𝕞𝕚𝕣𝕣𝕠𝕣𝕤 ┉✧ L.T.

/ chapter seven /

♪ Cigarettes After Sex – Sunsetz  ♫

---------------------- NORWAY ---------------------

26th of September

Elisabeth was alone, by the time I found the courage to leave my bedroom. And, no matter how determined I was to sort it out, something inside my brain was suddenly screaming at me to shut up and go back to sleep. I wasn't sure if I wanted to listen to that voice; sometimes, talking about feelings can make things even gloomier than they already are, that's true. However, Jupiter was one of the last things I was willing to let go of.

My eyes were completely dry of tears by then. I was sleepy, but I couldn't help but stare at the street lights outside as we drove down the highway, at a car that was speeding next to us with the exhaust echoing in the night. For a second, I felt jealous of the freedom.

"Hey," Elisabeth looked towards me, shaking her hands cheerfully; she seemed unaware of the fact that I had overheard their conversation, so oblivious. Like all those people with their parallel lives driving down the highway next to us, Elisabeth seemed to be living in a world entirely different than mine. Wearing her I love Sweden T-shirt and big glasses, a strand of dark hair flipping between her fingers, she cracked a smile at me.

"Hi," I faked I smile back.

"What's up?"

"Nothing," I shrugged my shoulders, "I'm just getting some water."

Elisabeth stood up, walked towards me quickly. Her facial expression didn't change; however, as she put both her hands on my shoulders and let out a sigh, her eyes wide and her head tilted on one side, I could tell she didn't believe me.

"Listen, you little bitch," she softly patted on my shoulders, "First, don't hit me with the I'm just getting some water shit."

"It's true," I chuckled, "I'm thirsty."

"You were crying. Weren't you?"

I rolled my eyes, "No."

"Cut the crap, I know you."

"I'm fine, Beth. Just sleepy."

"Also, considering I'm your best friend, I promise I'll tell you if you tell me."

"Tell me what?" I breathed out, my voice cracking; I felt my eyes burning suddenly, filling up with tears again, half defeated because Elisabeth had realized I was lying and half scared of what she would announce. I blinked to make the stream of tears go away but, of course, I failed. They came out hot and furious, running down my cheeks.

"Oh, baby," Elisabeth put her hands back on my shoulders, slightly shaking me. "Look at me."

I stepped back, taking her hands off my shoulders. "Fuck it, Beth."

"Look at me, Rose!" Elisabeth's demanding voice echoed in the otherwise empty hallway.

So, I did. For someone who maybe wanted to kick me out of Jupiter, she really looked worried.

"What has happened?" her words were coming out one by one, each one loud and emphasized.

"None of you really wants me here, Beth, am I wrong?", I mumbled. My body shivered as I let my thoughts slip out. They sounded even harsher as they echoed.

"Wow," Elisabeth gasped, a bit appalled and a bit surprised. A moment passed as the deafening silence filled up the dim lit hallway, before she smiled back at me. "Wow. Is that what you get?"