𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱

two; settling in

As the next day at school went by, I got more and more nervous by the minute. Thinking about Harry knowing where I live. Knowing my family. Being friends with my brother. It was all freaking me out. I didn't want him being friends with my brother. They were nothing alike, attitude wise, that is. Maybe they bonded over music taste. Blue loves old rock bands. AC/DC, Def Leppard, Guns N Roses.

By the time seventh period was close to ending, Harry gathered his things and prepared himself to leave. I was hoping he would drive himself to our house, and wouldn't have to ride with us home. The bell rang out loudly, and everyone stood up, leaving the room.

"You'll never guess who's coming to my house today." I said angrily as I joined Gray down the hallway. He glanced over and hesitated. "Um.. Spider-Man?"

I quickly roll my eyes. "No, Harry." My words leave Grayson's eyes wide in surprise. "What? Why?"

"My brother is apparently friends with him. He told our mom yesterday that he was bringing a friend over after school, and then she asked who it was, and he said Harry." I frowned upsettingly at Grayson as he gives me a sympathetic smile. I wait to see if he says anything. "Well," he says easily. "Maybe it won't be too bad."

I face him with a straight face, my expression blank. He slightly chuckles at my response, before saying something that caught me completely off guard. "Would you want to do something with me?" His smile grew when I felt myself smiling.

"Oh, I'd love to, really, but.." I glance up at the stairs, my eyes searching Blue's car. I don't see any sign of Harry. "I should just face it. It's my house now, and if they're going to be friends, I can't avoid him forever." I say uncomfortably. Grayson easily nods, as if understanding where I'm coming from.

Then I realize he's just watching me with soft, easy eyes. "Would you still be willing to do something Friday night?" I can't help but mentally cringe at my own words. How more awkward could I be? But when Grayson's lips rise to his cheeks, I sigh in relief. "I'm probably one hundred percent sure I'll have no plans, so that sounds great."

  We gradually separate as I head to Blue's car, my heart racing nervously. When I arrived to the door, I was extremely relieved that Harry wasn't there. When I sat down, Blue drove off, telling all about how close they were. "When I first saw him in the office, I didn't think much of him, but he's really chill. We talked during study hall, and he's really not as bad as he comes off as."

  "Can't wait." I spit sarcastically.

    Blue parks his car, and I step out, cutting off his voice as the door shuts. "Elodie, wait." He speaks as he shuts his own door, following me to the front door. His hand clutches my elbow, keeping me from continuing. I turn and wait for him to speak. "Has he done anything to you?" He asks, his expression suddenly extremely serious.

   I wish I could lie and say yes. He's ruined my brain cells from all the headaches I get when he's around. However, I shake my head. "No," I sigh. "He's just so stuck up and I can't stand being around him."

   Blue's grip loosens. "If he does anything to you, just tell me."

I roll my eyes as I jerk my arm away. "I'm not five, Blue. I can take care of myself. And besides, what would he do?"