Trace

Chapter 57

EL'S POV

I peek out of my bedroom window to find the sky a gloomy grey, and raindrops dancing down my window.

Yawning, I stretch up and pull the warm covers off of me. A chill goes up my body.

I am about to check my phone to see if I have any messages from Harry- it's become to be a habit now- but am painfully reminded that he has cleared my contact from his phone.

This still makes absolutely no sense to me, and digs at my heart like a newly sharpened knife. Just last week had he nearly murdered a man in front of me because he saw him as a threat, and rightfully so. Now, I am sitting in my bedroom alone wondering how this came to be that he has chosen to delete my name from the one thing holding our communication. Instead of getting out of bed, I lay back down and grab the heavy comforter to blanket my body. It feels as if I have lost all will to start the day.

"Cae?"

My mother's voice calls from down the stairs, forcing me back into reality.

I whine and flip over, closing my eyes quickly when I hear her feet padding up the stairs. My bedroom door is opened, and I can hear her tiptoe over to my bed.

"Cae, sweetie," she whispers, sitting down slowly onto my bed.

I decide to not play asleep and turn to face her, opening my eyes.

"I am going to be out all day, and wanted to say goodbye before I left," she explains quietly.

I force a smile and raise my hand to give a sloppy wave. She chuckles and kisses my forehead.

"We are also short on a few groceries, so if you could find the time to go out today that would be just awesome," my mother adds, lifting herself from my unmade bed.

I give her a thumbs up as she reaches my door and she blows me a kiss.

"I love you, darling," she waves and disappears down the stairs.

I am about to fall back asleep when I hear my phone go off. My heart skips a beat, automatically assuming it's Harry. I scramble out of bed to pick up my phone from my vanity.

Ghain Simmons: good morning, love. was wondering if u wanted to do something this evening? i have work until 6:00, so let me know if you're interested.

Oh.

I find myself suddenly feeling confused and unsure, but my thumbs begin to type faster than my mind can properly think.

~ sure, that sounds great! what do you wanna do?

I release a sigh after I send the message. I need a break, I really do. I need a rest from all of this draining drama that has just recently begun brewing and finally went off with Harry and I. The pain is still unmistakably existent in my chest, but I need to take my mind off of him, even for just a couple of hours.

Ghain: movie night at my place?

My heart jolts at the thought of myself and Ghain alone at his house tonight. I have only ever spent alone time with Niall ever since Harry and I began dating.

But are Harry and I still together?

Probably not.

Unwelcomed tears burn behind my eyes. I don't fight them back; I am so very tired of fighting. I let myself crawl back into bed and lay down, bringing my knees up to my chest. My body shakes with each heartbreaking sob I let escape my body.

Maybe if I cry hard enough, it will wash away my pain.

*********

The rain pours down outside of my car as I approach the market. I had told Ghain I would arrive at his house around eight o'clock, informing him I have errands to run.