Falling Stars [h.s]

Chapter 64

Aurora

Harry and I went on as if nothing ever happened. He pleaded for me to give him some time. So I did. It's been two weeks since the night at his place. As much as I wanted to talk more about it, he found every excuse to avoid it. On the plus side, he and Layla have gotten closer than ever. I saw in her a piece of light I didn't realize she was missing. She loved having Harry around. She doesn't necessarily call him 'dad' but I can feel she is getting comfortable enough to do so soon. Her and Harper have gotten close as well. They are inseparable. Although Priscilla didn't want Harper around Layla, Harry insisted the two spend time together so they can grow together as sisters and depend on each other. I didn't mind, Layla called Harper her best friend so who was I to stop a growing friendship.

He wanted me to bring Layla by today after school. He was taking the girls out someplace. I felt comfortable enough with Harry that I didn't worry much about Layla being alone with him anymore. I realize that he won't do anything but protect her. Like a father should. I had no doubts of just how much he loved her.

"Are you ready to go see daddy babygirl?" She nodded enthusiastically with a wide smile spread across her face. I took her hand as we waited by his door. The door clicked open. Priscilla stood opposite of me. She gave me a look of annoyance.

"Is Harry here?" I asked her. She replied with a simple nod. "Go ahead inside Layla, daddy will bring you back home okay?"

"Okay mommy, I love you!"

"I love you too baby, bye" She gave me a tight hug before running inside the house. I gave Priscilla one last look before turning to walk away.

"You should know, Harry and I are not getting a divorce." I stopped in my tracks at her words.

She went on as I continued to stand with my back faced to her, "He isn't going to be leaving me for you. Sorry to say." I turned around to look at her. She stood with her hands crossed over her chest and a look of nonchalant on her face. I took a step towards her, standing my ground as well.

"What makes you so sure?"

"The man is in love with me sweetheart. He's not going anywhere I can promise you that."

"We'll see about that." I turned on my heel and began walking back to my car.

She continued on shouting from behind me, "Just out of curiosity. Has he told you about sleeping with your best friend?" I froze in my spot at what she had said. Turning around once more, I gave her a look of aggravation.

"You shouldn't make such accusations Priscilla. It's ill-mannered to spread lies."

She took a few steps towards me until she was standing in front of me then smirked, "What have I got to lie about sweetheart?" I stared her down once more before getting into my car and driving off. I could hear the beating of my heart in my ears as I drove home. It can't be true. Odyssey wouldn't do that.

After arriving home I quickly made my way upstairs to her house. I turned the knob, only to find the door open. The house was empty and quiet. I walked inside, taking a look around, hoping to find Odyssey. She sat in her living room couch with a glass of water in hand.

"Odyssey?" She jumped up in surprise

"Aurora, I didn't hear you come in."

"I need to ask you a question and I need you to be honest with me." She carefully stood up from her position on the couch and came closer to me.

"Is everything okay my love?"

"Did you sleep with Harry?" I watched as the calm look left her face and was overtaken by panic and dismay. It was true. She really had slept with him.

"Aurora, please hear me out. I was drunk, we both were and I know that is no excuse. It was stupid and it meant nothing I swear. Please you have to believe me"

"When did it happen?"

"Aurora-"

"Answer the question please."

Tears brimmed her eyes as she hesitated to speak, "Six years ago. One month before you were set to marry. But please listen to me Aurora. It meant nothing I swear it. It was a spur of the moment. It happened so quickly and with no thought I had no control. By the time I realized what was happening it was too late. I am so sorry Aurora. I never meant to hurt you, especially purposely."

I quickly turned around to leave. I got into my house and locked the door before sliding down on the door and bury my hands in my face as the sobs left my mouth.

•

I sat out at the balcony, blankly staring out into the view of the city ahead.

"Here you go" Odysseus came back out from his kitchen and carefully handed me a glass of iced lemonade. I grasped the cup in my hand, thanking him as I did. He sat down on the other end of the outdoor table. I took a sip from the lemonade as I continued to stare off onto the view. I didn't want to go back home or work. I wanted to stay in this moment forever. It was a safe place. No wrong could occur.

Odysseus voice brought me out of my trance and back to reality. "Are you ready to talk about what happened? Why are you here Aurora?" I looked down at the cup in my hand and let out a sigh before placing the cup on the table. I struggled to make any form of eye contact with Odysseus as I told him my current issues.

"You were right about Harry." He didn't speak as I took a pause, waiting for him to add his input.

"He doesn't love me. I don't think he ever has or ever will."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

I finally mustered up the courage to look at him. The pain in his eyes were unmissable. Odysseus stared back at me, awaiting for my next response. My eyes scanned his face a few more times before I had enough and turned to gaze at the floor.

"Loving him became too painful."

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