Slipping Through the Cracks of Our Hearts

the news

After mine and Daisy's nice talk we head back to the dorm. Owen is still here. He looks really upset. 

"Hey, are you okay?", I ask him as he's sitting on the bed staring at the ground. "Owen?" I finally got his attention. "What, oh yeah everything's all good. Actually, I have to go, I'll see you later Islah." He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and leaves abruptly. "But-", I try to get him to stay but he's already down the hall. 

"What the hell was that about?", Daisy asks me confused. "I have no clue. Should I go after him?", I ask Daisy. "Yes, go see what's wrong!" "Okay. See you later!", I say as I begin running to catch up with Owen. 

I met him at the front of the school outside. "Owen, hey, what's wrong?", I ask him sounding concerned.

"Did you not hear the news?", he asks me. "No. What news?" "He looks me in the eyes but doesn't respond." "Owen, please tell me!", I snap.

"Blake is dead Islah."

After hearing that I feel shock but also numbness. I'm not sure how to feel. So many thoughts run through my mind. Should I feel sad? Angry? Happy? I'm not sure. I don't say anything. I can't say anything.

"Do you not care? He was my best friend! Sure he was fucked up but I still loved him!", Owen says to me extremely upset. I've never seen him so emotional. "I, I, I don't know Owen I'm sorry."

He looks at me like he's disgusted and walks away.

After he leaves I break down. What just happened? Why is Blake dead? Does Owen hate me? Is he blaming me? Too much to go through in such little time. I need to leave.

I spontaneously call a taxi and head home for a break from all these events and emotional distress. 

5 hours later...

I knock on the house door, the house I grew up in. My home. My brother Hunter answers. 

"Islah! He answers the door with the biggest smile. He hugs me tight. "What are you doing here?!", he asks me. He notices my lack of enthusiasm. "Hey, is everything okay?" 

I tried to stay strong but I cracked and began crying uncontrollably. "I missed you guys so much", I say as Hunter hugs me. "Hey, hey come inside. Let's talk."

After Hunter calms me down and makes me a tea he sits down with me. 

"Where's dad?", I ask him. "At work." "Right." "Are you comfortable talking to me about what's wrong?", Hunter asks me. 

"Can I have some time?"

"Of course, Islah."

Hunter really is my best friend.