Falling For The Fallen

Chapter 5 - Ernest's Diner

This story is inspired by the Hush, Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick, which I absolutely love! There are a few similarities but the storyline is completely different. If you enjoy reading this I can guarantee these books are for you. I love the relationships between characters and love triangles and the fantasy element. I found Hush, Hush fascinating and I could not put the books down all throughout the series. Please go check them out!

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I sat up. I was in my bedroom. Looking down, I saw I was in my PJ’s. I couldn’t remember anything. The last I could recall was running across the courtyard and being pulled back by Damien. What a weird day. Day? What time was it now? I glanced at my alarm clock. 5:24 am. How had I gotten here? What happened that I can’t remember? Then realisation dawned on me, I could forget yesterday ever happened. Maybe if I didn’t bring it up with Brendon he wouldn’t mention it either.

I didn’t feel tired so I must have been asleep for quite a while. After I’d put my uniform on and had breakfast, I waited in my bedroom watching for the clock to turn from 6:06 to 8:00. My phone buzzed in my bag. The screen showed a text from Brendon. I took a deep breath before opening the message. ARE YOU AWAKE?

I replied, CAN WE FORGET ABOUT YESTURDAY?

He texted back almost immediately, YH, U READY 4 SCHOOL?

YH.

WANNA MEET 4 COFFEE @ ERNEST’S DINER?

B THERE IN 10.

I shut my phone, left a small note on the kitchen counter about going for a walk and telling my Mum not to worry about me and left the house. It was pretty much 2 miles from my house to the main town of Clear Hill, but I told Brendon I would meet him in ten minutes. I jogged to the driveway and unlocked my car. My ancient Nissan Micra struggled to start in the cold temperatures. When it finally choked to life, I told it, “If this is what September does to you, December will destroy you.”

I parked a few metres away from the diner. Stretching my legs was good after a long sleep. Ernest’s Diner hadn’t been redecorated since it became a diner. The door was an old burgundy colour and the windows were plastered with posters and averts. The tables inside fit a maximum of four people and the chairs were very close to the tables to make an open space in the middle of the room. The counter had a display of cakes and puddings and a chalkboard menu above it. The large neon sign outside that stretched across the length of the building was the newest addition, but even that was worn with some lights not working and broken letters. Above all, this became part of the style and though it may have seemed like a pretty run-down diner to visitors, the locals of Clear Hill had grown used to it’s crumby appearance and it was now one of the most popular place in town. Plus everyone knew it had the best coffee cake. When I arrived, I was greeted by the blissful air con that was blasted hot. Brendon came over to me to show me to the table at the corner of the room. Great for privacy.

“So, about yesterday.” Brendon began. “I’m so sorry, but I can’t tell explain now. There is a explanation though so I hope you forgive me.” He avoided eye contact out of embarrassment. " I'm not justifying what I did and I can't blame you if you don't trust me. Just please know that I would never intend to hurt you." He clearly hated himself for it.

“Brendon, it’s okay. I’m not mad at you. Just Damien and his horrid little ways that make him so irritating and I just hate....” I trailed off. My fists were clenched and my knuckles were white. Brendon rubbed them until I became less tense. Then scooted in my side on the cushioned seats and rubbed my back. I’d yelled at both of them yesterday.