Friction [Book 2]

-breaking up?-

I headed up the brass spiral staircase in Patrick's house, hoping to find Pete somewhere amongst the rooms on the second level. Each step forward my feet took, the deeper the pain I felt. I had never, ever felt as low as I did right then. It was a surreal experience and it was one I despised greatly.

Walking with my fists clenched, I paced down one corridor slowly, tiptoeing so I was sure not to miss any sounds. After walking up and down the same corridor twice with no signs, I crossed the landing area and walked along the opposite corridor. The first couple of doors held nothing but silence, however the deeper towards the end I got, the more of a muffled speech I could begin to hear.

Once I was sure which door Pete and Patrick were behind, I didn't hesitate to knock. Their language told me I didn't need to wait any longer and I should let myself in before their vulgar arguments became greater.

"Guys, please!"

I couldn't stop myself from calling out as I saw Patrick holding Pete my the scruff of the neck of his shirt. That was how I knew Patrick was deadly serious. He would never lay a finger on anyone, especially not his best friend, but this was much more than that. Much, much more.

"Stay out of this!" Patrick replied, not thinking straight.

I flinched as he hastily threw Pete into the carpeted floor, a loud smash echoing around the room as Pete squeezed his eyes closed in pain. Patrick just stood a few meters away from him, staring at me. I tried so hard to turn around, but I couldn't. I ran to Pete's side and knelt down next to me, helping him sit up.

"Pete, are you alright? Oh my God..." I gulped, holding his hand as he straightened up his back.

"Ellianah do you really-"

"Patrick!" I glared, throwing my gaze towards the door. I gave him the 'we'll talk later' look and he drew in a long breath before looking at Pete and shaking his head with anger filled eyes.

"Ellianah, I, I-"

"Pete, don't say anything. I don't want to hear it, okay? I love you very much, but right now, I can't stand the sight of you."

Standing up, I used all my will power to not crumble back into his sorrowful arms and melt as I made contact with his guilt ridden brown eyes. I gulped, breathing in deeply.

"I didn't mean it! It was a mistake, Ell, I promise. You know I would never-"

After trying to ignore my heart as I watched him scramble from the floor to his feet and chase after me just as I was about to leave the room, his arm reached out for mine at the same time he spoke but it wasn't his actions, it was the words that made my decision for me.

"What? You're going to say that I know you'd never do anything to hurt me? That you love me? I know you love me, Pete! I love you too! But I'm obviously the only one that is committed here because if you loved me as much as I loved you, I wouldn't have slipped your mind long enough for you to sleep with another woman. So no, Pete. I don't know that you'd never do anything to hurt me. I thought I did, but you've made it pretty clear that I shouldn't trust me instincts anymore."

Locking a firm gaze on Pete, his pleading eyes were menacingly trying to break down my heart and force me to turn around, to tell him that it was okay, that I understood. But I didn't. It wasn't okay, and I certainly didn't understand.

"Ell, p-please."

I walked out of the bedroom and down the stairs, leaving Pete alone. His broken voice and tears almost, almost made me form a crack but I was strong.

As I walked back into the party, I saw the guys from the band, some of the tour members and other people I didn't really recognise. It made me wonder how many people knew. I mean, if Gabe knew and Patrick didn't, then someone else must know. But who?

•

•

•

•

"But Dad just got home? Why can't I see him?" Bronx said, frowning as I tucked him into the spare bedroom at Patrick's house.

The party had died down and most people had left. Patrick offered to let myself and the two boys stay the night, understanding the circumstances. I thanked him and went to put Bronx to bed whilst Gabrielle fed Bodhi.

"Dad needs to think some things over. Maybe you can see him tomorrow, or go back to your mom's for a while. Your Dad and I need to sort some things out..."

"Are you two going to break up?"

Bronx's question hurt me. It wasn't his fault, it was the words. The fact that he sensed something irregular in our behaviour was an obvious sign to him that something bad was happening. It made me wonder what he went through when his parents split up.

Deciding to ignore his question, I gently placed a kiss on his head and pulled the covers up to his chin.

"Goodnight Bronx."

Walking back downstairs, I took got myself a glass of water and went into the lounge to find the others. Gabrielle was still feeding Bodhi and Patrick was trying to future out how to work his new smart TV. I took a seat on the sofa next to Gabe.

"Hey." Gabe gave me a sad smile and I just sighed.

"Hi."

The next thirty minutes were filled with Patrick on his knees by the TV with Gabe and I shouting instructions to him on how to plug in all the wires. Gabrielle was laughing to herself as she cuddled Bodhi into her chest, gently rocking him as he drifted into yet another peaceful slumber.

Eventually, Patrick got the TV working and the four of his decided to watch a movie. Patrick suggested Cool Runnings but Gabrielle and I put up a strong argument for Forest Gump, which in the end, we ended up watching.

Halfway through, Gabe whispered in my ear.

"Are you okay?"

I mumbled quietly. Quiet enough to not disturb the movie, but loud enough for Gabe to hear me and my feelings.

"You know, I waited so long for him to come back from tour. Months felt like years and I counted down the hours until he was going to be back here, with me and his family. I was so happy when I saw his face in the airport and now? Now I just wish he'd stayed on tour."

[an;

was this short or long I can't work it out lmao

anyway I don't really like this chapter but I have a hUGE plan for the plot that sort of ends this story and it's really depressing lol so idk if I should go with it,,, would you guys read a half sad/half happy ending? or would you freak out at me???? lemme know k thx

also does anyone like Young Guns? They're a UK band and they're awesome so it'd be cool to know if anyone else likes them too

comment/vote as always ily

-fxckflint]