Or So You Thought

Such A Mournful Sound

A/N: So I couldn't come up with a good title for this so I chose "Such A Mournful Sound" in reference to a song by Florence & The Machines called 'Shake It Out'. She says "all of these questions, such a mournful sound".

There are a lot of questions unanswered between Brian & Ari.

Brain's POV

"Well, you're good to go" Melvin said to us (though I don't think he meant me). "Thanks" I replied. "And I'll see you soon, love?" he asked Ari. I looked at her for her answer. That's my love & you know it Melvin I thought to myself. "Sure, I guess so" she replied before giving him a hug. I had to turn my head. I couldn't watch, it hurt too much. "Alright. Night Melvin" she said as she started moving over to me.

As we made our way towards the elevator,  there was a burning sensation in my soul. I had to ask. "What the hell are you thinking?" Okay. Maybe that didn't come out the way I planned. "Excuse me?" she asked sternly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just-I just don't get it. You met the guy over an hour ago. You're already hugging up, attending dances & what not. It doesn't make any sense" I didn't lie, I just didn't tell her everything. As we entered the elevator, I stood in one corner as she stood in another. It was only a few floors but it seemed like 100 because it was so awkward between us. The elevator dinged & the doors opened, Ari moved like thunder off of it... Away from me. "So you're just going to act like I didn't say anything at all huh? You just walk away. We aren't going to talk about this?" I asked. She spun on her heels towards me. "No. We can't talk about anything. You don't get it. There is nothing to talk about. We have no ties to each other, understand? I don't have to explain my life choices to you. You don't own me" Wow I thought to myself Tell me how you really feel "Now," she said, taking out her keys and unlocking her room door "I'm going to bed, I suggest you do the same". "But Ari?" I called out. "Good night" & then my good friend Mr. Door greeted my face. I growled in frustration. I needed to talk to someone. No judging, no speaking, just listening. I called the one person I knew who could do that. Adam.

Dude, what the hell? It's like 4 in the morning.
I know man. I'm sorry. I just need someone to vent to. No words, just listen.
Well... Alright. I guess I can lose a few minutes of sleep.
Thanks bro. So the story... You were there when Nicole & I went at it. Well after, I went to hunt down Ari. After running up & down halls & 3 flights of stairs,  I found her. Of course,  she didn't want to hear it so I made her listen. I told her my big mistake, by not answering her question of whether I slept with Nicole or not, & she slapped me... Twice. Then I pulled the biggest plunder of all time & told her she shouldn't be mad because she's not my girl.
Dude!
Adam?!
That's right. Sorry. Go on.
Yeah so she kicked me out her room as I'm apologizing. I decide to wait out there all damn night until she hears me out, which of course she doesn't. Then I hear the elevator go off & guess who steps out?
... Do I answer this?
Yes, you answer this.
Your mom?
That's not even cool, be serious bro.
Dude, its past 4 am. I couldn't even guess for you what day it is right now.
Melvin Zalowski
That bastard?!
Yes. Doing random room checks. Anyway, so I immediately start freaking out & knock on Ari's door. Of course, she gives me the silent treatment. So, I pretty much end up banging before she finally let's me in. I'm telling her that we need to think & think fast because he's coming & she's like "I'm not hiding you. I'm not your girlfriend" & I'm just like "we can talk about that later". Bitchlowaki ends up knocking on our door for random checks. Of course, now we're both freaking out. I end up hiding in her wardrobe. I'm in there for a minute or 2 & it seems like the coast is clear. Then my dumbass allergic reaction to dust kicks in & I sneeze. So, we get caught.
Dude? You are just fucking up in every kind of way today.
Shut up. Anyway, so of course we're sent to the office. Blah blah paperwork blah blah parents called (except hers) blah blah My mom freaks ou-
Wait, why wasn't her mom called?
Because she has boobs & Melvin's an ass. So after that dreadful phone call with Mom, I turn out the office window to see Melvin all over Ari, whispering in her ear & shit. So, like I should, I go over to find out what he's doing. He asked her to the Homecoming Ball & get this.. She. said. yes!
Ew! What? No!
Yes. He did this to plot against me for what happened 3 damn years ago! I like her, he found out & is using her to get back at me!
Did you tell her that?
Would she listen if I did?
No. Probably not.
Besides, I wouldn't be able to explain it to her without telling her what I did & she already hates me as is.
Did you give her the gift?
Are you crazy? She slapped me.
Well alright wuss, ARE you gonna give her the gift?
No. She most likely wouldn't take it.
What are you going to do bro?
I don't even know. I think I'm too tuckered out to think right now. It's been a shit day.
For you.
Yeah. Anyway, tell Brittany I said 'hey'
She's not here. Left about an hour ago.
An hour ago? Did yall?
I'm not telling you.
Awwwwhhh! You DID!!
Good night!
Good morning, Captain.
Bye!
Alright, I'm done. But really, thanks for listening.
Anytime man. Just never again at 4 am.
Haha I'll try but I make no promises.

