broken strings. ➳ payne. [slow updates]

Chapter Eight. - A Friend Amongst Strangers.

Aurora’s POV

To say I was angry, would be an understatement. I felt like a cartoon, just waiting for smoke to come out of my ears or my head to explode. He came back, and just wanted to be friends again. And while my entire body was screaming for me to accept his unsaid apology, I knew I couldn’t. I couldn’t let him into my life again after leaving for three years; I would look weak.

Though, it really wasn’t so different from how I acted any other day. The relationship between Austin and I was nothing but the stark contrast between strength and weakness. But Liam did not have to know that, he did not have to know what became of his best friend.

Liam was still looking at me; pain and guilt etched into his features. I had not realized a few stray tears had glided their way down my cheeks, causing me to feel the weakness I was trying to hide.

“Aurora, I – I’m sorry.” Liam said, defeated. And with those words being said, he quietly walked out of my apartment.

I was in slight shock, blankly staring at the chair that was recently occupied by ex friend. I was not sure why shock was a feeling, I should have been happy he was gone because I was so angry with him. But it was only a façade; I really wanted him to fight for our friendship. But he showed his true colors. He showed me the kind of person he turned into.

Once the initial shock wore off, I changed into a pair of jeans, but left my shirt the same. I grabbed my jacket and stuffed my keys in a pocket before I walked out of my door. Whatever chores I had planned for myself were to be forgotten until I returned. I had to take a walk, to clear my head. Too many things had occurred in the last twenty-four hours for my head to make clear sense of.

I neglected the elevator; standing around was not an option. I knew the stairs would not aid much in my walk, but it still better than being stuck in an elevator for a good minute with my thoughts. I pushed myself through the two sets of doors that shielded the complex from the harsh fall air. The wind blew cool air around me, but it felt good against my angered body.

I navigated my way through the unusually busy sidewalks, trying to find that one alleyway that led to my escape. The dusty white building came into my view after a fifteen-minute walk. With it finally in my sight, my pace slowed. I actually never knew I was walking so briskly until I saw that building. I quietly shuffled my way to the right, ignoring people’s comments while they chatted to whoever was on the other line, or their mumbled curses of cutting them off.

I quickly rounded the corner, finally feeling a small ounce of peace because only the alleyway separated me from the one place that brought tranquility. A small smile made a way onto my face, my eyes closed as I enjoy the fall breeze taking my hair off my shoulders. I inhaled deeply, the scents from the bakery next to me caused me to feel like a little girl again.

I opened my eyes, to see how close I was to the tree line, when a familiar face confronted me. He was leaning against the wall to the bakery, wrinkling their old banner. When he saw me looking at him, a small smile appeared, taking amusement in the fact that I actually went that way. I grimaced, but decided not to let him ruin my walk.

“What? No hello? I didn’t do anything to you.” He spoke, a bit of fake hurt in his tone.

“You’re still friends with him, so I am entitled not to like you.” I replied, a small smirk forming on my lips as I came back with a comment.

“Hurtful. And here I was trying to be nice to you.” He said, pushing himself off the wall to walk with me.

I wasn’t pleased that he would be joining me, but I knew I could ditch him.