Chapter 13

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-Harry POV-

My car smoothly rode along the gravel as I approached the small apartment complex. The only light that illuminated the street came from the small streetlight that hung above; eerie clouds now overshadowed the moonlit cast earlier. Chills ran down my spine as I thought of a hopefully calm discussion to have with Camilla. I would only hope that I could persuade her enough to change her mind. I’ll take what I can get from her though, even if it’s only a small sliver of friendship.

Stopping directly in front of her porch, my car came to a smooth halt and I peered up to the window that belonged to her room. No light illuminated behind the curtain, hopefully she won’t be too groggy or tired to talk to me this late. Sophia began to stir in the backseat and mumbled incoherently. I hoped she stayed asleep so it could save me the time of having to create an explanation as to why she was in a stranger’s vehicle after her wild night. I bet she wouldn’t even question or mind as to how she got into this predicament, come to think of it. I wanted to slap myself for thinking so poorly of this girl, but I couldn’t help it.

The fact that someone like Camilla even associates with her is beyond me, but I shouldn’t judge. Everyone has a past, or a story, as to why they came to be their current self and she probably has a justified reason. Not that partying to the point of blacking out is acceptable, but people have different ways of dealing with things. I smiled to myself that maybe Camilla probably is very important to this girl and has helped her through so much.

I nervously sighed as I my seatbelt finally came undone upon my touch and slid out of my seat to round my car and retrieve a sleeping Sophia. I was relieved that she hadn’t awoken and carried what to felt to be her light as a feather body up to the building. Her hair was now even more tangled and her mouth hung open. I stifled a laugh as I climbed the stairs to avoid falling. If I knew this girl, this would be a perfect time to take a picture of her face and use it as ammo against her for blackmail in the future. I resisted the urge and peered through the glass door that led to the lobby of the complex.

I was hoping to see someone at least at the front desk to assist me in opening the door so I could take her up without having to wake her to get inside, but had no such luck. I reached for my phone in my back pocket to dial Camilla; hopefully her ringtone would awake her from her slumber. I couldn’t help the hurt that resonated in me as the phone rang twice and went straight to voicemail. No answer, which was expected but I couldn’t believe she rejected my call, nonetheless.

I peered down to the clutch purse Sophia held in her sleepy grasp. I should have figured to look in there first, duh. Fortunately this girl was light enough to hold with one arm, which was hilarious cause I looked like I was holding a giant baby. I chuckled a bit as I opened her purse with one hand. I whispered an excited “Yes!” and let myself in with her key.

The room was dimly lit with small lamps perched on the front desks and side tables lined along the walls. The white couches and marble floors added a really clean effect and were pretty nice for an apartment lobby. Too bad my converse made tapping noises as I walked along the floors so I had to tiptoe my way to the elevator. I pressed the up button and the doors slid open instantly.

I felt a bit creepy that I remembered the apartment floor and room number from a short conversation I held with Camilla the first day I met her. I remember intently watching how excited she became to tell me how she had the perfect view from her window since she was on the very top floor that out looked the skyline of the city. Her eyes lit up at simply the thought of it, and I couldn’t help but feel curious and intrigued to see it someday, hopefully if I ever got the chance.

The doors slid open as I finally made it to the top floor of the building and made a left, silently wishing it was indeed towards room 307A. To my luck, I reached the door in no time. I again retrieved Sophia’s key from my back pocket and let myself in. Once inside, I couldn’t help but notice the sweet smell of scented candles and laundry detergent. It was welcoming and calming all the same, and a small smile played at the corner of my mouth.

The walls were painted a soft yellow, and all the furniture looked to be very comfortable and homey. The beige carpet looked to be brand new and I felt obligated to take my old sneakers off, not wanting to dirty it. Pictures of the girls together hung on the walls throughout the house, along with a few simple pieces of art or candleholders lined next to them. I had to admit, the décor of this place was impressive for being two girls who lived on their own.

I wanted to put Sophia down as soon as possible so I could explore the house a bit then make my way to Camilla’s room. I couldn’t help but want to snoop around while they couldn’t watch my every move or hover while I looked around since they were both asleep. I turned into a small hallway and to make this easier on me, they both had the first letter of their first names inscribed on each of their doors. I turned right to the one with a large letter S on it. Sophia’s room was very girly: pink, glittery, but most of all, messy. I tiptoed around her all things to avoid stepping on them and placed her on her bed. After covering her with her blankets, I made my way back out to the hallway.

The living room was now filled with moonlight coming in from the windows, which provided enough light for me to see everything more clearly. I was thankful some of the clouds finally cleared up. I had to stop and admire one picture that caught my attention. It was in a delicate silver frame perched on the front table. Camilla and Sophia both were posing together while sitting at a table, which looked to be at a family party of some sort. I was mesmerized by the happiness that filled Camilla’s features. Her eyes sparkled and her smile was just, dazzling. I caught a goofy grin plastered on my face as I took in every detail of the picture. I set it down and made my way further into the living room.

A small sheet of paper caught my eye though. It was put under a large candle, looking like it was meant to be found and read. The note was hastily written but still legible. I figured out it was Camilla’s writing as it read:

Sophia, came home earlier from the party but had to leave when I got a call that Nathan is in the hospital. Flying to New York tonight, call me when you read this, I’ll explain more. Your phone was off when I tried to call earlier. –Cam.

Panic filled me and I dashed back to the hallway to Camilla’s room just to be sure she was really gone. I pushed open the door and it slammed against the wall behind it from such force. Her bed was still made and clothes scattered along the floor, telling me she was in a rush to pack. Her closet and drawers were still opened too. This had to be a scary emergency being that she left in such haste. I began to get concerned and flustered, I felt as if I couldn’t do anything to help or comfort her. She must be so frightened and worried.

Her family meant everything in her. I remember the look in her eyes and the love that sounded in her voice as she spoke of all her siblings. She spoke of all her brothers and all their personalities. She would laugh as she recalled memories of them all, good and bad. She would mostly mention her brother Nathan since they were so close in age and grew up doing mostly everything together. He lived in New York and I knew she missed him a lot, the strain in her voice revealed that to me as she held back tears for her sake.

I had to be there for her. She was always there for others and now she needed someone. Sure her family would be there, but sometimes it’s just comforting to know that someone other than them cares just as much. I pulled open her laptop, which idly sat on her desk. Thankfully there was no password to keep me from using it and I opened the Internet browser quickly.

I typed in the first airline I could think of and looked up tickets to purchase to fly tonight within the next few hours. I’m going to New York.

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