The Grey Area

Chapter 64

Samantha

I was in the bathroom showering and I groaned remembering I didn't take the clothes Barty left out for me. I turned off the shower and ran my hands through my face. There was a knock on the door and I looked up alarmed.

"Snape it's Barty. I have your clothes. I would've sent Klara but she's already asleep," He explained.

I sighed and yelled, "Come in!"

Barty opened the door and I poked my head out of the shower curtain. He put the clothes on the counter space closest to me for to grab.

"Can you hand me my towel?" I asked and he did as told.

He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. I began drying myself inside the shower stall as quickly ass possible. I grabbed my clothes and threw his tshirt over my head. I slid my underwear on and stepped out of the shower.

"Are you feeling alright?" I asked him as I charmed my hair back to long waves.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Barty don't make it hard for people to care," I groaned washing my face.

"I'll be alright I guess. Hurts of course but I've been through a whole lot worse."

"Do you... do you like Evan?" I asked.

"Yea," he admitted and let out a small laugh.

"If it makes you feel better I'm sure he likes you too," I added rinsing my face of my cleanser.

"And he hates it like I said. I know he does. That's why I fluster him a lot. But I wish I can take it all back."

"Why? You know the truth now," I frowned applying moisturizer.

"I rather him be proud to be my friend than hate himself to be attracted to me," Barty mumbled and I looked at him sadly.

"Barty."

Barty stared at the ground and I grabbed his arm. He looked up at me and I gave him a small smile.

"He's gonna do both no matter what. There's no one or the other. But when he registers that attraction, he'll learn to know it's ok."

"I just hate it. Because that's not Evan. Evan is so compassionate and giving and loving. He's gentle. He's everything I'm not- and that's why I like him you know? But those fucking prejudices he grew up with are insane," Barty sighed.

I sat on the counter and he moved on the wall in front of me. He leaned against it and we thought on that for a moment.

"How did you end up being involved Barty? Your dad isn't a part of this."

"I hate my dad. My mom is sick. I looked for help on the wrong place. Remember Avery?" He asked.

"Unfortunately."

"I went to him for help. I heard the whispers. I needed someone to help me and this man- you know who- he's so powerful. Beyond belief. Now I'm stuck. And I found a different family here and I don't want to let go of that either."