even ask, he just shows up at my place now.' Maddie's laughter rang around me, but I didn't really hear it.

I bring the metal straw up to my lips, sipping on my mango smoothie. Round ray bans balance on the brim of my nose as I glance down at my phone for the thousandth time this week.

Harry said he'd call me when he needed me, but I haven't heard so much as a whisper from him. He's been completely silent for almost two weeks now. In fact, I haven't even seen him since he dropped me off. However, I have had the prickling feeling that I'm being watched every time I've left the house, but when I look around, I can't see anyone.

Did he finish his mission or something? Does he no longer need me? I feel an overwhelming sense of hope and relief course through my body, but I quickly shove it back down, not wanting to speak too soon.

He did act a lot calmer in the car. Well, calm for Harry. He was still his arrogant self, but I think he understood that I was really freaked out by my attacker. I still can't get over how caring he was when I was having my panic attack. He did not have to pull over, let alone get out of the car. Yet he held me, rubbing soothing circles on my back. Why?

'Hey. Earth to Avery.' I see a hand wave in front of my face, bringing my attention back to the table. Ivy and Maddie sit opposite me, staring questionly at my face. 'What's up with you? You keep checking your phone like you have somewhere to be?' Ivy questions.

I feel the back of my neck go hot, hating the fact that I was lying to my friends. My eyes shift down as my head lowers, making my bangs sweep into my face. I quickly tuck them behind my ears, taking a deep breath.

'Aves? What's going on? You look really anxious.' Maddie asks worriedly, her half-finished salad sitting untouched for the moment.

I take another deep breath, trying to sort out my thoughts. Maybe I could just tell them a little bit? That's okay right? I look into each of their eyes, knowing deep down that I could trust them.

I clear my throat, sitting up slightly straighter and running my sweaty palms over my jeans. My jumbled thoughts make me unsure where to start, my mind running in circles. I clear my throat again and just begin.

'The other morning I was almost attacked on my way to the coffee shop.' Both girls' faces drop, staring shockingly back at me. Before they have the chance to speak I quickly continue. 'Don't worry, I'm fine, Sam was there and looked after me.' I glance down at my hands, unsure if I should continue.

'You were WHAT?' Maddie exclaims at the same time Ivy says 'Avery what the fuck, are you okay? Were you hurt?'

'No, no, I'm okay, he didn't touch me. But he had a knife.' My eyes stay trained on my hands, inspecting the newly applied mauve polish. I hear two loud gasps across the table, not even needing to look at their faces to know their reactions.

I take a deep breath, trying hard not to succumb to anxiety again. My eyes flick up, meeting two sets of utterly shocked eyes. Their bodies are leant forward, waiting desperately for me to continue.

I close my eyes, focusing on the sounds of the cafe around me to calm my nerves, and reluctantly continue. 'I'm, erm, wanted by some people.' I timidly push on, my voice shaking slightly over the words.

'What do you mean, wanted?' I hear Ivy's scared voice speak aloud the question I really didn't want to answer. 'Aves?'

I inhale deeply, focusing on getting air into my lungs before speaking, 'someone is...' I trail off, avoiding eye contact.