Contrast [ A One Direction AU ]

chapter seven: bella

chapter seven - bella

✥ Arabella ✥

The untouched messiness of the apartment could only mean that Clary hasn't been home since Saffron, which was about four hours ago. She must've forgotten to tell me that she's working a Saturday afternoon shift at 'The Roasted Bean'.

Despite that, her missing presence means I can slip out to the function with Liam 'unscathed'.

To be truthful, I have no idea what Liam has in mind, and I don't want to worry, or doubt Liam, but negative thoughts are the only things that come to mind. For an unknown reason he decides to change from distant and harsh to less-distant-and-harsh-with-more-sexy, as of today. Definitely making him all the more intriguing, but planning who knows what!

He's definitely trouble. His association with the other boys from the park - drunk, wild and people I would avoid and never associate myself with on a normal day - confirmed this.

The shrill ring of the doorbell snaps me out of my thoughts, the voice of one of the apartment bellboys following.

"Miss Fletcher? There's a package for you," the boy called out.

"Sure, just a second-" I drop my elephant-heavy book bag on the couch, and I rush to the door. Taking a peek through the peephole, sure enough, it is Finn, the bellboy.

I open up, "Hey Finn! It's been a long time since we have had a package up here."

He smiles warmly, "Well, it must be your lucky day!"

Oh, if you knew the half of it Finn.

"-I have to say, the guy's pretty fit too, ey!"

I blink twice, "Huh? What guy?"

"Why'd you look so shaken up Bella!"

My eyes dart around my surroundings, and I feel my startled state transfer into wide eyes, sweaty palms and an agape mouth.

"You gonna take it or reject it?" Finn asks with humour in his tone, holding out the package. It's a pastel turquoise box, reading "Tiffany & Co." on its label.

I gasp in shock. Who would give me this?

"Uh- umm... Ugh, fine okay," I murmur in a shy voice. As Finn is about to leave, I ask, "Hey, one last question."

He smiles, seeming to know my thoughts, "Yeeeees?"

I sigh and rub my forehead agitatedly. I hate having to sound like a stalker but-

"What did the guy look like?"

________________

By the time 7:30 swung by, I was finished with my entire ensemble.

And I still haven't opened the gift, but despite not knowing what's inside, I know exactly who delivered it - at least. The description Finn offered sounded exactly like Liam. Coiffed golden brown hair, caramel eyes, stubble dotting his chin and a built, six-foot figure. Who else?

Liam.

I only dared to stroke the immaculate box and white ribbon, but I simply can't accept it!

The doorbell rings out, echoing through the flat and the wardrobe.

Shucks, it is time.

With one last look at my room, I switch off the lights, and with contemplation, I also take the gift. I have to return it. My heeled footsteps click loudly on the laminated wood flooring unintentionally, and I wish my heels could be a little quieter.