Behind Close Doors

Chapter Forty-Seven

EVER SINCE HARRY came over to my house that one day after school, we've become closer. I remember when my father and I first found out about my mother's diagnosis and how distraught we both were. My father spent endless hours on the computer researching the best cancer treatment facilities, and I could imagine that is what Mrs. Twist was doing when she wasn't with her husband in the hospital.

It was as if a switch had gone off inside my brain once I saw the first teardrop roll down Harry's cheek. I had never seen him cry before, and to be completely honest, it wasn't a sight I was fond of seeing. I wanted to do everything humanly possible to make him feel better because I cared that much about his wellbeing.

We spent the rest of that night watching some of my favorite shows on Adult Swim such as Bojack Horseman and Rick and Morty. I was proud to say that they managed to get a few chuckles out of Harry. For the rest of that week, I'd text Harry funny memes during the school day, and in the classes we had together, I noticed the corners of his mouth would always turn up in a smile whenever he'd glanced at his phone.

Harry even made an effort to talk to me more in school. Sometimes, I'd catch him waiting for me by my locker at the beginning of lunch as students flooded the halls, and we'd chat to each other about our day while I swapped out my books for the ones I needed for the last two periods. Heads constantly turned in our direction and whispers flooded the hall, but I didn't care. The only thing I could seem to focus on was the fact that Harry was taking steps to address the problem that had split us up in the first place, which made forgiving him an easier task.

We were slowly going back to the way we used to be before the football game incident and the rumors about him and Tiffany had surfaced. However, only one crucial part of our relationship was missing: intimacy. I think we both secretly longed to be with each other in that way again, but I knew Harry wasn't necessarily in the right mental state to initiate anything, and I was too afraid of him hurting me to put myself in a vulnerable situation like that again. But I remained hopeful that over time we'd be able to work things out.

§

ALICE'S POV

I knew I wanted to be an actress since I was four years old. In my pre-school's production of Three Billy Goats Gruff, I was casted as the troll under the bridge and became the star of the show. I won the award for best actress which only made me pursue acting even more. As president of the Drama Club at Silver Spring high, it was my job to put on three productions throughout the school year.

So far I've put on two shows and was preparing something special for the third. I decided to debut my own original play. Catie and Matthew have been at my house everyday this past week to help me edit the storyline.

"I think I should be the one to play the Dolphin Prince," Matthew mentioned to me as he read over the printed out version of the script.

I rolled my eyes while flipping through my own paper copy. "Can you even act Matthew?" I questioned him.

He remained silent for a few moments, making me and Catie laugh. Matthew sucked his teeth at us in annoyance and placed the script beside him on my bed.

"No, but how hard can it really be?" He retorted, using his elbows to support him as he leaned back on my bed.

I was about to open my mouth and answer him when Catie posed a question to me. One I hadn't thought about just yet.

"Do you know where you're going to put on this show?" She asked me. "I'm pretty sure the auditorium will be closed for renovations by the end of this month."

"Shït," I cursed as I turned around to face her. "You're right. I'll have to think of somewhere else."

"I have an idea," Matthew spoke up.

"I swear if you ask me to be the lead one mo—" Before I could finish the rest of my sentence, he cut me off.

"—No, it's not that. I promise," He assured me. "You should perform the play at the Dolphins' championship pre-game ceremony. The crowd could use some entertainment."

My eyes widened as I thought about all of the people who would be in attendance. The championship pre-game ceremony was a perfect platform to showcase my work especially since the man who inspired most of it would be there.

"That might've been the best thing you've suggested all week," I told Matthew with a smile.

He rolled his eyes at me and laid all the way back on my bed until his head was resting against the sheets. "I have my moments," Matthew replied confidently, wearing a proud smirk over his lips.

"I don't think that's such a great idea," Catie suddenly said, making my head turn in her direction.

I had completely forgotten she was here for a moment. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I watched her nervously chew on her bottom lip.

"And why the hell not?" I asked her in a clipped tone, raising my eyebrows at her.

"Yeah, I think it's a genius idea," Matthew added with a curt nod.

Catie swallowed thickly before lowering her gaze to my carpeted floor. "Uh, because your p-play has nothing to do with the championship game. The coach might not even let you do it," She stuttered out, meeting my eyes once more.

"Well, I'll never know if I don't ask," I pointed out. Releasing a deep sigh, I set my script on my desk and folded one leg of mine over the other. "Besides, if worse comes to worse, I'll just film the play in my backyard and upload it to YouTube."

"Alice, I don't know if I feel comfortable being a part of this anymore. It's not right," Catie stated with a frown.

Her words made my stomach churn with worry. I couldn't have her tattling on us. "How dare you. You're just as guilty as the rest of us are Catie," I reminded her.

"Yeah, it's best if you just keep your mouth shut Catie," Matthew chimed in.

"But I—"

"—Need to get down off your high horse. I swear to God, if you rat us out or tell anyone about what we're planning before the championship pre-game ceremony, Catie, I'll make sure everyone knows it was you who supplied me with the majority of the content for the play," I threatened her.

Judging by the gasp that sounded from her lips in surprise, I knew I had convinced her to stay quiet. I mean, she wouldn't tell a single soul if she knew what was good for her.

"Now, shall we get back to editing the script?" I suggested to the two of them, plastering a smile over my face.

Both Matthew and Catie gulped while flipping their scripts back to the beginning. Their eyes rarely left the paper for the rest of the time they were at my house as each of them took turns reading aloud the dialogue. I had the both of two of them wrapped around my finger, just the way I wanted them.

Author's Note:

Here's another short update for you all. Hopefully, I can find the time to update again this week. Love you all ❤️

Feel free to vote, comment, share this story with a friend, or follow me on wattpad. I'd really appreciate it if you did. Also, go check out my other stories Diana (I'm still in need of a co-author for it) and Siena. I promise you won't regret it. 

Question for my readers: How did you come across this book?

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Kaylandia