Leaving London

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

Lara.

Oh, lord. Why did it have to be her?

"What the hell has been going on here?" Lara spits, eyes narrowing to accusing slits as she glares between me and Olli. A terrified glance flutters from my eyes to Olli, who meets my gaze with just as much humiliation. Rapidly, my fingers rush up to my lips, lingering over them as if wondering if what just happened actually took place. Trying to erase the thought of Olli's lips ever coming into contact with mine. I feel sick, my stomach churning...the droning in my head rising to an agonizing, raw discomfort.

"Nothing," I whimper, gritting my eyes together, praying that maybe she hadn't been watching the whole time.

"Don't give me that rubbish," She seethes angrily.

"It was all a mistake." I state plainly, rubbing my arm in nervousness.

"Oh, a mistake that meant you were making out with Mia's boyfriend, huh?" She spits.

"Lara, look. This is none of your business." Olli growls, placing a tender hand on my arm, which I shake off immediately.

"Oh, but it is my business," Lara responds frostily, "Seeing as my best friend has just been cheated on by her scumbag boyfriend and this...this inconsiderate jerk!" The last bit is directed right at me, and as she glowers at me something snaps inside of me. Sadness and anger well up inside me in a paralysing swirl of shattered emotions. Hot, furious tears well up and scatter down my cheeks in despairing trickles. Ignoring the growing resentment building up in my chest, I aggressively shove past Lara, who tries to restrict me with her arm, and storm towards the stairs, clomping noisily in my shoes.

"I can't believe you'd do this, Fearne. Anyone but you. You can't do this to people! To Mia!" She sighs, the hint of fury replaced by softer tones, as she follows me down the stairs.

"Yeah? Well. Maybe it doesn't matter. They've not been great together as a couple anyway, and it was a mistake, okay? Stop messing around in other people's stuff, Lara." I half-yell, struggling to hurry down the stairs.

"Is that what Mia's gonna say, hm? I'm sorry Fearne, but messing around with a friend's boyfriend is not acceptable!"

"If you were truly her friend, you wouldn't tell her," I leer, "Accept that people make mistakes!"

"I don't know of anyone who's stooped that low with a taken guy," Lara crows, "As for you Olli, I hope you're ashamed of yourself. You should've been concentrating on Mia, I don't think you understand how many times she's come crying to me about how she feels ignored or offended by you."

"It was my decision to make, Lara. And as for Mia, you should know how difficult she is to stand, especially when she's demanding your attention 24/7. You should be aware of that." Lara winces at the comment, looking crestfallen. Anger seems to radiate off her face.

"I'm going to find Lillie. I'm sick of this, I feel bad enough already, thanks a lot." I snap, tripping down a couple more stairs.

"No, Fearne. I've got you to thank for this. You've betrayed Mia, Fearne! How can I let that go?" She screams as I hurdle down the last two steps, as another figure comes crashing through from the living room and knocks right into me. Mia.

∞

"What's happened? I heard my name?" Mia slurs, looking from me to Lara with complete bewilderment plastered across her face.

I watch Lara open her mouth, preparing to let the secrets come flooding out...but then she changes her mind. Points a shaking finger in my direction, before gathering her stuff from the hallway and slamming her way out of the house. I heave a breath of relief, before I find Mia's puzzled stare fixed on me.