Fallen from the Sky

Chapter 19

Harriet

I’d say Luna’s experiencing a heartbreak. I never realised how intensely she loves Andrew, not until now. Sure, she’s been overly upset over some things and has been taking any opportunity possible to flirt with him. But that’s just Luna’s personality, I didn’t think it would originate from a source of desperation. For the first time ever, I feel sorry for Luna. We all have hurt her deeply, and we have neglected the mere thought of even helping. Alex looks towards my downcast face and places an arm around my shoulder. I close my eyes for a moment, absorbing the sensation and letting it fill my emptiness.

“I feel sorry for Luna.” I say, my eyes still closed.

“I know.” By the silence that follows his answer, I think we’re alone.

“I never realised that she… that she loved him that much.” I open my eyes and turn to face Alex.

“Did you feel like that?” He asks, a slight quaver to his voice. I look up, my chest feeling queasy.

“When?” I ask, dreading the answer.

“When I said we’d break up.” I gulp and turn around from the nerves. “Harriet?” I turn back hesitantly to the call of his voice. “Did you?” it’s more of a demand rather than a question now.

“Yes.” He looks at me, slightly questioning. “Yes, Alex. I did. I wasn’t insane, I wasn’t mad at anyone because no one had taken you. I just, I couldn’t believe it. I just felt… empty… and hopeless.” Our eyes meet.

Alex clears his throat.

“I felt… sad. I was in disbelief, shock, I questioned… everything. Your thoughts, potential reasons for why it had to happen. I just felt… disconnected.”

Alex has the ability to manipulate words so perfectly. He summarises his emotions so well… I can imagine them so clearly… and they match so well to my own.

“Yes. That’s how I felt.” I lean over and kiss him for a few moments. I feel like if I could talk to Luna, I could sympathise with her. If she can overcome her stubbornness that is. And also return to camp, because I’m not going to scavenge for her.

Daisy and Andrew walk in, interrupting our kiss. They are holding hands, and Daisy blushes as soon as she catches sight of us. Andrew is perfectly convincing, but when he catches Daisy’s redness he gives a frustrated face.

“God, Daisy. I thought you were good at lying!” I laugh and step closer.

“So…” Alex says, “what were you guys up to?” Daisy blushes more and looks at the ground.

“I kissed her.” Says Andrew. Daisy blushes even more.

“Not. Not long or anything.” She mumbles quietly.

“No.” Says Andrew. “Just a kiss.”

“Good for you!” I say and go over to hug Daisy, my best friend. She hugs me back, holding me a little tighter than usual.

“Thank you.” She whispers, then pulls back. I smile and she does in response.

“Where are the others?” I ask.

“By the lake.” Says Andrew. They both walk out of the shelter and I hear their footsteps slowly melt away. Once silence has swallowed the scene and engulfed my ears, I turn to Alex.

“So they’ve kissed.” I say this and I can’t help a smile.

“Yeah. That’s nice.” He says.

“You sound a little… off?” I say, while also asking a question.

“I don’t know. It bothers me… for some reason.” My heart sinks a little. Does he like Daisy?