I hung up the phone as I started back across the street to my building. How did I even get here I thought to myself but shrugged it off. I only had a few hours before I had class & today was going to be just as bad as yesterday, if not worse. It would all begin when I walk into the room. Seth will ask questions, I'll tell him "later". I'll be woken up by him asking all these questions about why was walking in late & Ari. Then I'll tell him what I told Adam & he'll catch a fit because he wasn't first to know. But then he'll want Riley to know & have a "bro meeting". Then I will run into Ari & it will be weird especially cause I know she wouldn't want me to walk her to class so I wouldn't & I'll just end up daydreaming about her & wishing that I could have her holding my arm like the first day and... ahhh! Fml right now.

Ari's POV

"What?!" Britt semi yelled. "Shhhh. Yes girl. Let me tell you what, Brian was mad as hornets about it too. I could see it in his eyes" I said, explaining everything she had missed out on. "You think it had something to do with this beef they have with each other?" she asked me. "They have beef with each other? I didn't know that" I replied. "Yeah. I had told Adam I had bumped into him on the way out & that he threw this fit about it. Adam just went off, saying that Melvin needs to stop all his b.s & that he walks around mad at the world for something that Brian & him did years ago. It was crazy. I mean, Adam was seething about it". I thought about what Brian could've done to have Melvin still hate him to this day. "Did you ask what happened?" I wondered. "What & have him go off on me? I don't think so" She was right. Adam seemed like a real chill guy. If that ocean got heated over a name, it's probably best not to agitate the waters with questions. "Speaking of Adam, how was your get together?" I asked. I needed to get a mental break from Brian & this was a perfect distraction, though I was genuinely interested. "Oh. That. It was nice" she replied, turning her head quickly. Too quickly for just a "nice" evening. "OMG you ho! You tuned his instrument, didn't you?" I asked. "Girl, if that was supposed to refer to sex,  that was awful. Seriously, what did that mean?" she asked, laughing it off. I had to admit, sometimes even I stamp a "wtf" on things I say. "I get it from my grandma. She always said random things like that. To this day, I still don't understand majority of it" I replied. It was weird talking about my grandma. It's been 16 years but I still miss her. I don't talk much about her. It's probably best. I might just start balling before I get any words out. I'm a very ugly cryer so I don't cry in front of people. I wait until I get alone. "We didn't have sex if that's what you're getting at. We messed around a bit but nothing more" Britt added in. "Mhm. Sure there was nothing more" I laughed. She couldn't help but chuckle along, waving me off. "Whatever. I wouldn't be too worried about me. You sound to be in quite the mess madam. But we'll talk in the morning. Well... In a few hours" she said, scooting under the covers & rolling over to face the wall. "Good nighting love" she called to me. "Oh but I'm the one who's confusing?" I asked with a chuckle. "What? It's night & morning put together" she answered. "Could've fooled me but good nighting Britt" I replied as I got under the covers. "No, you mocked it. No "good nighting" for you" she flopped around her bed. I shook my head, smiling at her. Weirdo I thought to myself. I turned off the lamp switch near my bed. I couldn't help but let my mind drift to Brian. I wondered what he was doing, thinking, if he'd take me to my classes. Probably not I thought. Honestly, that alone hurt me... A lot.