Secrets Left Neglected

Chapter 25

Caoilainn

"Are you ok, Fionn?

I sit down next to him at the table in our mall's food court section and drape an arm across his shoulder. I was taking a quick walk around the stores when I noticed him sitting alone over here. Ruari's with me but he's off getting us something to drink at the smoothie shop.

Fionn doesn't look good at all. His hair is dirty, it looks like he hasn't shaved in a few days, and he smells like last night's bar.

Fionn turns to look at me and offers a half-week smile. "Yeah, sure."

After the fight at Archer's last month, Pearl and Brody broke up.

I think Fionn expected Pearl to run into his arms. Much to his, and everyone else's surprise, however, she didn't. It's been really hard on Fionn. He should've realized what was going to happen. I know Tadhg tried to warn him.

I can see he's hurting now, though.

"Have you spoken to Pearl since the party, Fionn?" I ask him gently.

Fionn just scrunches his lips and shakes his head. "No, not at all. Nothing."

I spoke with Courtney last week and it seems Pearl's left the area. Rumor is she went to stay with her grandmother in Perth, Scotland and no one's heard from her since.

Ever since Fionn's parents' decision to divorce, he's been on a downward spiral. I think the fact that his mother left his father after all these years is why Fionn ended up with Pearl. It's like his whole world was coming unglued and he couldn't understand why.

I'm convinced Pearl was his way of lashing out. He knew she wasn't ever going to stay so he felt safe hooking up with her; he knew the score going into it. Fionn didn't wanted to risk falling for someone he might lose one day, so he clung to Pearl.

Trouble is, despite his best efforts, I think Fionn fell for Pearl anyway.

Sitting here with Fionn, I can't help but feel bad for all three of them; Fionn, Pearl and Brody. They got caught up in a mess and now they're all torn up. Hugging Fionn some more, I lean sideways and offer some support.

"Thanks, Caoi," he sighs, offering me a small smile. "I needed that."

When I hear footsteps behind us, I turn to see Ruari approach. I stand up and look at him and he hands me a chocolate milkshake.

"Thanks, Ruari," I say, sipping from my cup.

"Hey, Ruari," Fionn says quietly, looking up at him from the bench.

"You're welcome, Caoi," he replies to me and then turns, eyeing Fionn warily. "What's up, Fionn?"

"Not much, Ruar," he says. "What's happening?"

"Just shopping with Caoilainn," he answers, turning back to me. "You ready? You're first class of students will be arriving soon."

"Yeah, I'm coming," I consent.

I turn to look down at Fionn. "I'll see you later."

"See you, Caoilainn, Ruari." He answers.

"See you later, Fionn," Ruari calls over his shoulder, walking ahead with his keys in hand. I run to catch up so we can get back to the club. I know we'll be late if I don't hurry.

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