Muse [h.s.]

18. truth

🎵The Chain — Fleetwood Mac

Ella's POV

The room is spinning, but all I can focus on is the man in front of me.

The rest of my surroundings sound like...like when you're underwater. Everything sounds as though they're miles away, far from my grasp, but looking at Harry, I feel like I'm resurfacing from down under.

I can't even blame it on all the alcohol I've consumed — maybe the liquid courage in my veins is giving me much more clarity than if I were to be sober.

I don't care anymore — I had to let it out, I couldn't hold it in any longer, especially with Kyle trying to blow the high that I'm on. 

I just couldn't stand the way he tried to pry the bottle of whiskey from my hands, or when he insisted I go home with him.

What was his problem?

I don't want him to touch me; it's like the alcohol in me only amplified and brought out my genuine feelings.

He isn't the one I want.

I guess people really do speak the truth when they're drunk, huh?

Especially with Harry in front of me, his careful eyes monitoring my every move. He doesn't even realize it, but his gaze is as intense as ever and causes the heat to rise to my cheeks.

His eyes widen, pulling me out of my thoughts, but I can't tear my eyes away from him.

My heart pounds in my chest as I become oblivious to the world around me, my mind consumed by thoughts of only him — always only him.

I almost forget that Lydia said Kyle wasn't going to teach his swimming lessons — what did she mean?

I couldn't even stop myself from blurting out that I was with Harry this morning — before I could even think, the words slipped past my lips.

"What? What's she talking about?" Kyle asks, his voice sounding as though it's far away.

Harry opens his mouth, the words failing to come out. His lips form a small 'o' which makes him look absolutely adorable, his head shaking as he struggles to speak.

Kyle turns towards me, his finger under my chin as he turns my head towards him. I don't like the way he's touching me.

I back away from him, but his eyes flash with anger, his grip still on my chin. "What do you mean, you were with Harry?"

Frustrated, I reach up and yank his hand away from my chin. "Stop touching me!"

I didn't want him to continue touching me, especially after the way he just gripped my chin.

Too much was going on, and even though all I want to do is look at Harry, I turn my blurry eyes to Lydia.

"Tell me what you mean," I say, my words sounding a bit jumbled together.

Lydia's bright blue eyes are red around the rims as she wets her lips with her tongue. She looks at Kyle with disgust before she shakes her head, turning her attention back to me.