The Styles Triplets

Chapter 12

Edward called that evening just as I collapsed onto my bed.

"Hey, babe," he said the second I answered. "You weren't at school today. What happened? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said. "Harry looked terrible this morning, so I took him home. Then I stayed with Marcel at the hospital until two."

There was a small pause. "Thank you for checking on me." I added.

"Of course." His tone warmed. "So... do you mind if I come over?"

The way he said it made me roll my eyes. I could practically hear  the smirk. "I'm grounded, remember?"

He groaned dramatically. "Right. Tragic."

"Very."

"Well... I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Yeah."

We hung up, and I flopped backward onto my pillows.

This sucked.

---

After changing into pajamas, I decided to call Marcel.
"Hey Marce."

"Alex!" he answered immediately, excitement lighting his voice. "Hey!"

I smiled, rolling onto my stomach. "Just checking on you."

"I actually just got home," he said. I could hear movement behind him—drawers opening, Anne talking softly somewhere in the background.

"Should I let you go? So you can get yourself situated?" I asked, "I didn't know."

"No, no. I'm basically settled. How are things at home?"

I sighed. "Still grounded. Still being ignored. Apparently I committed a federal crime."

He laughed quietly. "How long?"

"Five days. One down, four to go."

BANG BANG BANG

My head snapped around to my window.

"What was that?" Marcel asked.

"I—hold on."

Another noise followed. Scraping. Movement. Someone was climbing the gutter. 

Oh my god. Someone is breaking in.

My brain immediately spiraled.

Oh god!! I'm going to die tonight aren't I? Goodbye mom, bye Dave. Bye Marcel, Edward, Harry, Anne, Liam-

A hand grabbed the window ledge.
"AHHHHHHHHH!!!" I screamed, "Get away or I'll call the cops!"

"Alex! Open the window, like now!!" a voice called from outside.

I blinked. Sure enough, Edward's red face appeared outside, clinging desperately to the ledge. "Ed?"
I rushed forward and yanked the window open, helping him tumble inside. He landed on my floor with a heavy thud.
"What the hell, Edward?!" I whisper-shouted. "You nearly killed me!"

"I thought if you couldn't come see me," he said between breaths, "I'd come see you."

"You climbed my house!"

He grinned weakly. "Romantic, right?"

"You're an idiot."

"Wow. Harsh welcome."

I shoved him onto my bed. "You could've gotten seriously hurt."

He smirked. "Whoa, slow down. Are you sure you wanna do this? Because I'm completely available."