One Day Too Late

Yes

Harmony's P.O.V-

I look Brandon dead in the eye, a yes beginning to form on my lips. But as quickly as the response emerges, it's gone. Doubts about dating my dead best friend's ex come rushing back and the words die in my mouth. 

I lift my head , eyes filled with regret, guilt, and longing. He senses my hesitation and sighs. 

"Harmony, you've got to stop punishing yourself for her death! This question is between you and me, please, I'm begging you, don't bring anyone else into it. Do you want to be with me, or not?" The words explode from his mouth, as if he's been holding them back. 

At first, I'm somewhat shocked. How could he ask for this to be just between us? Doesn't he know? Echo will always be our ghost, she's not just going to go away because he wants her to. He has no right to want her to go away! But I have no right to make her stay.  I 

"Brandon, I do, but-" 

He stops he, grabbing my head in his hands and kissing me. Whatever I was about to say is forgotten, as all I can think about is the way his tongue dances around in my mouth. All too soon, I push him away. I can't do this, he killed my best friend.

But if we're being honest, I killed her too. Everyone in her life killed her, because she didn't feel as if she could talk to us. Her parents killed by hate and abuse, Brandon by abandoning her, and me by trying to convince myself she was fine.  We deserve each other. And, a little part of me wants this, more than I ever thought possible.

"Yes."

It's amazing how just one word can make a person's face light up. Just one word can make an entire room seem brighter, an entire future seem like there might be some purpose to it. I smile at him, hair messed up, and a slow smirk spreading across his face. The light from his smile makes my guilt a little more bearable, even if it'll never truly be gone.

"That wasn't so hard, now was it?" He lifts his eyebrows pointedly. 

"You know, I really hate you sometimes," I roll my eyes. He doesn't catch the irony, or that I'm being somewhat serious. 

"You do?" He mock gasps, "You're gonna hurt my feelings." 

"Oh, stop it," I push him, and he falls back on his bed, clutching at his heart. I must be getting better at hiding my emotions, because he doesn't catch the agony that I was sure was written all over my face.

"Now you've really done it," He sits up and stares at me with big puppy dog eyes, "I'm gonna cry." 

I lean down and bring my lips to his, pulling back after a moment. Even if I'm not sure he deserves it, I'm going to try to take as much of the guilt away from him as possible.

"Better?" I ask, sitting down beside him. 

"Much," he beams, laying down and sliding me on top of him. 

I sigh, and lay my head on his chest. 

"I could get used to this," I murmur. 

"You can," he states, "You are mine now." 

I snuggle into his shirt and close my eyes. Just as I'm about to drift off, there's a knock on the door. 

"Brandon, I saw Harmony's coat on the rack, is she over? It feels like it's been ages!" His mom exclaims. 

I scramble to get off of him, an embarrassed blush racing across my cheeks. I"m just barely sitting beside him when the knob turns and Emily walks in.

"Hello dear," she sings, oblivious to what just went on, "How's your mother?" 

"Good,"I mumble, looking down. 

"Oh," she winks, "Did I interrupt something? You know, I've always thought Harmony was a lovely girl." 

"Mom," Brandon mutters, "Have you ever heard of leave me alone?" 

"Ok," she winks again and closes the door, "But use protection." 

The blush on his face is so cute, that I can't be embarrassed anymore. I push away everything running through my mind, trying to let go for just a little while. I laugh, and push him back down. As I'm falling asleep next to him, I finally feel like this is where I belong.