new year's day [h.s.]

Two

"We takin' shots in here, you want one?"

SONG: Cheers (Drink to That) // Rihanna

(A/N: solely because of Graham's comment later in the chap, I won't lie)

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— Eden —

Mattie decided to spare my brother from facing my wrath too early in the evening, moving quickly to block my attempt at chasing him around the kitchen island before we could get ready. Marcus remained in place, of course, opting not to involve himself in my dramatics, while Harry tried - and failed - to hide his laughter when Mattie managed to pin me to the counter and drag me away from Graham.

I should probably take that as a sign to not skimp on arm day anymore.

Now in the safety of my room, Mattie quickly shuts my door as I bring both of my hands up to run through my hair. Clasping my hands and resting my forearms against the top of my head, I try my best to calm myself down as my anxiety rears more of its ugly head now that it's just the two of us.

"In for four, hold for four, out for four, hold for four, E," she reminds me as my exhales come out a little shaky, remaining in front of my door with her arms crossed over her chest. I, however, opt to throw myself back onto my bed that's still unmade after my mad dash out the door this morning. Relishing in the coolness of the floral duvet under me, I shut my eyes and continue with my little breathing trick, eventually starting to list off reasons why I shouldn't feel this anxious.

It's only Harry, Eden. The kid you saw nearly every other day for 8 years. Your brother's best friend. The boy that wouldn't hesitate to strip to his underwear and run down the street whenever he was dared to, but would get all shy when asked about his drama performances. The boy who-

"Doing any better or do I need to grab one of your pills?" Mattie eventually pulls me back to reality. I open my eyes, unsure of how much time has passed but realizing my breathing has started to even out. Placing a hand on my chest, I sense that the music director residing in my heart has slowed tempo, the percussionists who previously drummed away with reckless abandon now holding a much steadier beat.

Now that I think about it...

"No no, I think I'm okay," I start as I turn onto my side to face my best friend, who at some point laid herself down next to me. "What is Harry even doing here? The last couple years Graham has had to be the one to go to him, he's always been too busy filming for this, that, and the third."

"You mean Graham didn't fill you in on that either?" Mattie groans, bringing both hands to cover her face. "I'm starting to think I should've just let you manhandle him."

"We can blame it on your inner-teacher. I mean, I know that Graham and I act like middle schoolers when we're together, but...," I trail off as we both start laughing.

"When he's a dickhead again later, I'll look the other way, I promise. But to answer your question, Harry's actually filming a movie here. I don't know the specifics, just that he's in and around LA for at least a few months," Mattie explains.

I nod my head as best I can, understanding it's probably not a good idea for me to drink for all of California tonight if Harry will be sticking around. God only knows what embarrassing shit he remembers from when I was younger, or what Graham has told in the years since we moved. I can't afford giving him any ammunition if he and my brother will both be giving me headaches through the end of the year.