An Inconvenient Attachment

Chapter 30

Cecilia pov
The laughs that filled the air came to an abrupt stop. A girl with dark hair called out Alec's name. She seemed frail, displaying a weak smile. Her tired, dull eyes and pale skin complexion told me she was sick.

"Alice! Can you take your boxes to your room please," someone yelled from a distance.

She didn't move an inch nor responded back.

The group was frozen stiff like ice. And the only person who wasn't affected by the blizzard that this girl seemed to give, was me.

Am I the only one who's confused?

The person who yelled from a distance started walking in our direction. "Alice, I called you. Why aren't you responding?" A woman in her 40s then shifted her attention to our group.

"Oh Alec," she stared at him with half eyelids. An expression that didn't seem welcoming but rather disappointed and annoyed. "Why don't you help us Alec? Be a dear and move the boxes please."

Alec turned around to face the group. He had an awkward expression plastered onto his face. I had rarely seen him get awkward with anyone. Who is she? His gaze finally met mine and he flashed an uncomfortable, awkward smile and looked back at the group.

"Uh.." He lingered, "Sorry guys. I need to go help. Catch you all soon?" He walked back to the girl and the woman.

The girl quickly flashed him a weak smile. Alec in return nodded at her with a nonchalant look on him and started helping them to unload the boxes.

What's with people and unloading boxes? A twitch ran over my eyebrow.

"Who's Alice?" I ask, breaking the silence.

"She– She's someone," Jess smiled uncomfortably.

"I'm sorry guys. I'll have to go, Aria is going to be home alone since Colin's parents are going out," Delilah said, redirecting our attention.

"Wait. I can come with you," Colin took a step toward her.

She stopped him in the middle, "It's okay. Just talk with the group. I'll go now then," she quickly waved a bye and headed to Colin's street.

"I'll be leaving too then. I need to get a head start to pack my things," Ethan's girlfriend left next.

It was back to the original group except Alec was missing.

"Can someone tell me what is going on?" I try my best to not sound annoyed. It was starting to get irritating at how there's always secrets going around and I'm no part of it.

"She's an ex," Jess finally budged, faking a smile that quickly faded away.

She's just an ex? Why is the atmosphere so serious and heavy?

"Um? Someone tell me why everyone is so quiet though?" I awkwardly ask.

"Let's go to Hot&Dogs." Jess awkwardly patted the boys' back, ignoring me completely.

The rest of them started walking without answering me as well. It was frustrating. This is not fair. I want to be with Alec too. I mean... We just kissed?? Why does an ex get to hang out with him? When his new potential interest is right here? What's the deal? Who is this ex that seems to keep the whole group awkward and frozen?

"Can you guys explain what's going on?" I ask again, jogging behind to catch up to them.

"It's not really your business," Jess paused, turning to face me with an awkward smile. "I'm really sorry Cecilia." She genuinely looked sorrowful.

The guys avoided looking at me, like guilt written in their expression.

Not my business? What...? And my heart clenched, something squeezing it. For the first time that line hurt like hell. Over the years, I've heard people telling me that over and over.