Life of Harlow

Mixed Feelings

Harlow

Luna and I went and did some shopping prior to going to the party. We were looking at sneakers when I heard someone call my name. I turned to see it was Russ. Since everything happened, we didn't really speak. I mean, the most communication we had was in debate club and even then it was minimal. Luna instinctively stepped in front of me. Russ raised his hands.

"I just want to say hi to Harlow."

"She doesn't..."

"It's cool, Luna," I interjected.

She glanced back at me and then turned back to Russ.

"Fine. I'll give you two some space, but just know I have some people on speed dial that will kick your ass if you do anything stupid."

"Luna..."

I looked at her with pleading eyes to not make this bigger than what it was. Trust me, my cousins already wanted to kick Russ' ass. If it was just a breakup, fine. That happens. The fact that he put his hands on me and left a pretty huge bruise on my arm, they still wanted his head.

"I come in peace," Russ said.

Luna glared at him, but stepped off to the side. It was now just the two of us.

"Hey," I quietly said.

He gave me a soft smile. He looked a little different. His hair was a little shorter and he wasn't wearing what he usually wore. It's like he had a whole different style.

"Hey. I know I'm the last person you want to be talking to.

I shrugged and he sighed.

"You look beautiful."

"Thanks. You look different."

He chuckled.

"A haircut, anger management, and damn near overhauling my closet would do that."

"How's that going, you know, anger management."

"It's hard. It brought up a lot of other stuff, but I'm working through it."

"That's good."

Silence. He looked at me like he was trying to find the right thing to say.

"Well, if that's all..."

"No wait. I..."

"What?"

"I miss you, Harlow."

"Russ..."

"I know, I know. I have no shot right now in getting back with you and that's on me. I was just hoping... I want us to at least try again at being friends."

"I don't know about that right now, Russ."

"Is it because of Drake?"

"What?"

"You know, Drake. I see you guys in debate and..."

"Drake has nothing to do with why you and I aren't together and aren't getting back together, Russ. That's on you."

He hung his head.

"You're right. I just... I haven't really gotten a chance to speak to you after everything went down. Then I see you with Drake and you guys are all cozy during debate and I'll admit, it stings seeing you with someone else. Drake said you two are together."

"We're not."

"Well that's what he told me."

"Russ, why are you lying?"