Respite - HS

Waiting.

THIS IS THE FIRST PART OF A DOUBLE UPDATE!
Audrey Harris

Serena's door opens slowly, Alex's head popping out hesitantly. Once she sees me standing on their porch she opens the door all the way, her movements quick even though they're still covered with sleep.

"Audrey? Are you okay? What-what's going on?" Her voice is panicky.

I should've called.

I should've called in the taxi, or when I was standing in the rain outside of Harry's building.

I sniffle, "Can I stay here tonight?"

Alex ushers me in quickly, "Course you can kid. Let me get your room set up really quick."

I shuffle into their house quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone sleeping. With my thoughts racing I pace throughout their kitchen, picking at my nails.

"Here, why don't you go take a shower, get warmed up and I'll make some tea. We can talk for a little before you go to sleep. How's that sound?" Alex's soft voice settles behind me and I stop pacing to face her.

I nod mechanically, pushing myself towards the guest room that I've claimed as my own. Staring down the pearly white tile as the heat from the shower fills the silent room with steam, my body moves on it's own.

Going through the motions, washing away the ache that seems never ending, shoving myself into the soft, worn in clothes I wasn't planning on even wearing this whole trip, I find Alex waiting in my room with two mugs of tea and a sad look on her face.

Pushing aside the tremble in my hands I grab the mug from her, I love Alex but I can't say I've ever had to lean on her like this. She doesn't know me like this.

"Do you want me to get Seri?" Alex says softly, like she could hear my thoughts.

I shake my head, "She needs to sleep." My voice is scratchy so I take a sip of the tea.

She inches closer to me, "What happened?" She whispers delicately.

I feel like sobbing, but I did enough of that in the taxi.... and in the shower.

Feeling my lip tremble I let out a heavy sigh. "I think um, I think we broke up?"

I shake my head, feeling tears sting at my eyes, "I- he just- I don't know what to do." I crumble and Alex is quick to pull me into her arms.

"Oh Audie. It's okay come on, look at me. It's gonna be okay, that boy is so in love with you he is scared out of his mind. I promise you it'll be okay."

Her words make me cry harder which only makes her hold me closer.

I knew this was a bad idea. I knew this wasn't going to work.

Exhausted, I pull away from Alex and wipe my cheeks dry. "I think I wanna sleep."

Alex looks at me empathetically and nods, "Okay, Aud. You know we're all here for you, get some rest kid." She sends me a small smile and squeezes me one last time before shuffling out of the room.

My phone still hasn't stopped buzzing since I left, but I can't even stomach the idea of answering it. I'm done letting people walk all over me, done letting people take advantage of my kindness.

Turning off my phone, I curl into the blankets trying to find some kind of comfort. I'm so tired and my eyes are burning, my skin feels tight and my head is throbbing. I just want to sleep. I want to forget this night even happened. I don't even bother trying to wrap my head around everything, I just let myself revel in my feelings.