𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝.

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞

When Holly got home from school that day, she went straight to her room. She greeted her dad in passing, but didn't stick around long enough to have an actual conversation. She put her bag away and got into bed, snugging under the covers. She produced a single tear, and as it cascaded down her face, it tainted her pale complexion. She felt so alone. She couldn't believe that someone she was close with 2 weeks ago, absolutely hated her now. She picked up her phone and started scrolling through her socials, hoping to find some form of relief, when Toby texted.

T: "Hey, can you talk?"

Holly rolled her eyes at the sight of his name. She didn't exactly hate him, but she also wasn't his biggest fan at the moment either. She responded anyways.

H: "Yeah, sure." 

He typed for at least 2 whole minutes. Was he sending her a really big paragraph? Or was he just taking three thousand years to sound out a single word? Only time would tell.

T: "About today.. how are you feeling? You holding up okay?"

Yep. Of course it was the second option. It honestly didn't really surprise Holly, Toby wasn't exactly top of his english class. In fact, he wasn't top of any of his classes for that matter.

H: "I'm fine.. it's just Taylor mentioned something in the argument that kind of made no sense."

T: "And that is?"

H: "Well, she said that she knew you were at my house because you answered my phone this morning."

T: Look, I can explain."

Holly rolled her eyes again, slightly more annoyed than before. Why was he answering her phone?

H: "Go ahead, I'd love to hear it.

T: "So this morning, I woke up before you because I heard a phone going off. Thinking it was mine, I picked it up and answered the phone call. i didn't realise until Taylor spoke that I realised it wasn't my phone."

This actually made sense to Holly. I mean it was early, and the lights were off, so he could of easily mistook his phone for Holly's, however, she had one more question.

H: "Alright, but why wouldn't you tell me? Especially considering it was Taylor that called!"

Toby left her on opened. What was he doing? Was he trying to think of something? Or did he just not want to answer the question? A few minutes later he replied.

T: "Look, I didn't hide it from you to cause any harm. I didn't think that it was going to be made into such a big deal, so I wanted to spare you from the anxiety. I knew that if you found out, you'd be constantly anxious and paranoid. I promise.. I didn't mean to hurt you or cause any drama."

Holly stared at her phone, a thousand thoughts running through her already overcrowded mind. He seemed genuine. Toby is a lot of things, but being a liar isn't one of them. 

H: "Thank you for that. I know you didn't possess any ill intent when you chose not to tell me. I see that now. However, next time, I really want you to tell me if something like that happens."

T: "I promise, thank you for hearing me out."

Holly locked her phone again, retreating to her empty, melancholy state. What could she do to stop feeling like this? Holly then recalled the short, yet sweet conversation she'd had with Tianah last period, and decided to see if she was still up for a phone call. 

After double checking with Tianah, Holly dialled her number. She was greeted cheerfully. 

"Look, I don't know if I actually want to talk about the situation yet, but is there any chance you're available to hang out right now? I just need a distraction from today." Holly asked, hoping she'd receive a positive response. 

"Yeah, actually. I am. Is there any chance you'd like to go to the galleria with me? We can grab a bite to eat, go see a movie, and just wander around for a few hours. Sound like fun?"

Holly's jumped at the offer. "Omg of course!!"

Tianah and Holly then discussed the details of the hang out. They decided to meet at the galleria in 30 minutes, and then they'd go from there. Holly got out of bed, and headed to her bathroom so she could pretty herself up a bit. Not because she wanted to impress anyone, but because she wanted to. She texted Tianah when she was on her way, and Tianah reciprocated.

~ time skip to galleria ~ 

The two girls met up at the food court. Tianah looked at Holly. "Feeling hungry?" She asked, looking around at all the fast food stalls. "My treat!" She said with a smile. "You don't have to!" Holly remarked, but Tianah insisted. "At least let me pay you back!" Tianah looked at Holly, shaking her head. "Nope!" 

Holly eventually gave in as she knew fighting with Tianah wasn't going to get her anywhere. "Fine! Let's go get some kebabs!! This one place has these really good spinach and cheese gozlemes!" Tianah let out a laugh as Holly walked her towards the kebab place.

After they finished their food, the girls then decided to just wander around for a bit. They went into this one particular shop called Bullseye's. It basically sold home furnishings, stationery, ect. They were looking at shoes when they heard a familiar voice coming from one of the other aisles. 

"Did you see the girl that Henry was protecting?" She said maliciously. "I mean the whole situation was just so pathetic! If you don't want to get called out on your bullshit, don't be a cock sucking little whorebag. Simple as that." 

Tianah looked at Holly, anger evident in her eyes. "I swear to god I'm going to beat this little cunt's ass!" She roared, walking over and checking the aisles until she found who was speaking. 

It was Bella.

Holly walked up to Tianah, attempting to calm her. "It's not worth it." Holly said, trying t grab Tianah's wrist. She shook her hand free and looked at Holly. "Fine, but I swear to fuck the second you let me at her, she'll be eating through a tube." Tianah snarled, turning back to look at Bella. "That's a promise I can keep." 

"I know Tianah, I know. Now let's get going, we don't want to miss our movie."