The Styles Triplets

Chapter 2

Harry and Edward were in the kitchen finishing dinner while I helped Marcel schedule an appointment for new glasses.
"I'm really sorry they did this to you, Marcel."

"It's fine," Marcel replied, though his voice was quiet and hesitant. He stared at his hands, clearly embarrassed.

"You know," I added, glancing toward the kitchen, "your brother stood up for you too."

"Ed?" Marcel asked, surprised.

I nodded. "Yeah. I heard him telling the principal to do something about it—or he would."

A small smile appeared on Marcel's face. "It's nice to know at least one of them cares."

"Harry's just stubborn," I said. "He doesn't always show what he means."
Hold on. Why am I just now noticing how good he looks?
"Marce," I said, smiling, "you actually look really nice without your glasses."

He laughed nervously. "I do?"

"Yeah. Though unfortunately, you won't have new ones until next week."

"Okay, thanks for helping me."

"It's no problem! It's just glasses." I laughed.

He shook his head. "No... thank you for everything. For sticking by me all these years. You're one of my best friends. You really mean a lot to me."

"You mean a lot to me too," I said, pulling him into a hug. "That's what friends are for. I'll always be here."

Marcel hugged me tightly, resting his head near mine. I ran my fingers gently through his hair, comforted by how much the moment clearly meant to him.

"Dinner is ready." Harry called from the kitchen.

We both pulled away slowly and smiled at each other. Marcel ran his fingers through his hair and laughed nervously, "Let's go eat."

We walked into the kitchen together and found a seat at the table. As we sat down Edward put our plates in front of us and we dug in.
"Wow this is really good." I told both Harry and Edward.

"Thanks." they both said at once.

"Listen, Alex." Harry started, "I'm sorry."

Eh. I don't know if I forgive you, but I appreciate the gesture.
"I'm sorry too." I apologized, "I over reacted."

"I've actually really missed you." Harry admitted.

I looked up from my plate. Marcel and Edward were both staring at him skeptically.
I find that hard to believe.
"Really?"

"Yeah. I miss... this. All of us."

Bull. Shit.
"Really?" I repeated almost laughing.

"Is that all you can say?" he laughed, "What's so funny?"

Keep your mouth shut, Alex.
"Yes. I mean no. I kind of miss you guys too."

He leaned back in his chair. "What happened to us?"

Oh, like he doesn't know!
"Well, you tell me. You're the one who left us."
The answer slipped out before I could stop it.

Harry our his fork down, "I was the one? That's bullshit."

I sighed. "Harry, you became popular. We didn't fit into that life anymore. It's pretty simple."

"That's not true!"

"Actually," Marcel muttered, "it kind of is."

Harry looked stunned. His gaze moved to Edward.
"Edward?"