Falling For You

-XLII-

Had a bit more trouble writing this chapter, regardless I hope you like it! 

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Harley

Thank goodness we had managed to get through eating our food peacefully. Even though both the boys- more so Drew, wanted to strangle each other, they refrained from doing so. Besides Drew's scathing glares he was rather quiet throughout the meal, commenting as little as possible. 

Luckily my meal choice for Cody was a successful hit. He scarfed it down pretty quickly and was the first to finish out of the four of us. 

Since Cody offered to drive me back home we're currently cruising to my house. Enjoying the silence that surrounds us it doesn't take long until the sleek black mustang arrives at our destination. 

"Thanks for coming," I unclip my seatbelt. "Sorry about Drew glaring at you the whole time." 

"No problem, it was nice." He genuinely smiles making his face almost glow with charm. Cocky bugger. "He's nothing I can't handle. See you later." 

Shutting the door of his precious pristine car I wave over my shoulder. Cody sends a mock salute with a cheeky grin. 

A smile lingers on my face as I go to unlock the front door; although, I'm greatly surprised to find it already unlocked. Stepping inside I call out to see if someone is home. 

When I'm met with more silence I wander the bottom floor first. After checking the kitchen, living room, and offices I find no one. 

Creeping up the stairs I head to my room to dump my stuff off from school. Ain't nobody wants to lug that around. Emerging into the empty halls I'm startled when my mom appears from her bedroom also. 

"Oh hey Harley!" My mother seems startled as well. "I didn't notice you come in, I just got out of the shower." 

Studying her appearance she seems to be telling the truth. Even though she blow dries her hair each time I can still tell that it's been recently wetted. It's just odd for her to be home before nine. 

"Yeah, how come you're home early, mom?" I ask with a hint of suspicion. 

"Well things are finally getting a little organized around the shop. Plus, your father was telling me how he had taken the day off, which made me realize I should do that too. But the best that I could do is come home earlier." 

I follow her when she gracefully descends the stairs. "Even when it's your own company you can't take a day off?" I question. It's not like her business isn't successful. Her company started two years before I was born. 

Earning a laugh out of her she enters the kitchen. "The work never ends." 

Picking up a take-out menu she right away focuses on the healthiest one. Salad with no croutons, sugar free dressing, and lots of veggies. 

"Do you want to order something too?" My mom asks picking up her cell phone. 

"No," I shake my head. "I've already eaten." 

She nods in acknowledgement and starts dialling. Leaving her in the kitchen I trudge up to my room rather tired. 

I brush my teeth and slip on my bedtime attire as I know I'll be too exhausted to do that later. Remembering I have some homework that needs to be finished I drag my bag over to the desk. 

Around an hour and a half later I find myself craving water. Taking a much needed break my eyes thank me when I mindlessly wander down the stairs. People are always complaining about how bad phones are for us millennials, yet they never mention how your eyes get strained looking at paper too. 

Miraculously in my half conscious state I don't bump into any obstacles along the way. Everything is hip height and leaves a nasty bruise. 

After getting a cup and filling it I sigh with content when the cool liquid runs down my throat. Water always tastes best when it's cold, fresh, and when you're parched. 

I'm shocked out of my drowsy state when my mother's phone starts ringing. Putting down my glass I peer around for my mom. 

"Mom?" I call out loudly. "Your phone is ringing!" 

Knowing it's going to end soon I take a peek at the name to see if they're important. 

Michael Anderson. 

Never heard of him. 

The ringing shortly stops. I'm about to go scout out my missing mother when another alert stops me in my tracks. Not being able to resist I read the screen to see what this Michael person said. 

Michael: it was nice meeting with you, call me 

Feeling even more confused I grab the phone and dash to the first place I think she would be. Softly knocking on my parent's bedroom door I turn the knob. 

"Hey mom," not surprisingly she's furiously typing away on her laptop. Various notepads lie around her, enclosing a messy circle. So much for the night off. "You left your phone downstairs and someone called." 

She distractedly accepts the phone from my outstretched hand, glancing at who called. Only for a fraction of a second I think her eyes widen a little. Maybe I just dreamt that in my sleepy state of mind. 

"Is everything okay?" I ask hesitantly when she doesn't speak. 

"Yes, of course." She puts on a smiles and snaps out of whatever she was in. "It's just my secretary Michael." Since when does she believe in having someone to help her? 

Raising an eyebrow I lean against the door frame. "A secretary? Since when do you have one of those?" 

She smiles rolling her eyes. "I just hired him the other day. I can't trust any of the women 'cause they all want to steal my creations." 

"Okay," I respond still slightly unsure. This just feels weird, maybe I'm getting my period. "Goodnight." 

As I'm closing her door I hear a 'night' back. 

When I enter my room I opt to ignore the sheets of school work left. The giant fluffy bed covered in pillows is calling me. 

When I'm all tucked in and comfy I slowly fade away. Though, I still can't help have this gut feeling that something is weird.