Double Take [Sequel to Bound]

45. Shell-Shocked

Happy New Year, lovelies! May 2017 be full of happiness, peace, love, laughter, and good fortune for all of you! Thank you so much for all the support you've shown me for the past few years--it means more than you know.

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Chapter 45—Shell-Shocked

Leah's POV:

Now that Klara and I no longer had any demanding projects or interviews lined up, I had come to realize h0w much free time I really had on my hands. Normally, after school we would have some sort of photo shoot or interview, or an event in general, but now that we were on a break of sorts, I realized just how much my career took over my life and time. Because of the break, I have more time to do my homework and actually get to properly study for tests and quizzes. Jen was right—it really did help me focus more on my studies.

Of course, as good as this break was for us, there was always the media out to ruin anything good and making something out of absolutely nothing. The first few days since the news of our small break was spread out, several media outlets started speculating the reason as to why Klara and I were taking time off. Apparently it wasn't good enough for them that we were taking it easy because we were eighteen year old girls who just wanted to relax. No. There were stories about one—or both—of us being pregnant, Klara checking into rehab for drug abuse, or some other bullshit. The drug one really hit Klara, but she shrugged it off because that's what she does, though that didn't stop me from being worried.

But she also had someone to take her mind off of the bullshit the public was saying. Much to my happiness, Klara was spending a lot of time with Vin, and I've never seen her so happy. There are often times where she tries to appear closed off, and sometimes she reverts back to that, but Vin's always there to help pull her out of old habits. It's refreshing to see Klara smile without the past bitterness and sarcasm behind it.

At least one of our love lives is headed somewhere.

My nose wrinkled as Dylan crossed my mind, letting out a huff as I scrolled through options on Netflix to figure out what to watch. He was trying to get back in my good graces, but I couldn't help but be wary of him. To what end is this going to get me? Get us? Dylan had made it clear that a relationship is not something he could handle, and although I had told him to figure out just what he wants, I don't think even Dylan knows what exactly it is that he wants. He isn't a fan of relationships, and I won't settle for anything less. I let out a sigh. I don't know why I was still willing to give him a shot.

Because you're kind of, possibly, maybe falling in love with him.

A scowl graced my features as the nagging voice in the back of my mind spoke, letting out a groan as I leaned my head back far enough for it to hit the headboard of my bed. I winced slightly, muttering a curse, though letting my head rest there. I probably deserved it for being a confused, foolhardy idiot.

"That sounded like it hurt."

My eyes flickered to my doorway where my dad stood, dressed in a pair of jeans and some floral shirt that he was famous for and probably cost a ton. Taking in his amused expression, I let out a huff as I said, "Boys suck."

Dad snorted lightly, pushing himself off the doorframe he was leaning against as he stepped into my room. "Is this about you and Dylan?" he questioned, his tone softer as he sat down next to me at the edge of my bed. "Your mum and I noticed you two aren't speaking."