Far Away (Thomas Brodie-Sangster)

Chapter Seventeen: Isabella

Previously on Far Away:
The group decides to do some more sight-seeing. Dylan and Penny have a huge fight for unknown reasons and don't speak to each other for the rest of the day. They end their trip at a bookshop where Chloe makes some tough choices and then Dylan went over to Penny's place to sort everything out. Dylan didn't want to ruin his friendship with Penny, yet somehow their little conversation ended with a kiss.
And that's what you missed on Far Away.

WARNING: this chapter contains graphic content that may be triggering for some readers.

Chloe

Penny and Dylan. PYLAN! Finally, a name. At school, they have become the it couple. Everyone who is anyone is talking and gossiping about them but none of them know as much as Thomas and I who are dragged along with them basically everywhere they go. This results in Thomas and I spending lots of time together, exchanging looks as Dylan and Penny do their couple-thing.

Being out with Penny and Dylan also makes me realize more and more how amazing it would be to be with Thomas. Not that I like him or anything... Just he's a good guy. That's it. He's just a good friend and he would be a good boyfriend. Not my boyfriend but i'm general. Yeah.

Thomas and I have been asked a few times now whether or not we are dating. I guess it always seems like we are on a double date with Penny and Dylan. I know there's definitely rumours going around the school about it. Isabella probably heard those rumours too, since she's been extra insane lately and glares at me with even more viciousness whenever I pass her in the halls.

We're getting on our last week now of being in London and it's just starting to sink
in how much I'm going to miss everyone here, especially Penny. I know she's been thinking about it too but neither of us have brought it up yet. It's the last Monday of school here in London and I can already feel myself getting emotional.

I already finished the Kill Order which Thomas gave me and I've excitedly started the Disney book that I bought the other day called Kingdom Keepers. I haven't had much time to read on this trip, I've been too caught up in British drama and sight seeing. Guess that's not too bad. I do miss reading though, normally I can read 2-4 books a month, depending on the size and quality of the books. My life has been hectic lately, maybe I'll read more once back in Canada.

I go downstairs after getting ready for school only to find it empty. Some mornings Thomas's parents leave early for work but I'm still always the last one ready. I make myself a bowl of cereal and wait for the two boys to come down the stairs but they don't. After I finish eating I decide to go check on them and figure out whats going on. Once I get outside their shared bedroom door I hear the sound of muffled voices.

"I still don't understand." That was definitely Thomas's voice, easily identified by the British accent. Jake and I have kind of picked up on the British slang and accents during our short stay but nothing close to Thomas's or Penny's or anyone else at our school.

"I'm just saying be careful, she's fragile and right now she's especially fragile." Jake. Weird to hear my brother talking so seriously. The last time he was like this was that night he comforted me after I overheard the phone conversation between Thomas and Isabella. Suddenly I realize how similar this situation is to that one and I quickly pray that this time it won't end as badly.

"I'm pretty sure I know her better than you." Thomas says skeptically. Who are they talking about? Theres not many girls that the two of them share in common.

"Yeah sure ya do Tommy-boy."

"I told you to stop calling me that."

"Whatever. Thats not the point. Just, I know we are leaving soon so try and fix things with her before we get on the plane. Watch her today at school, I promise you you'll notice something very different from the girl you think you know." Are they talking about me? Why would Thomas have to fix things before the plane ride? I mean I've been happier lately without Isabella around and I guess that could make me more fragile because I have a longer way to fall if I get hurt. But how could Thomas hurt me? We're just friends and everything seems fine right now.