Woman | H.S.

FIFTEEN

Alice Morrison

I felt the energy shift as soon I opened my eyes. My entire body felt cold, my throat sore.

Don't tell me it's today.

I reached for my phone on my bedside table, looking at the date.

June 31st, 2023.

It's today.

I put my hand over my eyes, taking deep breaths to calm myself. I could feel the lump in my throat already starting to form.

"Happy Birthday Kaden." I whispered to myself, my voice breaking.

I looked over at Harry asleep next to me, his face peaceful. 

We spent all day yesterday in bed, nursing our hangovers and just being with one another. I had no idea what the date was.

I let out a breath, carefully crawling out of bed and padding to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror, taking a moment to breathe again.

I know I have to go home, I've spent this day alone for the past 12 years and I don't plan to break that habit anytime soon.  

The first few years after he passed, my mom tried to get me out of my room to do something, anything. Watch a movie, bake cupcakes. But all I wanted to do was lay in bed and cry. I was so young, and so hurt, and confused. So, so confused.

I still am confused, confused as to why someone would do something so horrific to a sweet soul such as my little brother. My little brother who would race his cars on my back when I fell asleep on the couch, who would steal frosting from the fridge and eat it with a spoon.

I felt a tear run down my face and quickly wiped it away. I just needed to get in my car and start driving, then I can fall apart.

I rubbed my face aggressively to wake me up a bit before I crept back into Harry's room to gather my things. I scribbled a note on a receipt I found in my purse and left it on his phone before leaving him to sleep.

As I walked down the stairs, I saw Niall in the kitchen making coffee. He must've heard me, because he turned to smile at me.

"Sup Blondie, want some coffee?"

I shook my head, giving him a small smile.

"No thanks, Ni. I have to leave. Thank you though."

He gave me another smile and turned back to the machine. I left the house with no further interference, letting out a sigh of relief as I climbed into the Bronco and started the engine. I connected my phone to bluetooth and pulled out of the driveway, dialing my mom's number.

"Hi Honey."

I smiled sadly, hearing my mom's nasally voice. She's already been crying this morning.

"Hi mama, you doing ok?"

"I'm doing alright, sugar. How about you? Are you in the car?" 

"I'm good. I stayed at Harry's last night, just left. He's still sleeping, I didn't really want to explain myself."

"Well I'm sure he would've understood, he seems like a sweet boy."

"Yeah," I said, smiling, "he really is mom. I really like him."

"I'm glad, sweetheart. You deserve someone who makes you happy. Shoot- I'm sorry to cut our call short, but your father's calling me."

"That's alright mama, I love you."

"I love you baby, call if you need me."

The phone disconnected, and my music started playing.

It's gonna be a long day...

A/N: IM SORRY IK IT'S SHORT IM SORRY! I really wanted to get a chapter out for y'all and I'm also so burnt out. Anyways, SURPRISE! ANGST! Love you all!! 

p.s.- follow me on twitter for more Woman stuff and more @tpwklexiee