Stranded

Chapter 29: Bittersweet Truths

Lea was the next person tortured. As expected, she chose to be dared. Louis, who was perhaps conscious-stricken about sending Liam inside the ship to find a non-existing surf board alone, sent her to find him.

Since it took Lea a long time to return, we decided to go on with the game without her. I claimed the honor of spinning the bottle. After a couple of turns, it halted, cap facing Erin.

“Erin, Erin, Erin…” I mocked, smiling at her, staring at her dark-brown eyes.

“Zayn, Zayn, Zayn…” She crossed her arms below her chest, mimicking me. As if to show her willingness to accept my challenge, she stood up, making her way towards me.

“Nice try, love.” I snickered as her cheeks flushed, featuring fifty different shades of red. I’m proud that she actually tried mocking me. We’ve grown closer since the moment she first talked to me. We didn’t really have a very long nor interesting conversation but it was quite a good start to get us acquainted.

For the nth time, Harry cleared his throat, looking at me as if I was a thief caught red handed. If his eyes could just set things on fire, I bet I would have long been toasted, and perhaps, already burnt into ashes.

“Truth or dare?” I went on, ignoring the fact that Harry still has his eyes fixed on me. At the moment, I wish I could hypnotize in order to control Erin and make her choose dare. It would really be a good start for the change she wants.

“Truth.”

“Aww, babe, I was wishing you’d pick dare!”Louis exclaimed, looking disappointed indeed.

“Maybe we can make her do both.” Niall suggested. Hmm…Seems fair to me.Since it is her first time to play the game, it would be nice if she experiences doing both options.

“Fine by me.” I grinned.

Erin’s composed look faded although she still kept the shy little smile playing on her lips. “Okay. Then truth and dare it is.”

I just couldn’t help but smile to myself once again.

Harry’s POV

“Truth first.” Erin sighed as Zayn went on with the game. She formed her knuckles into fists, preparing for Zayn’s question.

“Tell us why your life is “boring”.” Zayn demanded, air-quoting. His question made me frown. Saying that someone’s life is boring is rude. Erin’s no exemption. Not because they’ve been best mates for a few days, he can already act vulgar towards her. For Christ’s sake, that’s no way to treat a girl!

‘Says who, Harry?’ My subconscious asked, barging in. I sighed, pushing my nosy subconscious far, far away at the back of my head. Instead of telling Zaynoff for his nonsense request, I waited intently for Erin’s answer.

She sighed once more. “I’m sick.”

“What?!” I reacted, unable to contain my shock, standing, making everyone else look at me quizzically. I soon became aware of the reason why they are gawking at me. I may or may not have reacted to soon and in a very exaggerated way. Blushing bright red in embarrassment, I sat down, burying my head into my hands.

“Do you have any reason to interrupt, Harry?” Zayn asked. I looked up and saw him looking at me in a strange manner, as if he is trying his best not to laugh. He looked at me sternly, biting down his lower lip to prevent himself from laughing at me.

“No.” I replied but I took it back after merely a few seconds. “I mean, yes. If she’s not feeling well then she doesn’t have to answer your question, which is stupid, anyway.”