The Difference

Chapter 12.

My body began to shake from the cold weather so I decided to go back inside the house. I wiped under my eyes and around my mouth before I swung open the front door.

To my surprise the music was turned off and all of the lights were back on. People were suddenly piling out of the house and I had to stand right up against the wall to keep myself from being crushed.

Once everyone was out I moved away from the wall and looked around the house in search of my clutch.

"I thought I told everyone to-- Piper?" His tone quickly changed from surprised to neutral. "More insults to dish out?"

"Don't flatter yourself." I retorted. "I'm just looking for my clutch. Haven't seen it have you?"

"No."

"Gee, Mr Helpful over here." I replied sarcastically.

"Whatever." Harry huffed before leaving the room.

I continued to search for my purse but with no success either someone had stolen it or I had lost it. I searched around downstairs until I couldn't search anymore so I decided to go upstairs. The only place I had been was Harry's bedroom but I was sure he was in there and I didn't want to cause a scene.

I paced up and down the hallway but I couldn't see it anywhere. There was no more avoiding his room. I was about to knock when I decided not to. Why should I be kind to him when he has been anything but kind to me.

I curled my hand around the door handle and opened it. Harry was standing beside his bed with only boxers on. My eyes travelled straight to his legs and I covered my mouth with shock. There were small but deep cuts covering his thighs and I couldn't pull my eyes away. The scars looked like they were old and Harry quickly pulled his sweat pants up and turned away from me.

"Harry? What... what was that?" I asked softly. It was like I was glued to the spot.

"Nothing. It wasn't anything."

"But those scars, those marks... are you..." I couldn't even bring myself to finish the sentence.

"Just drop it Piper." He threw a black shirt over his head before continuing. "What are you even doing in my room?"

"I was looking for my clutch. Harry what was on your thighs?"

"Nothing Piper!" He snapped. "Would you just mind your damn business."

"You promised. You promised you wouldn't shut me out." I said quietly.

"Go home, Piper." He told me as if he didn't hear my plee.

I was hurt that he lied to me. I took my promises very seriously and he totally broke that trust.

"Your bag is on the dresser." I faced the dresser and by bag he meant my clutch. I picked it up and silently left the room.

I was about to call a taxi when I remembered what Jace said to me. I dialed his number and waited for him to answer.

"Hello?" His voice was groggy like he had just woken up.

"It's Piper."

"Oh hey. You still at Harry's?"

"Yeah." I said on the verge of tears.

"I'm leaving now." He said as though he knew.

"Thank you." I said before hanging up.

While waited I was left to ponder what Harry had or was still going through. Did he do those things to himself or was it someone else's doing? Either way I hoped that he would be okay, even if he wouldn't tell me.

I really should have waited inside because of how cold it was but I wasn't going back inside again. Harry clearly didn't want me to be anywhere near him and I knew that I needed to respect his wishes.

Jace pulled up and I ran over to his car. The hot air of the heater hit me almost immediately and I mentally thanked him for having the heat up so high.

"Are you okay?" He asked once I put my seat belt on.

"I'm fine. Sorry for waking you. I just didn't bring enough money for a taxi fare."

"Don't worry about it." He pulled onto the road and drove towards campus. "So was the party already over? It's only two."

"Ah yeah. I guess so." I lied.

I didn't want to tell Jace that Harry had kicked everyone out because he was angry with me. Enough drama had occurred tonight and I didn't need to pull Jace into anymore of it.

"That's strange. These parties usually last until at least four am at the earliest. Sometimes even later."

"I don't know how people do that. I'm barely staying awake now."

Jace didn't say anything more and I was silently grateful. I was so tired and I just wanted to go to sleep so I closed my eyes for the ride back.

When I opened them again Jace was placing me on my bed. I was slightly out of it and I didn't really register what was happening until he was walking out of my dorm.

"Jace?"

He stopped in his tracks. "Hey Miss Piper," he whispered gently, "go back to sleep."

"Thank you." I mumbled before drifting into a deep and much needed sleep.

When my eyes fluttered open again the room was pitch black and it took me a moment to remember where I was and how I got here. Memories from last night came back it parts and I had to really focus in order to remember everything.

I sat up and switched my beside lap on before screaming at the top of my lungs at a body that was on the other bed. The figure sat up, their blonde hair a mess.

"What's wrong? Is someone hurt?" The girl pushed her hair from her face and rubbed her eyes.

"Who are you and why are you in my dorm?" I was now standing near the door holding a pair of scissors that were on my desk.

"Did no one tell you? I'm sure someone was supposed to notify you. I'm Sarah Miller, your new roommate."

"My new what?" I muttered in disbelief and confusion.