love or host - tommyinnit

chapter 55- home

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"WHO WANTS TO PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER?!" alex screams enthusiastically. we all yell in agreement.

"SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK!" karl shouts while smashing a monster on his head.

we all grab a bunch of mattresses and make a makeshift group of beds on the living room floor.

"HARRY POTTER MARATHON!" george yells while holding up the first cd.

"HARRY POTTER MARATHON!" everyone echoes. wilbur and i run to the kitchen to grab snacks, candy, and make popcorn.

"this is going to be the best last night of our lives," wilbur says.

"of course," i respond. we bring the snacks back and all settle into watching the movie.

after a few movies, it's two in the morning. most of us are awake, but calmed down just a little. we're jumping around less and only screaming at the movie.

except clay. he's in his room, calling people up the buy their plane tickets.

i really hope he doesn't call me up anytime soon-

"valerie," clay calls from his room. "time to purchase your ticket."

spoke too soon.

i sigh as i slowly make my way up the stairs.

i don't want to go back to california.

hell, i can't even call it home anymore.

i approach clay's room and softly knock on the door.

"come in," he says. i turn the doorknob and enter his room. "hi, come over here. we'll decide what flight you're going on. maybe you and alex can go on the same flight if he decides to go to his california home."

"mhm..." i say as tears slowly run down my face. clay turns to me.

"holy- are you okay?" he asks gently while reaching out to rub my arm.

"i don't want to leave," i say. clay's mouth straightens into a line and he nods grimly.

"i know. neither do i, honestly. but we all have to go home at some point."

"california doesn't feel like home anymore."

"brighton does?"

"it's not brighton specifically. you guys are my home." clay laughs.

"tommy is your home," he corrects. i sigh.

"he's a big part of it. but you're part of my home, too. and wilbur. and niki. and everyone else here."

clay rubs his chin. i try to determine what he's thinking by the look on his face, but i can't.

suddenly, his green eyes light up.

"let's talk for a while," he says.

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once clay and i are done, i head back downstairs. i want to spend as little time away from everyone as possible. i look at the tv and see karl starting the goblet of fire.

"george fell asleep?" i ask.

"are you surprised?" toby asks, popping an m&m into his mouth.

"not in the slightest. in fact, i'm surprised he lasted as long as he did."