I Really Hate You Sometimes {On hold}

Ch 9- Crying to the Not Well Known Guy Friend

I was still sniffling as I pulled to a curb next to my favorite Starbucks, I quickly wiped at my tears then took a moment to compose myself before stepping out and hurrying inside. The familiar scents of coffee, cocoa, peppermint, and cinnamon wafted my nose. I waited in line, soon I was standing in front of my favorite bartista Bryce Tyler.

          “Hey Bella!” He greeted me, his bright smile was wiped off his face when I looked up and he saw my red swollen eyes and tear stained face.

          “Hey Bryce…” I murmured, his brow wrinkled as he looked me over.

          “What’s the matter?” He asked then looked behind me at the growing line. “Uhm, the usual Latte for you?” He asked, I nodded and handed over the money. “Why don’t you find us a seat over by the fire then I’ll bring this to you and we’ll talk.”

          “Bryce, you don’t—“

          “Oh yes I do, now go and don’t argue with me Bells.” He said, cutting me off; a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes stretched on my face. I turned then snagged the couch a lot of people favored, I quickly took out my laptop that I stuffed into my purse this morning. I saw the shiny silver of the Beretta I had to use this morning, I sighed and shivered at the memory of this morning’s fiasco which only happened hours ago.

          “Oh Bella, what have you gotten yourself into now?” I asked myself as I zipped up my purse then set it down.

          “I don’t know, I was hoping you could tell me.” I looked to my right and saw Bryce. He set my drink on the brick mantle then sat next to me. “So, what was with the tears?” He asked, I smiled, a real one, then looked at him.

          “How’d you know?” I asked, he sighed and put his arm around my shoulders; giving them a friendly squeeze.

          “Bella, if you remember I have an 13 year old sister who has gone to a million Justin Bieber concerts. And my mom, she’s always watching Lifetime movies. I’ve seen tears.” He told me, I sighed then stared into the fire; watching the flames slowly lick at the wood. “So, what happened?” He asked, I looked up and stared into his aqua blue orbs.

          At this moment I felt like I could tell him anything, even what I hadn’t told Lexy. I sighed and looked away nervously as I thought for a moment. Could I trust Bryce? On a personal level? Could I afford not to? I mean what are the chances he’s ever gonna see anyone I know? I drew a deep breath and turned back to Bryce, I told him everything from Lane coming and wrecking havoc in the studio to me making a restraining order with the police.

          “Damn, you’ve had quite the peachy day then.” He said, the word “day” caught my attention. I wretched my phone out of my pocket, 8:48 it read.

          “Oh noo!” I groaned, I spent the whole day away from the studio; I’ve never did that before, I’m usually a workaholic.

          “What is it? What’s wrong Bells?” Bryce asked, I hurriedly and gulped my latte then stood up with him.

          “I’m sorry Bryce, but I gotta go.” I said, I grabbed my things but Bryce was blocking my way.

          “Wait, you’re leaving?”

          “Yes Bryce, I’m leaving. I’m just tired and I want to go home and go to bed.”

          “Well, let me walk you to your car.”

          “Fine, let’s go.” I muttered, Bryce was opening my door when the flashes went off.

          “Bella! Bella, over here! Did you and Taylor Lautner break up? Is this your new boyfriend? Does Taylor have a new girlfriend? When did you two break up? Rumors has it someone from your past has returned and is threatening you, is this true?” Damn, the paps just had to make an appearance now. “Is this mystery person the one who murdered your mother?” This question made my blood boil over.

          “What did you say?” I growled, coming out from Cindie. Bryce put a hand on my shoulder and shook his head. I ducked into Cindie as he walked back into Starbucks, I revved the engine so the paps would get out of my way… before I ran them over. They were smart enough to move at least, I peeled out of the parking space and headed down town. I bit my bottom lip as I debated whether or not to go back to the studio, I quickly voted that out as I thought about Lane and him coming back. “Definitely can’t go back there.” I muttered to myself.

          I thought about just going back to Lexy’s but the image of her and Justin fucking popped into my head. “No! Can’t go back there only to get blinded for life.” I declared, then I decided to go to my condo where I escaped to as a teenager when I didn’t want to deal with life. I made a sharp U turn and made my way to Hollow Hills where my temporary home awaited me.