Heart Trouble (EDITING)

French Is On My To-Do List

“Joanne Charlotte Hensley! How could you do this to me?” I screamed, infuriated.

“Calm your butt down Layla! It's not like the end of the world! You have to stop running away. Escaping would do no good! You have to face it. You can't keep running away from your problems and think they will disappear into the air. Stop being a coward just because you are afraid of the consequences of your actions. I can't shelter you forever.” Jo scolded.

I stared at her wide-eyed because of her outburst. I was speechless. Her words had struck me like an arrow. It was true. I was running away. I was afraid, definitely scared of seeing the effects, the unchangeable end. 

The world seemed to stand still and air ceased to move. I dropped my head into my hands and drew in long breaths. Letting my hands fall to my sides, I walked towards Jo with my head looking down. My hands slowly came close and wrapped around Joanne like a coil. My head rested gently on her shoulder.

“You alright?” Jo sighed.

My head bobbed up and down, moving her shirt slightly. Her hands moved up and grabbed my arms. She put some distance between us and smiled the crooked smile which she displayed after a settled argument.

“Don't want our guest waiting do you?” She suggested.

I smiled back and after our morning routine and dressing back into my loose hoodie and jeans, we exited the confines of the room arm in arm. Colin and Quin waited for us at the end of the stairs. The second Quin spotted me, she ran up the stairs and enveloped me in a tight hug. Jo left my side to join Colin, giving me a private moment with Quin. I hugged her back.

“You scared me! I didn't know what to do. I was going to report your disappearance to the police but Hale said that it wasn't necessary and it would make the situation bigger than it actually was. A-and Colin received a text from your friend, saying you were with her. I wanted to come get you right then but your friend said to give you some space. Layla, don't EVER disappear again.” 

Her words were jumbled and her sniffles made most of her dialogue hard to comprehend but I knew now how much my actions affected others and motherly care which Quin bestowed upon me. My heart wrenched in guilt but also happiness to mean so much to Quin.

“It's okay. I'm here. I won't disappear ever again.” I comforted her and patted her back with soothing strokes.

“Ever?” Her eyes glistened with fresh tears and stared at me with the fragile hope of a child.

“Yes. Ever.” I affirmed with a wide grin.

Quin abruptly let go and squealed in delight. She might have over done it with a twirl but no one could really blame her.

“That means you agree to go to the brunch right?”

“What? What brunch?” I questioned quickly.

“You'll see, you'll see.” Her reply was cryptic and left me with many questions and in a cloud of confusion.

“Colin! We're ready to go!” She signaled as she ran down the steps and headed for the open door.

He jogged into view and followed Quin out of the villa with Joanne following after them.

“Well, come on. We're not gonna wait all day for you.” She called out to me as her left foot crossed the border of the doorway.

Giving chase, I skipped three steps at a time until I reached the solid floor. My feet scurried underneath me to try to catch up with the quick group. They were already inside the taxi that brought the siblings here. Quin even dared to reach over the the drivers side to honk me. The surprise placed pressure on me so I hastened my pace.