Just benefits?

Twenty two

"Hey Cora, do you know where- WHAT THE FUCK?"

That's what I woke up to.

If you are currently thinking "oh shit", then I think that's the right reaction because I am too.

"Listen, it isn't what you think it is." Clay says from beside me as I sit up and he is already sitting up, looking at my brother with a semi calm expression on his face.

"Oh what is it then Clay because it looks like you slept with my sister!" my brother shouts, making me jump a bit. I haven't heard him this pissed since he found out our dad was hitting me.

"No, we didn't sleep together like that, she came in my room in the middle of the night because she had a nightmare and I came in here and laid with her until she fell asleep and I must have fallen asleep as well." "Bullshit! Now you're straight up lying to me!" "No I'm not-" "Yes you are! She is weaning YOUR shirt and it reeks of sex in here bro!"

Clay is silent at this. I knew we should have opened the window last night. Fuck.

"Are you guys even together?" Silence again.

My brother scoffs and turns to walk away. "αδερφέ, περίμενε!" ((Translation: Brother, wait))  I yell out and he immediately turns back around. "Don't even give me that Cora! You're sleeping with my best friend for God knows how long and now are acting as if it's no big deal! Plus you both just lied to  my face! Why should I "wait"?" I'm silent for a moment and he yells even louder at me "Huh?!"

At this point tears are rolling down my face and I don't even try to hide the flinch that comes from his yelling at me.

"Papa please! It's not even that low of a grade!" Another hit to the face. "It is unacceptable! Even your brother is more successful!" Yet another hit. With many more to come.

"Shit." I hear someone say, I can't even make out who it is. My breathing has skyrocketed at this point and everything spins. "Good job, you set her into a fucking panic attack!" someone yells then there are hands on my shoulders, but I flinch away from them.

The hands don't disappear however, they stay strong and firm on my shoulders. "Cora. Cora! Look at me." But I don't. I can't. I'm frozen in place.

"Dude move over, she is my sister I can handle this." Then there's another dip on the bed. "Well based on the fact that you were the one who set her into it, i think you should back off!" The other voice yells out.

"Shut up..." I mumble, starting to come back into reality. He isn't here. He will never hurt you again. "Oh so just because you fuck her means youre suddenly an expert on her?" then a scoff. "No, I've been here for her for the past week straight so I know how to handle this!" "I've been here her whole life, I can handle it better."

"Shut up!" I yell out, causing both of them to jump. "She is perfectly fine handling it on her own." I say and I see them both nod and Clay takes his hands off of me. My brother starts to get off the bed but I call him back.

"We need to talk this out." I say and I see Clay nod but my brother just stays where he stands, back facing us. "Yes, for the time I've been here, Clay and I have been sleeping together." I see his fists tighten but he doesn't move. "If I'm being completely honest, I really, really like Clay and I'd love to be in a relationship if he feels the same. I'm sorry for keeping this but I wanted to tell you in person and I never got a chance to since you've been back. I love you, and I, WE, never meant to hurt you. Please. Don't give up on both of us like this."

Out of the corner of my eyes I see Clay looking at me with his mouth agape and eyes slightly wide, but my brother's face is still a mystery to me.

Then he turns around and hurts and anger is written all over his face."I need time. But I don't know if I can ever forgive either of you." He pauses. "Cora, book the next flight home." My mouth falls open. "But-" No! Do it or I will."

And with that, he walks out the door. A minute later the front door slams shut too.

Tears sting my eyes for only a moment before they fall uncontrollably.

"So, you like me?" "Not the time Clay." And with that i grab my phone and start to book the next flight home which just happens to be in a few hours. Then I get up and grab my suitcase, putting my things in it.

"What are you doing?" Clay asks,clearly confused. "Packing. My flight leaves at one." "Oh."  I hear him get up off the bed then I feel his arms around me. "Clay, I need to get ready to leave, it's already ten." "Cora, what you need is a hug right now." Then he spins me around in his arms and pulls me into his chest. Yeah, I really needed a  hug. I start sobbing in his arms as he just holds me.

Once I calm down enough he leans down a bit. "I like you too." Fuck." I look up at him. "Clay, I can't get into a relationship without his blessing. Especially not with his best friend." "He doest need to know." "That's what you said about the friends with benefits thing and look where that got us. I'm done keeping things from him." I pulled away from the hug and watch him nod in understandment.

I immediately go back to packing and Clay even helps, stealing a few salt covered kisses along the way. (salty from tears)

When the time comes he even drives me to the airport. As we reach the sitting area before i check through security and everything i turn and look at him, tears in both our eyes.

"I'm gonna miss you." He says, pelling me in close. "I'll miss you too. If he talks to you, tell my brother I say goodbye." He nods against me then pulls away enough to plant a kiss on my lips. The kiss is bittersweet. I know it's the last time I'll be able to kiss him ever.

As my flight gets called I pull away and take a few steps back, my carryon in my hand. "Goodbye Clay."

"Goodbye Cora."

And with that I walk away from the only person I have right now.

And as I now sit on the plane I realize something.

I have officially lost the two most important people in my life.

What are you thoughts on this chapter???