Torn

Chapter 10

Selena...

I don't know if everybody had gone silent or if my hearing had temporarily vanished as I stare at the only woman I know capable of capturing everyone's admiration in a heartbeat; and she doesn't even have to do anything.

I regain my senses once again as I watch tears well up in her eyes, her hand covering her mouth in what would seem like a perfectly practiced gesture. But it's not; she's just perfect as it is. My hand instantly releases Harry's as she starts to walk towards us. She opens her arms as a smile as wide reaches her face, but to my surprise it is not me that receives the gesture.

I could only gape as I watch Taylor hug Harry tightly in front of me. From what I remember she hated him, but it seems they have reached some common ground again. But Harry's less enthused embrace lets me know immediately that the affection is more on Taylor's part. One of his arms is draped loosely around her frame in an awkward manner, his form upright and rigid. As for his eyes, it's everywhere – everywhere except on me.

I don't know what had brought Taylor to be at ease with him again, enough to hug him so comfortably in front of everybody, but I don't think I want to know. I should be happy for them, since this clearly is a stepping stone in the right direction towards the rebuilding of their relationship.

But for the first time, I know I'm being completely honest when I say that it's not something I look forward to.

I almost gasp out loud as I acknowledge the ugly thought that had crossed my mind, even if just the briefest of seconds. I could feel the conflicting emotions that I buried resurface again, along with her arrival and I am not sure if I am ready to deal with it yet. So just like that morning after, two years ago, I turn to my best resort – to flee.

I am startled when an arm circles around me, as I turn around hastily. Its firm yet gentle grip on my shoulders almost making me think that it is steadying me and when a voice speaks, I know that it is.

"Easy doll, I got you" a voice whispers near my ear.

"A-Alex?" I say, unsure as one of my hands settle on his shoulder to hold myself upright.

"The one and only" he says, his head tilting. He offers me a small smile and oddly enough, I find it comforting and contagious.

"So he's the guy, huh?"

"I-Im sorry?" I ask, uncertain if I heard correctly.

To my surprise he chuckles lightly, and even if I'm not sure of the reason I don't find it uncomfortable. "I should have known" he continued, causing me to raise my eyebrows in confusion. "My character's name is Felix, Selena. But I could've sworn the numerous times the first syllable sounded as 'Ha' coming from you."

I felt my eyes go wide and my cheeks burn and for a moment of stupidity, I open my mouth without contemplating my words. "You mean I did it to you too?" I ask, my hand instantly going over my lips.

Alex's answer is to raise a delicate eyebrow, before giving me a good-natured chuckle once more. "Should I be bothered about the 'you too'?" he asked.

I sighed, I don't know what prompts me to do so. But I feel like I could trust him, besides it's not like I'm going to tell him everything "I remember doing the same thing in our Divergent and Insurgent shoot. It's a good thing I caught my mouth, but still – a waste of scene" I say sighing again.

"Hey"

The sudden solemnity in his voice catches me off guard, both his hands grabbing my arms. "I know she's the biggest pop star in the world right now. But after some months of dancing I'd like to think you're my friend" I laughed at that, making him pause, though sending me a sincere smile nonetheless. "So do me a favor and bring out that award winning actress I know and give me a smile."