How To Stay Afloat (BxB)

Chapter 88: I hate my relatives

Did I say it would be a good day? Not really.

"Hey." I greet Harry as he calls me.

I hear him sob and instantly know that my good day is surely gonna be ruined.

"Hey. What's wrong?" I ask. Austin frowns and sits down next to me to listen in.

"My aunt just called my mom and told her that Noah got arrested and now all my mom's side of the family hate me because Noah told them it's my fault." He explains through sobs.

"Harry. Fuck. I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry." I tell him.

"I told my parents everything and they and my brother obviously are on my side, but everyone else hates me and they all called me and texted me all those mean things and I don't know, I wanted to talk to you." He says.

"Do you wanna come over?" I suggest. "We can talk it out."

"Mhm. Please." Harry says.

"Okay. I'll wait for you. Austin is also here. Is that alright?" I ask him.

"Yeah. I'll be there in ten minutes." He says and hangs up.

I groan and let myself fall backwards on my bed. "Will the hurting ever stop?" I ask Austin.

"Nope." He answers simply. "Never."

"Wow. Thanks for giving me negative five points to my will to live." I say, rolling my eyes.

"There will always be people that defend people like Noah." Austin says. "Family. You'd also defend your brother."

"Probably not if he raped someone." I say.

"Yeah. Probably not." Austin agrees.

"Let's go downstairs and eat something before Harry arrives." I suggest and stand up, pulling Austin with me.

_____

"Good thing you're up. Your aunt is coming over in two hours." Mom says.

"Ugh. Really?" I ask her frustratedly.

"Yeah. You better put on your best behaviour cause she's your lawyer now." She tells me and softens her gaze as she spots Austin. "Good morning you two, by the way."

My aunt is a lawyer for companies, insurances, stuff like that. I don't think she's used attempted murder cases.

I still don't understand why I need a lawyer if I'll just give a statement as a witness.

"Isn't dad home?" I ask her as I grab two slices of bread for Austin and me.

"Work." Mom answers.

I halt. "When did he have to leave?" I ask her.

"His shift started at six." She tells me.

"Man, did he sleep at all?" I ask her.

"Not really." Mom explains, sighing.

"By the way. Harry is coming over. Half of his family hates him, so I gotta remind him of how loved he is." I say.

Mom nods. "Alright, but ask me next time before you invite someone over." She says.

I nod and continue preparing breakfast for Austin and me.

"Maybe try using the other end." Austin says, taking the knife from my hand.

I accidently put the handle of the butter knife into the chocolate cream.

"Oops." I say and watch Austin put it on our bread slices.