Breaking and Entering (Reece Bibby)

Chapter 21

A thud came from behind me, followed by a quick recession of swearing. I rolled over, turning my head so I could peer over the couch, to find George standing in the kitchen. His eyes were wide and he had an apple in his right hand.

"Sorry, I dropped my apple." He turned away, heading back towards his room.

"George, wait." I sat up a little, pulling the blankets around me. "Come here." I patted the other side of the couch.

He stared at me for a second before sighing and walking towards the couch. He sat down, took a bite of his apple, and then finally looked at me.

"Talk to me," I said as I watched him take another bite.

He swallowed.

"George."

He took another bite of his apple.

"George Stephen Gresley Smith."

He swallowed again before taking another bite.

"I will rip that goddamn apple out of your hands if you take one more bite."

He swallowed for a third time, but this time he didn't take another bite.

"Please."

He looked away, reaching forward and placing the apple down on the coffee table. He sighed again, before returning his eyes to mine. "I don't know what to say."

"How do you feel?" I reach forward to try and grab his hand but he pulled away. I frowned. Everything was different between us now, and I couldn't help but be hurt by it. I just wanted my friend back.

"I'm upset, Ava. I'm full of guilt and confusion and I feel like an asshole. I don't even deserve to be sitting here talking to you."

"You're not an asshole, George."

"I kissed you. I kissed my best friend's girlfriend." He stood up, grabbed the apple off the table, and started to walk away. "I don't deserve to be forgiven for any of that."

I pushed the blanket off of me and stood up as well. "You can't control who you like."

He just shook his head, not saying anything. He grabbed his keys off the counter and headed for the door.

"George, you can't run away from this problem forever." I took a few steps towards him, standing behind him. He opened the door but stopped before walking through.

"You don't know anything."

"You're right, I don't. But only because you refuse to tell me."

He finally turned around so his eyes were on mine. "Maybe it's better that way. Maybe it would just be better if none of us ever spoke again."

I couldn't help but let out a small gasp. "Is that really what you want?"

He looked at me for a second before walking out the door without a word. He slammed it louder than was appropriate, but I felt as if it was for internal anger rather than any anger towards me. I couldn't help but feel confused about the whole situation. But I wasn't going to wait around for him to tell me to find out what was going on.

I pulled out my phone and texted Leah. You up? Within a few seconds I got a response.

Yeah. What's up?

I need your help with something. No boys allowed.

Okay, I'll kick Blake out. Come to ours in five.

I put my phone down and decided to go check on Reece. I walked slowly to his door, being sure to not make a noise as I opened it. I found Reece still dead asleep, his mouth hanging open slightly. I couldn't help but smile, the sight of him always makes me happy. I walked over and crouched down beside his bed, kissing his forward lightly. I considered waking him up but decided it was best to let him sleep. Besides, I had told Leah no boys allowed.

I quietly slipped out of his room, only to nearly crash into Blake in the hallway. I shut the door behind me and turned to face him. His eyebrows were raised slightly.

"Oh shut it. I was merely checking on him. He came home really drunk. Both him and George."

"I thought I heard some shouting but I figured it might just be something you were watching." He gave me a sad look. "Are they okay?"

"I don't know, Blake. It's not looking good. Reece is really hurt, and George won't talk to me."

Blake shook his head. "It just doesn't make sense."

"Tell me about it." I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

"No, you don't understand. George would never do something like this. I've known him for so long and not once has he ever done one terrible thing. It just doesn't make sense."

"I don't know. I wish I did know. If he comes back, try to talk to him, maybe?" I started walking backwards towards the door.

"Yeah, okay," Blake replied before walking away into his room.

I watched him go, feeling as if he felt the whole situation was hopeless. They all seemed so not themselves. It upset me.

I made my way across the hall to my apartment and found Leah sitting in the living room, a bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos in her hands.

"Ready to crack the case of George Smith?" I asked her, plopping down next to her. I reached my hand forward to try and grab a Cheeto but Leah quickly pulled the bag away from me. I rolled my eyes. "Is that a yes or a no?"

She grabbed one last Cheeto before rolling the bag up and putting it to the side. "Let's do this."