Beautiful Things

Chapter 9-Love

    OSCAR'S EYES GREW DARKER and darker as I told him the story of Xavier and I. How we met, how I fell in love with him. How he broke my heart. My whole body tingled with the sensation of Oscar resting his hand on my arm, attempting to comfort me. It worked, but his eyes worked most of the wonders. They grew darker, and the hand that wasn't rested on my arm curled into a fist. He was angry for me, but I didn't exactly know why. How could someone feel this level of anger for a crying girl he just met?

"Oscar," my voice shook. "Can we go to the living room?"

"Yeah, of course." His smoldering eyes moved from mine to look down at his phone. He then put it away about three seconds later, and moved to my side. We both walked to the same leather couch, and it was cold against my legs. My phone dinged again, notifying me that I still have an unread message. I gained the nerve to accept that, and whispered.

"Xavier messaged me."

"Do you want me to read it first?" He unclenched his hand and reclenched it. I shook my head, and opened the messages myself. I can be strong.

The text was six words long. Maybe we should take a break. My brain processed this, rearranging the words so it made more sense. It didn't. He didn't even make any excuses.

"I-I..." I choked out, staring at my screen. I opened my mouth to finish what I was about to say when Oscars grandmother peered into the living room.

"You should stay here the night," she said, addressing me. "The police are fairly worked up so they won't get here until tomorrow, and it's late."

"Okay..." my voice still shook. Jesus. I even sounded weak; it wasn't just a state of mind.

"Great! I'll tell Brian. Oscar can show you to a room..." she scurried out, like a deer. She was still limber for her age.

I turned to Oscar, and stood up from the leather couch we were sitting on. Oscar took a step toward me, his boots vertical to my flip-flops. "I loved him. Xavier." I said, hopelessly putting my forehead on his chest. I needed someone to support me right now, because nothing made sense. Xavier told me he loved me thirty minutes ago, and now this? It seemed wrong.

"I know," Oscar's back straightened, his eyes half closed. He continued, gently. "Come on, now. I'll bring you up to your room. You could probably use some rest after all that."

I nodded, but grabbed Oscar's hand, curling it into mine. He was here, and I needed him. Oscar looked moderately shocked, but clearly welcomed the feeling of my hand in his. He led me around the corner and up a flight of stairs to a small guest room.
It was cold, and I shivered.

"Sorry.. it's always cold in these rooms," Oscar's voice was truly apologetic, but I think it was because I stopped holding his hand. Or I hoped it was, because I was also slightly apologetic for that as well.

"It's fine," I tucked myself under a thick bedsheet, closing my eyes. "Can you put a movie on for me...?"

"Sure." Oscar took a step toward the movies, reading then off until I finally agreed on Nemo. He put it in, and I allowed the movie to slowly lull me to sleep. I was still cold, though. Oscar began to leave. "Wait.." I whispered. But was it really me talking? I couldn't tell anymore. It was like another force that deeply wanted Oscar had awoken inside of me and called out.

"Yeah?" He turned around. I lazily opened my eyes, patting the room beside me.

"Stay. Please."