alters

23

(I miss all my commenters :( whereʼd ya go?)

THE SUNLIGHT fans in through the pale window shades in dim strips, striking golden tattoos across my flesh. My eyelids slowly part, allowing the luminous rays to engulf my vision in an ocean of brightness. I sigh groggily, lazily leaning up to sit in my bed. The bandage across my torso stiffens my movements, however, lessening my pain. In fact, the soreness has seemed to seep away in the night, granting me a gracious moment of peace.

I moan tired, running a hand through my hair. I exhale and kick off the sheets. I fumble from their grasp, still only clad in Harryʼs large black T-shirt. I need to remember to give it back to him next time we meet. I also need some pajamas.

I laugh a little to myself, running a thumb across my bottom lip. I also should remember to thank him.

ʻʻGood morning, Alice.ʼʼ A deep voice sounds from the hallway. At first, I expect Harry to waltz through the door, thinking he just spent the rest of the night here. But no, it is not him.

Itʼs Seth.

He smiles in the entrance, a coffee mug in hand. I jump up in immediate shock, a frightened gasp escaping my lips.

ʻʻSeth? Seth, what the hell are you doing in my house? How the hell are you in my house?ʼʼ I gape, raising my voice.

He shrugs nonchalantly. ʻʻI came in through your window. I used the fire escape. You were still sleeping when I showed up, so I made you some coffee.ʼʼ He grins cheekily, jutting up his hand that grasps the cup.

ʻʻWhaーyou, y-you just...You canʼt just show up! How did you even get my address?ʼʼ I snap furiously at him, but his stance doesnʼt display any alteration in his casual disposition.

He chuckles and pulls the mug back to his side. ʻʻOh, I found it on the internet. Itʼs amazing, the things you can find nowadays.ʼʼ He steps in further, once again presenting the coffee forward to me. I stay still, rigid. When I fail to accept the beverage, he shakes his head with a brief laugh and sets it down on the small table near my bed. He looks at me, eyebrows raised.

Finally, after a long, droning pause, I speak. ʻʻWhy...are you here?ʼʼ

ʻʻBecause you havenʼt called me. I got lonely.ʼʼ

ʻʻSeth, you canʼt just show up at my house uninvited. Do you get how creepy that is?ʼʼ I make a point of calming my tone, slightly loosening my motionless stance.

He glances away briefly. ʻʻI missed you.ʼʼ He murmurs quietly, staring out my bedroom window.

I sigh, tugging a long strand of my black hair behind my ear. The lack of washing it has rendered it thin and straight, easily tamable. I open my mouth to say something, but I am interrupted by another voice.

ʻʻHey Alice, I justーʼʼ Harry stops dead in his tracks when his emerald eyes meet Sethʼs. I groan, literally groan. Why does the universe hate me?

ʻʻOh, hey again,ʼʼ Seth greets, digging his hands into his pockets and rocking on his heels. I can easily discern that he is uncomfortable. Same, Seth, same.

ʻʻWhy is he in your house, Alice?ʼʼ Harry sticks his finger up at the boy in all black, disgustedly raising his eyebrow.

ʻʻWhy are you in her house?ʼʼ Seth counters, arching his ebony eyebrows mockingly.

ʻʻOkay, neither of you should be in my house,ʼʼ I state, propping my hands on my hips. Harry rolls his eyes at me, then turns back to glare at our guest.

ʻʻI have my reasons to be here,ʼʼ Seth finally comments, his black eyes searching the British boyʼs expression.

ʻʻMe as well,ʼʼ Harry growls.