Love and Friendship

Nine

Tony POV

Urgh...

Damn my neck! Why did I have to sleep on this couch?

I glanced at the clock and realise it is 6 in the morning. It is still dark outside.

I saw Leo still slumped on the couch but the rest are not there. I stood up and walked towards the kitchen to get a drink.

I was surprised to see Ava at the bar counter back facing him.

"Hey!"

Ava jumped at the sound of my voice.

Ava: Shit! You startled me!

"Sorry! What are u doing? Where is Selena and Nathan?"

I panicked at the thought of where or what they were doing.

Ava amused by the look of my face chuckled to herself.

"What?"

Ava: It's you! It is nice to see how much you care for Selena and like a mother bear protecting her cub.

"I am not! Where is she? I'll go find them."

Ava: Relax Tony. Selena is asleep in her room. I'm not sure about Nathan but it looks like he left.

"Oh."

Ava: Sorry I helped myself to some coffee. I didnt want to wake Selena.

"No it's alright. Make yourself at home. I dont mind."

She smiled and ask whether I wanted one.

I declined and we sat there in silence for a minute or two enjoying each other's company. Somehow, she makes him feel at ease.

Ava: Anyway, I think I should head back. I wasn't planning to stay the night. I'll text Selena later. Thanks for the time and this coffee. (shaking her mug).

"Wait Ava!"

She raised her eyebrow.

"Would you like to get breakfast? I know a great place that serves pancakes. I could drop you off after?"

I dont know where I got the courage to ask her out. And I was expecting her to turn down but she smiled widely and nodded her head.

I excused myself to the bathroom to quickly brush my teeth and change into a clean shirt and head out.

--

Leo woke up at the sound of the door closing. He looked around him seeing no one and sit up. He took his phone to check the time and saw Nathan's message saying he left after the movie.

I stood up and walked around the house to see where everyone is. He couldnt find anyone and Tony's room is empty.

Leo: Those assholes left me here alone?

He was about to grab his stuff when he saw that Selena's room is closed. He finds the urge to go in.

He knocked lightly and when no one answered, he turned the door and open slightly.

There in the bed, he saw Selena sleeping peacefully.

He walked towards her and sat down beside her. He lightly stroke her forehead and whispered:

Leo: I think I'm in love with you. If it wasn't for Tony, I would love to take you out on a date and to kiss you. I would want to know how you feel about me. About us.

Leo was taken aback when he saw Selena opened her eyes to look at him. She heard everything.

Leo: Selly... I.. I..

Selena cups his mouth to silence him. She smiled but her eyes are sad.

Selena: Leo, I really do like you and I love spending time with you. It is just that I'm not sure of where I stand on my feelings for you. At this moment, I do treasure my friendship with you and that to me is important. I don't want to lose you as a friend. But.. I have somethings I need to sort out with myself.

Leo nodded sadly. He wasnt expecting anything much from her at the moment. He knew it is too soon and too much for her to handle.

Leo: I treasure you too. I too dont want to lose you as a friend.

Leo: Can i ask a question though?

He face looked up to me.

Leo: Do you have feelings for Nathan? Is that why you are sorting yourself out?

Selena sighed and looked down.

Selena: Honestly.... I really dont know.

--

Nathan hasnt slept the whole night. He sat by the river pondering on his feelings. His life is too complicated for this. That is why he never let any girl in. He never want to give them false hope. He has been doing fine so far until she came.

Nathan: Why must she come and stir these feelings? Feelings that I know not existed.

Honestly, he was immuned to love. He know he cannot fall in love with anyone. His life has been structured for him since birth. He cannot defy the course of nature set for him. It will be suicide for his family.

He cannot do that. He cannot betray his family.