I'm Fine

Chapter 26

Harly went home soon after that, grabbing a few snacks on her way out. I asked her who was going to pick her up and she said she was going to walk. I know for a fact that she really hates walking, and the sky looks like it's about to rain, but I don't know how to stop her.

"Bye Harly!" I call as she exits the house. She doesn't turn around or respond to me, which sends a weird shivering feeling down my spine. Why is she mad at me again?

"See the bigger picture?" I ask myself, pushing my fingers against my temples, in hopes of it sparking something in my mind. I felt so stupidly idiotic, what could I possibly be missing?

I'm actually panting from all the effort I put into churning my brain, which in turn forced me to take a seat to catch my breath. I fell onto the couch and sighed, looking at the wall clocks hands. With a quarter of an hour until six, I was still left bored and confused, without any distractions. What I needed right now was Damian, but maybe the surprise wouldn't be ready yet. I thought maybe I should just give it a shot.

Hey. Are you busy? I really want to see you, do you think u can pick me up early for the surprise?
5:48pm

I stare at the screen and my eyes flicker to the name. A sudden surge of fear ripped through my chest. The phone pinged.

I'm not busy. But what surprise are you talking about? Do you want to talk, Gen?
5:48pm
Brody

I sucked in a deep breath and smacked myself on the forehead. Repeatedly.

I. Am. An. Idiot.

"What do I do, what do I do?" I bit my lip and a scenario went through my head where I told him the truth. I didn't finish it because I knew instantly how bad of an idea that was. This morning he had some issues at home and I couldn't possibly crush him further by confessing my feelings towards Damian. Or not feelings. Or feelings for the two of them. Ahhh!

Sorry Brody. That text was meant for someone else.
5:50pm

Sure, Gen. Have fun with your surprise.
5:51pm
Brody

His reply scared me. He wasn't accusing me of being with Damian and he didn't push for details. It could mean he really trusts our relationship or already knows about my thing with Damian. In which case, I don't know which ones harder to accept.

Brody means a lot to me as person. But so does Damian. Harly is somehow mad at me. Oh, and a crazy lady is giving me life advice.

I put my head down on the armrest and shut my eyes, hoping for flicker of hope to piece itself into my flailing brain.

My limbs started relaxing and my breathing began to follow pace. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep, still dreaming of all my life problems as a giant two-faced Scooby-doo cliche monster.

***

Ding dong.

The sound of the doorbell echoed through the empty house and awakened me from my stressful sleep. I blinked wildly, readjusting to the living room lights blinding my sight. I staggered over to the door, ready to greet my parents when instead I heard Damian's voice call from the other side of the door.

"Hey, Gen? Are you ready to go?" I internally shriek and pound up the stairs and straight into the bathroom. My hair is sticking up on one side and my winged eyeliner is smeared down. I groan into my hands and race back downstairs.