Fallen from the Sky

Chapter 14

Harriet

I feel bad for Andrew, I still do. My heart still aches as if it has been broken like a mirror into millions of tiny, sharp and painful fragments, reflecting the terror around me. I still love Alex, and I think I love him more than Andrew, but what if I don’t? Because I just know I can’t go back now. Because I’ve twisted the story so many times. I can’t keep switching. And even if I do switch now, I’ll never be able to go back.

The rainforest buzzes with tropical insects and animals, the atmosphere hot and sticky. The air feels wet, but in a horrible, humid way. There are no clouds in the sky, although the ground is slightly moist. Me and Alex emerge into the clearing, and I instinctively let go of his hand, letting it fall to the side. The others simply stare for a moment, when Andrew speaks.

“Harriet.” He says. I don’t want to turn. “Harriet.” He says with more urgency. I force myself to turn, to face my ex-boyfriend. He doesn’t look as defeated as he did before, but inside that I can tell that his heart has been shattered too.

“Yes?” I ask, stepping a few steps closer.

“Can I talk with you? Alone?”

I hesitate. I was going to talk with him. But tomorrow, after I had had time to think, when he was released. So, we both feel as superior as each other. To show, that despite the events, I still trust him. Partially.

“Let him out.” Are the words that my tongue forms. Soft, and quiet, almost a whisper.

“Let him out.” I say, with more certainty. Daisy hesitates, then walks over to Andrew, untying all of the intrictute knots made to secure him. Andrew looks shocked, but he doesn’t fight. When he is released, he gets onto his feet slowly, and starts walking towards me. For a moment I think he is going to kiss me, when he pauses, and holds out his hands.

I feel like crying. But I can’t. Not now. I need to be strong. So instead, I grab his hand, and he leads me, walking, into the woods. I obey, his hand is gentle and light. He wishes to cause me no harm.

After around thirty seconds of walking he stops, and I let my hand fall to my side.

“Why did you push me?” I’ve already asked this question. But it stills burns on my tongue.

“I was mad. At you. At Alex.” He turns and meets my eyes. “I was mad at Alex the most.” He pauses for a moment. “I hate him.” He smiles, strangely, momentarily, before turning away towards the trees.

“I know it isn’t right. And that I shouldn’t. I am sorry.”

Everything is silent, apart from the buzzing of the insects.

“Look at me then.” I say quietly. Andrew turns, and meets my eyes.

“I am sorry.” For another moment, I could kiss him again, but I don’t. I simply hug him. He holds me so tight; he almost crushes me. As I hug, silent tears roll down my cheeks, and when I stand back, he has tears going down his cheeks too.

“I’m sorry, as well.” He looks shocked.

“I’m sorry, because. Because I went with Alex. I provoked you, when my intentions were to tell him we couldn’t be. Yes, I kissed him. Yes, I kiss him now.” I pause for a moment, staring into his glassy eyes. “I want to be your friend. Or at least, I don’t want to despise you. I want to stay, just as friends.” I grab his hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. “I know I’m the one who ruined our relationship. And in reality, I deserve to be by that tree just as much as you.” He looks away for a moment.

“I attacked Alex.” He states.

“Yes.” I say. “I’m not going to deny that. But I’m also not going to deny my own mistakes, and my own actions that led to the cause. Everyone says you attacked me. As if everyone has forgotten it was Alex who was truly targetted. I took a push for him, and he took so much more for me.”