Manic [h.s]

#025

"The people disappear here, ah"

Halsey | People Disappear Here

February 09, 1999

IRIS XANDER

I steer the bike through the open gate of the beach house, heading straight for the basement garage. My heart is pounding, still in overdrive from the race and everything that went down between Harry and me at the lake.

'I fucking hate you, Iris.'

Speaking of Harry, I left him behind back there. He didn't exactly try to stop me, either. The moment he stepped away from me, I jumped off his bike and rushed to mine. I fired up the engine and sped off, needing to put as much distance between us as possible. Now, as I roll into the garage, his words are playing in my head over and over, and I'm not sure what to make of it, yet.

'But every time I look at those damn lips, I know they're gonna be the end of me.'

I grit my teeth, wishing my mind would just shut the hell up and stop replaying his words. I turn off the engine and get off the bike, my face still flushed from what he said, and it pisses me off even more that I'm reacting like this when I'm supposed to be hating him. Why does he have this effect on me? I take a deep breath, trying to calm down, but it's no use. His stupid face, the way he looked at me, his fucking smile, everything about him is supposed to be infuriating. I should be able to brush it off, but instead, here I am, pacing like a caged animal in this empty garage.

"Someone's in a bit of a mood, eh?" comes a voice, and I mentally groan, already knowing who it is. I glance over my shoulder and sure enough, there's Benny, leaning casually against the doorframe.

He's got a smirk on his face, and I sigh, knowing what's going to come next. "What's got you all flustered like that? You're pacing like you're gonna wear a hole in the floor," he chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I'm about to make up some excuse when the sound of an engine—definitely a bike—fills the air, rolling into the beach house. Shit. He's back. I straighten up, my heart rate spiking again. I need to get out of here and put as much distance as I can between us, especially with Benny around. The last thing I want is for Benny to see my reaction when Harry walks in, I'll never hear the end of it.

"Just dealing with some... stuff, Benny," I say as I start moving towards the door that leads inside.

Benny raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Stuff, huh? Sounds like more than just stuff to me."

I force a smile, though it probably looks more like a grimace. "Yeah, well, sometimes stuff is all you can call it," I say, my hand already on the doorknob. "Anyway, I've got to run. Got some things to take care of."

Benny looks a bit disappointed, but he still manages a smile. "Don't forget about the deal!" he calls after me. "I'll be expecting that Jack Daniel's, you hear?"

I flash him a quick grin. "I won't forget! See you later, Benny," I say, slipping inside and making a beeline for the stairs.

As I head upstairs, I can still hear the faint rumble of the bike as it comes to a stop. I brush it off and push forward, heading straight for my room. Reaching the door, I step inside and close it behind me with a sigh of relief.

The room is quiet and I let the silence wash over me, knowing that I'll have to face Harry eventually, but for now, I just need a break. I throw myself onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling, trying to sort through everything in my head. Every nerve in my body is still buzzing and I close my eyes, trying to ease them off.