He Never Does || n.h

Chapter 22: Wet, Cold, and Tired

Chapter 22:

"Rosaline get out of the car." Brook commands, annoyed at my insistence to stay in the air-conditioned comfort of Harry's car.

They had to drive for hours on end so we could go to some beach and have one 'last summer hurrah' as Louis put it. I was literally woken up, told I had twenty minutes to get ready, and shoved into the back of the SUV.

"It's too hot out Brook." I pout.

"Well just take off your long sleeves." She gestures to my choice of attire.

I bite my lip and look down. I'm just trying to cover my bruises.

"Oh, god. I'm sorry I completely forgot." She looks mortified at herself.

"It's fine Brook. I'll come out later, alright?" I force a smile. She nods and runs to catch up to the others. I see Rebecca and Navy pull up a few cars down. I guess Brook invited them too. I like that they fit in with the gang, they pretty much fit in everywhere.

The car is strangely quiet and eerie and I suppose it's too nice of a day to waste inside. I guess I could use some fresh air...I'd just prefer to breathe it alone. I grab my bag and shut the car off before walking along the shore until I find an unpopulated spot. This beach isn't popular at all which I guess is why the guys chose it.

I sit in the sand about ten meters from the shore and a football field away from the others. I dig my toes into the boiling sand and run the tiny crystals between my fingers. After a minute of staring at the waves, I grab my journal out of my bag. I found it this morning under a pile of clothes while I was looking for my swimsuit. I haven't written in it in awhile and I've sort of missed the comfort of poetry. I stare out at the ocean again, listening to the seagulls caw and the waves crash against the sand, waiting for inspiration to strike.

Fire

It lures you in

Simple, beautiful, enchanting

You run to it

Like a moth to a flame

It appears harmless

It welcomes you in

And you accept

Because all you can see

Is a light

Amongst so much darkness

But it's looks are deceiving

It's light fueled by hate

And yet so many others

Have fallen for it's tricks

How do I know?

I was one of these lost souls

Yes, indeed

I played with fire

And I got burned

Ben is all I'm thinking about while writing this. He seemed so innocent with such pure intentions when we reunited. He was a shining beam of hope for me when nothing else seemed to go right. And I knew it was risky, dangerous, and probably a little bit insane...but I took a chance.

He was certainly fire. And I certainly got burned. Well, lesson learned.

I hear a shrill scream and look over at the others. I can just make out their happy figures. The scream, I now see, came from Nina. Niall has lifted her up and is proceeding to carry her towards the water. I smile at the two of them despite the twinge of resentment I feel. I'm happy for him.