finding you

thirty one

I don't blink. I don't move. I'm definitely not breathing.

I can't fight the instant sick feeling clenching my stomach right now. 

Maybe it's not what it looks like...

"No fucking way," Ronnie speaks for all three of us. Even Nial looks fairly surprised. I hope he is as displeased as we are. "What the fuck?" 

Nial looks uncomfortable as he looks back and forth between us and them. He looks as if he's trying to figure out what side to be on. My thoughts? If he has to think about it, he's already chosen a side.

"Did they come together?" Ron asks in disbelief to Nial who just shrugs, still looking confused. Maybe it's nerves. Maybe he knows Rhys is in trouble.

Ugh. What am I saying? He's allowed to see Brooke. But... I just don't know why he kissed me earlier. I wish he wouldn't have done that if he likes Brooke.

I don't even realize I'm staring until his bright eyes find mine. They open a little more when they see me and I'm completely at a loss for words. They're coming towards us. What the hell do I say? 

They come up to us and I look away, hating myself for not being able to look either of them in the eyes. I hear Brooke laugh before she says, "I'm leaving. Find me later!" I assume she directs that to Rhys. I can hear her heels click away from us and I start to find my breath again. 

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Rhys speaks and I look up to see who he's referring to. He's looking at Nial. Interesting because I definitely know Ronnie is casting bad voodoo on him right this second. 

"Did you hitch a ride with her?"

I hear Rhys sigh. A moment too long goes by before he nods. "Everyone left. Her and Brock gave me a ride because they were still there."

"So you just happen to come stumbling in the house with you both draped over each other?"

"Get off, Ronnie. I would have rather walked but she was pestering me."

She snickers in reply and I still have no words to say. They came together. That part is true. Ronnie is being a little dramatic by saying they were draped over each other, but they definitely looked as if they arrived together. 

"Where is Brock?" Nial asks.

"Talking to some guys outside." He looks at me for a moment before looking at Ronnie again. "Brooke hasn't talked to me for weeks I don't know what your problem is. She basically insisted on walking over here with me and I don't know why. It's not like she likes you guys."

Ouch.

He seems to catch me flinching at his words because he steps towards me. It takes me a moment to notice him holding out his hand. I don't want to take it. No way. So why is my hand suddenly in his? I can literally hear Ron roll her eyes at me as I'm pulled up off the couch.

Pulling me a few steps forward, he brings his hand up to my head and studies it for a moment. I wonder what he's doing when he looks down in my eyes and says, "Your scar is still there."

Well, yeah. It hasn't been that long.

I must have a super confused expression on my face because suddenly he's chuckling at me. I want him to stop laughing because I don't want to laugh. I want him to tell me what's going on. Does he like me or not?

Obviously noticing my lack of humor, he frowns. "Are you mad?"

What? No... I mean, yes, at myself, for being so naïve.