The Not-So Brits

Chapter 9~ Oh...

Avery's POV

Well that was like a slap in the face. I simply mouth the word "oh". Why do I care so much, I mean we've already established that I like him just as a friend. He looks really embarrassed and I can tell it took a lot of trust to tell me that. I love that he can confide in me. Although, I'm not sure if I wanted to know that, but for his sake I'll listen.

"Look, we've all made mistakes. What happened?

-I.. I'm not sure. We met at some pub one night while the boys and I were "touring" and she... I don't know. I was hypnotized, out of my mind. She was so manipulative and the guys saw that, but I couldn't. It lead to a lot of fights between the four of us, or rather the three of them and me. He pauses, rubbing his eyes with the palm of his hands, as if trying to erase the memory.Anyway, when we got back, she told me she was going back to London, to some boarding school, I think she said. It was around the same time I found out about my mother's new family. All around, I was screwed in the head. So I came here. But when I got here, so like a couple months ago for summer school, she wouldn't answer any of my calls. Eventually she dropped me from all social media, and her number changed. That was when I realized that I was just a toy. She had practically come up with the plan for me to come live here, with her, and then had ditched me."

Pang. I don't know why, but every time he refers to "her" there's this look in his eyes that longs for answers. It kills me that he still remembers her. Is that weird? Should I just pretend she never happened. It's not like we were dating but...

"Sorry to drop this on you. He mumbles before resting his head in his knees.

-No. Look at it this way. I'm glad you're here now, whatever the circumstances. I don't know what you left behind back home, but you saved me. If you hadn't been a love-stricken teenager, I wouldn't know what to do with myself here. So, indirectly, I am grateful to this bitch you speak of."

He smiles. Slowly, eventually I see the corners of his mouth peak. I loved how one side went up before the other so when he didn't smile quickly it was lopsided for a moment. It was like this now.

"Me too. I'd suffer it all over again if it meant being able to sing on street corners with you.

I hope he can't see my cheeks, they are probably the color of my hair.

"That reminds me, I have an idea!"

I hop up and open my guitar case, inside I collect all the money. It's a fairly good amount. Enough for a snack.

"Let's use this hard earned cash for some coffee.

-Ok, I know a place down the street.

-How do you know everything around here?!

-Well, when I came for summer school, to fulfill something I didn't see the point in, I didn't know anyone so I got to know the area.

-Then lead the way"

I gesture around us, exaggerating a little bit. He laughs and grabs the guitar.

The inside of the shop is really dark and the tables and couches are really spread out. That's a relief, I hated those restaurants where you could hear you neighbor talking, or people on the street could see you inside.

We walk up to the counter to order.

"What can I get you today?

-I'll just have a coffee please. I look over at Chase, who seems a little shy about ordering.

-Uhh.. Can I have a hot chocolate?

-Sure thing"

We pay him with the money from earlier and find a couch to sit on.