TWO GHOSTS

Chapter Twelve / A Palm Island.

I wish Harry hadn't come back.

Storm clouds meant dark skies, heavy rain, and the constant cold gust of wind. Your high boots splashed against puddles as you walked down the sidewalk, your hood draped over your head, and your school backpack dangling off one shoulder. A clap of thunder alarmed you, making you jump from the sudden disturbance of the sky. You quickly gathered yourself, catching yourself jogging toward your school.

I wish Harry hadn't come back.

Your class wouldn't start for another hour, but you left early just so you don't have to walk in heavy rain. Tyler agreed you should leave early, and that he would take care of Harry who was found at the club last night chugging vodka. You wanted to stay, but you wanted to show Tomlinson that you took your education seriously. Your words can't say much during this situation, but you knew you could show him.

I wish Harry hadn't come back.

...you tried really hard to ignore it. Tyler's words echoed in your head, and you weren't sure how to feel about it.

Angry? How could Tyler say that?

Sad? Why would Tyler say that?

Maybe even flattered. Why wouldn't Tyler say that?

You stopped yourself from thinking anymore by sitting on a bench by the outside building. Small droplets of rain hit against you, but it only was a drizzle. It was nothing to retreat away from. You opened your hand out for the rain, exposing your palm upward. Somehow, it made you feel better. The touch of the gentle droplets made you feel better.

"A small pool of water, in the palm of my hand..." you grinned, "a palm island." you chuckled to yourself before laughing at your own joke. You gave a sigh, "I've been around Harry way too much."

The rain now begun to take shape, hitting against the pavement like bullets. You quickly snap open your umbrella, shielding yourself.

The sound of the rain hitting against the umbrella was almost terrifying. A ringtone distracted you, making you pull out your phone.

It was a text for your class, from Mr. Tomlinson:

You sighed heavily, mostly from frustration. Then again, it was understandable why someone shouldn't drive through heavy rain. You collected yourself and your thoughts before walking back to your apartment.

As soon as you entered through the doors, a strong scent of hot chocolate pushed against you. Your shoulders relaxed before shutting the door. You walked into your kitchen, catching Tyler pouring some into a mug. You walked over and leaned your head against the side of his shoulder, "Pour me some?" You begged, making him smirk.

Tyler poured some into your favorite mug, "Class got canceled?"

"Yep." You said, focusing on the hot and delicious drink. You asked, "Where's Harry?"

"He's walking to the nearby market to grab some snacks." Tyler handed you your mug, "Careful love, it's hot."

"Hot chocolate? No way," you teased.

"Don't be such a cactus." Tyler chuckled, resting his drink up to his lips.

You grinned before taking a sip. You let out a refreshing sigh, "Delicious!" You smiled.

I wish Harry hadn't come back.

Your smile faded, Tyler didn't notice.

The door opened, and as soon as it did, Harry called, "I almost caught my death out there! It's pouring."

Tyler said, "There's going to be a heavy storm."

"Stay the night guys." You said, not wanting them to walk or drive during the weather condition.

"I didn't plan on leaving." Tyler said, "It's too fucking crazy out there."

Harry set a grocery bag of snacks onto the table, "What should we do then? Our own thing?"

"Nonsense, we should all hang out together." Tyler said, catching you and Harry by surprise.

Harry questioned toward Tyler, "Hang out?"

Tyler nodded, "Sure. Scary stories, a bit of truth or dare, simple and cliche shit."

Tyler didn't like Harry, Tyler might have mixed feelings about you now, so it was odd he would offer such an activity. It was out of character for him, then again, he loves a thrill. So telling scary stories and playing a game could be something he gets hyped from.

You shrug, "Sure, sounds fun."

Tyler lifted his mug to you, as if it were a salute.

Harry glanced at you before shrugging too, "Okay."

Tyler set his mug down, "Let's make a bet. I bet I can..." he pointed to you, "scare you first."

You smiled, "I don't scare easily..."

"I have a feeling that's a lie." Tyler smirked. He playfully bumped shoulders with you, inching closer toward you. You locked eyes for a second, and in that second, he licked his bottom lip.

Your face burned.

Harry glanced at you before turning his back toward you two. As he made his way into the living room, he said, "You two can try to scare each other all you want. I'm only here for the hot chocolate and snacks."

Tyler smiled at you and whispered, "I guess it's just me and you, babe."

I wish Harry hadn't come--

You buried the thought.

You teased Tyler, "Don't get your trousers twisted when I spook you."

Tyler expressed a smile, "If I win, I want to spend time with you--alone. Just the two of us."

"And if I win?"

Tyler leaned in closer, "I'll kiss you."

"That seems like something you want more than I do." You teased.

Tyler chuckled, "What do you want then?"

You thought for a moment.

You looked at him, "I want to paint with you. No joking with splashed colors on a wall--I want to create a masterpiece with you."

Tyler stared at you for a moment before finally smiling, "You have yourself a deal."