The Difference

Chapter 5.

Harry left shortly after he told me. He said he needed some time alone and I understood.

I can't believe Leah has no idea about what happened between the two of them. How long was she in hospital for? Was it serious? Was Harry charged? So many questions are going through my head but I know they probably won't be answered. It took a lot for Harry to tell me and I didn't want to push him. If he wants to tell me, he will.

I checked the clock and it was already late. I crawled into bed and drifted off to sleep.

The door slamming pulled me from my slumber. I opened my eyes and saw Leah in the room. She was in her closet putting clothes into a suitcase.

"W-what are you doing?" I was still half asleep and my eyes were readjusting to the brightness of the room.

"I'm leaving. There's no way in hell I'm staying here with you."

"Where are you staying?" I wasn't really interested but it was better than an awkward that I know would fill the room.

"None of your business."

"Just making conversation Leah. But if that's how you want to be."

"It is." She spoke coldly.

"Fine." I said finally before rolling over to face the wall. It was only nine o'clock and I wasn't planning on leaving until eleven or so.

Leah was making all sorts of banging noises because she knew I was trying to sleep. I tried to ignore her but she got louder and louder.

"Do you really hate me that much?" I asked as I sat up.

"Yep." Her answer was short and I didn't want to push her. She continued to cause a ruckus and I knew I wouldn't be going to sleep anytime soon.

"I guess I'll go and have a shower then." I grabbed my things and slammed the door behind me.

I hate her. I have never hated anyone in my life but I hate her. She makes every fibre inside of me agitated. I want to grab her blue hair and ripe it from her skull. Of course, I would never do that because unlike her, I am a decent human being.

I stepped out of the shower after no more than ten minutes and put my clothes on. I walked back to my dorm and Leah was standing there with a suitcase in hand and an unreadable look on her face.

"I just thought I'd tell you that this isn't over Piper, not by far." With that she strut past me and left me alone to ponder what the hell that meant.

'This isn't over'. What does she mean 'this'? I thought she would move out and I would never have to see again. I guess she has a different idea.

Pushing her to the back of my mind I slipped on my white jeans, a black singlet and a cardigan. I applied light foundation and a small amount of mascara before I grabbed my phone and my keys. I got into my car and drove away from UCLA. I needed to get school supplies today and since I was rudely awoken by my former roommate I thought I might as well go now.

I pulled into the parking lot of the shop and drove around to find a spare space. Once I did I grabbed my things and locked the car.

The inside of the shop was so big I thought I might get lost. I picked up a basket on wheels and went into the first area which was pens, pencils and highlighters.

I had a weird obsession with these things. I could never decide which type of pen I wanted so I would buy them all and then have enough ink to last ten years.

I was in the middle of testing my fifth type of pen when I was interrupted.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't little Miss watering can."

I spun around and sighed in annoyance. "Jace." I greeted. "It's always a pleasure." The sarcasm in my voice was more than obvious.

"Same to you Piper." He smiled but I didn't return it. "What brings you to the land of the inks?"

"I need schools supplies. You?" I didn't want to be rude but I really just wanted to be left alone.

"Oh I just hang around here waiting for hot chicks to come by. Seems like I found one." He chuckled.

I blushed and looked away at his forward words."You are such a perv." I looked around to see if anyone heard my loud voice but the coast seemed to be clear.

"It's not called being a perv if they like it." I cringed at his words and continued to try different pens.

"I can never decide which pen to get." Jace was now standing on the other side of the rack testing pens just as I was. "I mean," he picked up one and held it out for me to see, "this one has a really nice grip but I like the shade of this one. Decisions, decisions."

"The first one." I said quickly.

"Pardon?"

"The first pen, buy that one. The ink is interchangeable and you get a red and black pen with it for half the price."

"And you know this how, exactly?"

"My Dad owns a small office supply store back in Australia. I practically grew up there."

"I know where I'll be going for stationary tips." He laughed and this time so did I. I stopped myself when I realized what I was doing. "You don't have to do that." His tone was a little less relaxed than before.

"Do what?" I questioned and put a couple of pens in my basket.

"Hide your laughter in front of me. I know you did. I saw you."

"I didn't... I just..."

"What?"

I knew why I hid my laughter and it wasn't because I didn't like Jace. Sure we didn't get off to a great start but he seems like an okay human and I would be willing to overlook the past events, but I can't be his friend. I need to keep my friends to a bare minimum. I would rather have no friends if I could. It would keep everyone safe from Bill and that's all I care about.

"I just stopped laughing. Does there have to be a reason behind it?" I lied to him and honestly I felt bad but it's what needs to be done.

"That's crap Piper."

"No it's not."

"Yes it is." He put his pen down and came over to my side of the table. "If you don't like me just say so because I'll leave you alone."

"It's not that Jace. I just can't afford to have any distractions right now. School's about to start and I--"

"Don't lie to me Piper."

"I'm not lying Jace." I tried to convince him but I could barely convince myself.

"Whatever. I'll see you around." Jace said coldly before he turned to leave the store.

"Wait! Jace wait!" He simply waved me off with his hand so I stopped chasing after him.

I know this is for the best but it doesn't make it hurt any less. Jace probably would've been a good friend and now I scared him off. Bill isn't even here and he's already ruining my life.

When will I be free of him?