𝑮𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒚 ✓

Chapter 19

THE NEXT FEW DAY WERE pretty normal. Or at least she thought so. She finished eating lunch with her family and decided to wear something special, for no reason, as she wanted to feel better about herself.

She went to her closet, then began to flip through the hangers looking for something to wear. She decided to pick out a simple black t-shirt, a pair of wide jeans, a Chanel belt, and a pair of black ankle boots. She went in to the bathroom to change, and then came out and sat on the bed, confused on what she should do. It was around five o'clock, so she called Bryce to tell him that she was coming over.

"Yeah, I would love to! I need... Well, someone to talk to." he spoke, a small, fake smile spread over his face. Mal smiled, and soon enough, they hug up.

She headed downstairs, to meet her mother and her sisters sitting in the kitchen. The two girls were scrolling through their phones nonchalantly, while the mother was reading a book. Mal didn't have time to read the book's title, because they looked up almost as soon as she walked in.

"Um, can I go to Bryce's house?" she spoke awkwardly, playing with her fingers in nervousness. Nawal nodded, not taking her eyes off the book.

"Sure sweetie, just come back before dawn."

Mal chuckled at the lack of attention, then kneeled down to say goodbye to Bella, who licked her face warmly. "I'll see you soon, Bella."

Then she took off.

-

As soon as she arrived at Bryce's house, she stood in front of the door for a few seconds to tidy her clothes, and then rang the doorbell.

Bryce opened a few moments later with a small smile. Mal returned the smile with a more sincere one, admiring his features. He wore a pair of all-black pyjamas, along with messy hair. From the sight of his slightly red eyes, she figured out that he was crying a lot. She couldn't blame him, because she was doing the same. In fact, she would be doing the same thing at that moment if it wasn't for her family. That was when it really hit her.

Bryce was doing much worse than her, and he wasn't telling anyone. She hadn't seen him for the past few days, or anyone else for that matter. Suddenly, she was aware of her fast heartbeats, feeling a little strangled and selfish. She thought she was only worrying about herself.

"Sorry you had to see me like this. But I know you won't judge me, so..."

She nodded, tears filling her eyes. Then, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight, reassuring hug. Bryce allowed his tears to stream as he hugged her back, feeling rather safe in her arms.

"Hey, where are your parents?" she asked as he led her to the living room. They sat down on the couch together, and Bryce turned to look at her as to answer her question.

"They're... On a business trip. They went right after that business gathering, and they didn't come back yet. Blake is here, but you know... Not really. He doesn't care."

She nodded understandingly, wrapping her arms around his torso again while trying to reassure him.

"It's okay, Bryce... I'm here for you."

"I know you are, you were always there for me. Without you I would be completely lost..." he muttered, his eyes brightening up slightly. He hugged her back, then both lied down on the couch, squeezing each other's hands.

"I'd do anything for you."

Mal gave him soft smile, squeezing his hand tighter. "Me too, Bryce. Me too."

Hours passed with them eating snacks and watching tv in the living room.

Mal stretched her hand out to grab pretzels, but was met by air. The bowl was empty.

"Hey, I'll go get more snack, okay?"

He nodded with a small smile, then threw his head back against the couch, sighing in distress. Mal walked to the kitchen, then opened the storage closet to find a pile of different snacks together. She picked Pringles, and a giant bag of Lays. The girl then headed to grab the bowl and refill it.

But stopped when she heard the doorbell ringing.

Bryce immediately jumped up, then pointed at her as if to stay in the kitchen, then began to walk cautiously towards the door, looking through the peephole for a second.

"It's Jake."

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