The Styles Triplets

Chapter 9

I walked into my house slowly, still stunned by what had just happened.
I wasn't expecting that!

My mind replayed the moment over and over as I climbed the stairs and shut my bedroom door behind me. Everything felt surreal — like the night had happened to someone else.

I changed into pajamas, washed my face, and sat on the edge of my bed, staring at nothing.

I kissed two guys in one night.
.....And they are brothers! They're brothers! I kissed 2/3 Styles Triplets. Wow, fantastic life choices, Alex.

I fell backward onto my pillows, staring at the ceiling.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't like Edward's kiss. I did. It was confident and unexpected and... easy. Edward never made things complicated.
But my thoughts kept drifting back to Marcel. I knew I shouldn't think about him that way anymore. He'd made it clear, painfully clear, that kissing me had been a mistake.

Still, my chest tightened at the memory of his hands, the way he'd looked at me before everything fell apart.

Maybe being with Edward would be good for me.
Edward was kind. Fun. Safe in a way Marcel suddenly wasn't.
Different from the type of boy I usually liked... but maybe different was exactly what I needed.

My phone vibrated, snapping me out of my thoughts.

[You need some sleep. Stop thinking of me and go to bed, sweetheart. ;)
-Edward xx]

I rolled my eyes and smirked to myself.
He's so cocky.
I crawled under my blankets and typed back.

[Goodnight, Edward.]

My phone lit up almost instantly.

E: [Goodnight, princess ;)]

I set my phone down, letting my eyes close.
For the first time all night, exhaustion finally won.

-----

The next morning, I expected things with Edward to be awkward. They weren't.
He acted exactly like himself — relaxed, teasing, completely unbothered by the fact that he'd kissed me out of nowhere.

"You know you liked it," he said with a smug grin as we drove to school.

I shrugged, pretending indifference. "Maybe."

"Maybe?" he laughed. "I'm an excellent kisser."

"It was too quick for me to judge," I teased.

He glanced over dramatically. "Well then we'll just have to try again so you can give an official review."

"I say, get over yourself, Styles." I teased and rolled my eyes.
The comfortable teasing eased some of the tension twisting in my chest.

"Fine, suit yourself." he replied and chuckled, "Z might sit with us again at lunch, is that okay?"

"Yeah that's fine." I answered.

As we pulled into the parking lot, my stomach dropped. Marcel's Range Rover turned into the space beside us.
Perfect timing.
"Hey Marce."

Edward climbed out and casually slung an arm around my shoulders. The gesture felt natural — but suddenly very noticeable.
"Hey, Marce," Edward called.

Marcel stepped out of his car, offering a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"You know," he said nervously, looking at me, "I could've taken you to school."

There was something in his voice. Jealousy.

"I know," I said gently. "Ed offered."

He nodded, though disappointment flickered across his face before he masked it.