1 L0V3 H1M

Chapter 10

I lay in my bed, eyes closed, listening to the many birds outside my window. I had stayed up last night mostly crying while I sat on my bay window. The tears had burned and I still feel their presence on my cheek. They fell right where Cole had cupped my cheek the night before. I was reluctant to return to my bed because that was where we had kissed. I didn't want to think about it. I wanted to think about anything but that kiss.

Muffled voices on the other side of my door diverts my mind as I attempt to make out what they're saying. I recognize a male and female voice but I can't make out who their owners are. I finally open my eyes to the blinding light that enters my room through the bay window. After a few seconds of my eyes adjusting I turn my head to look at the door. The voices on the other side have changed their tone. Before they were casually conversing but now it sounds as if they're both aggravated. I sit up in my bed and carefully make my way to the door, pressing my ear to it.

I hear the female voice say, "I don't see why we have to do this now." And I recognize the even pitch to be Harlie. Why is she here?

"Because you're here, that's why." The other voice, belonging to Logan, responds.

What could they possibly be arguing about?

There's a few seconds of silence and then Harlie speaks, sounding weak, "You know, I came here for Audrey and that's who I'm going get." I swiftly take a step back and leap back into my bed, struggling to get the covers on me. I didn't want Harlie to think I had been eavesdropping. It had seemed like a private conversation. The only thing I was concerned about was why is was with my brother.

I hear the click of the door knob, twisting open and I immediately squeeze my eyes shut, pretending to be asleep. I hear Harlie's cautious steps come towards my bed and I feel her then sit right by my side. "Audrey" She whispers right in my ear. She takes my hair and brushes it out of my face. "Hon, wake up." She speaks a little louder than before but still with the same gentle tone.

I casually flutter my eyes opening, feeling stupid for pretending this whole thing. I fake stretch and look up to see Harlie, her inky hair half up and pulled back by a single hair clip. The only makeup she wears is some winged eyeliner and mascara. Her skin is flawless, in no need of any foundation or concealer. Her lips are glossed over and glisten, revealing her natural pout. Her scent is familiar and comforting, she smells of blossoming flowers. "Harlie?" I knew it was her. Again, just continuing with the whole act.

"Yeah." She tilts her head to one side, "Logan tells me you haven't left your room since yesterday afternoon."

"He told you that?" I push myself up, twisting my greasy hair and placing it over my right shoulder.

"Yup. And you also haven't answered any of my texts." She picks up my phone from my bedside table and shakes it in her hand. I reach out and grab it from her, bringing it to my lap. "So what's going on?" She asks, her eyes filled with concern.

"I don't feel like talking about it." I say, occupying myself with social media and hoping she would move on.

"Audrey," She places a hand over my phone screen and uses the other to lift my chin up to her, "Tell me."

"I just said I didn't want to talk about it." I reply sternly.

She releases my chin and her hand rests on the other side of my legs. "Audrey, come on." She says, seriously.

"It's embarrassing." I mumble, bringing my legs to my chest and swinging them past Harlie, letting them hang over the side of my bed.

"I don't care if it's embarrassing, I'm your best friend and you're gonna tell me what happened."