Falling For You

-LIV-

It has only taken like a bunch of months to finally get this chapter put together lol. 

On a side note though, I won't be able to update weekly anymore. Maybe once my schedule is less hectic but I'm way too busy at the moment. So enjoy random updates! 

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Harley 

"Well he's a year older than us, a freshman in University. He's taking art because he wants to become a freelance painter. Apparently his parents are still having a hard time with that because he had the grades to be a lawyer instead. His parents are from France but he was born here, though he can still speak French. He's a ginger which he hates, but he has long hair that he likes to keep up in a bun." It is almost like Cody holds himself lighter, no more social burdens. You could see the apparent love already forming. 

"He has a little brother named Alexandre, he's the same age as Laney." He continues with a smile.

"Oh maybe Laney has a new future best friend," I toy with the idea imagining the rambunctious Laney playing with a boy. 

"Maybe, I've already explained to her that I have a boyfriend." 

"How did that go?" 

"Really well actually, it's amazing how accepting little kids are."

I let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, if only the rest of the world could take note." 

We spend almost another hour just talking as friends. Chatting about Cody's new boyfriend Frederick, what we plan to do with our lives. It is actually really peaceful to have a long chat with someone, and none of that small talk, deeper stuff. 

We even took long enough that we both ordered a drink. A hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and caramel drizzle, which is also a hit with Frederick apparently. 

The vibration of my phone catches my attention.  

Ally: hey did the chat go well? Or did you die

I quickly type up a response that I'm fine, and in fact still alive. She likes to rush to conclusions. 

"I should probably go now," Cody starts packing up his things. "I agreed to meet Fred after his work." 

I grin. "Alright, have fun with your boyfriend." Copying his actions I down the last sip of my drink and slip my coat on. 

"I will." He pauses and looks serious. "I really am sorry for what I did to you, I hope we can continue our friendship. I hope you find your special someone too. Though, I don't think you'll have to look far." 

"Of course we can. And what do you mean by that?" I question confused. 

"I'll see you around!" He calls with a mischievous grin escaping the cozy cafe. 

I slowly trudge up the front porch of my house kicking the light and fluffy snow around while mulling over his words. Opening the door I'm surprised to hear voices. 

Peeking in the living room I get my answer. "You're still here?" 

My dad scoffs. "Harley we really need to brush up on how we treat our guests!" 

"Dad he comes here so often he practically lives here." I roll my eyes and drape myself onto an empty couch. 

"Nice excuse." He grins teasingly. "But to answer your question I asked him to stay and watch the game with me. He may or may not have mentioned getting abandoned by a friend of his, so I pitied him." 

I now turn my attention to the television realizing it has switched from flipping houses to soccer. 

"And I had nothing better to do after my best friend ditched me so I stayed." Drew filled in. 

I throw him an 'oops?' look. "Sorry." 

This time it is my father's cell phone that rings. He picks it up then walks to his office, probably something work related. 

I can feel Drew staring into the side of my face, practically drilling a hole. 

"How'd the chat go?" 

"Good." I didn't plan on spilling about his revelation, yet at the same time he's my best friend. "We came to an understanding." 

"What is so understanding about cheating?" He questions with a little bitterness that he can't keep at bay. 

"Look I know you've got beef with him for some reason," I exasperate tired of this continuous and useless loop. "But he explained some things and his actions- even though they were poor- make a little bit more sense than before."

"And are you going to elaborate on his explanation?" He mutters, crossing his arms subconsciously. 

"No because that's his story to tell. All I'm saying is that he has reasons and isn't a heartless asshole that you're still trying to pin him out to be!" I raise my voice a little as he is still not letting it go. 

If anything I'd think he was jealous. Wait no, that would be weird. 

He huffs calming himself down a bit too. I now realize that the phone call my dad had is still holding him up. The soccer game the two of them were watching is now over, sadly the team they cheer for was not successful. 

Before Drew can fire back a response the sound of the office door clicking open silences us. 

"Harley?" My dad stops in the frame of the living area. "Can you come to my office for a minute? I need to talk to you." 

A wave of worry flood over me as I take in his scarily emotionless expression. Did someone get hurt? Is he fired? Is mom okay? Am I in trouble?

He plops himself into his large computer chair behind the desk. Heaving a long sigh he glances up at me. 

"You might want to sit down for this." He motions toward the various chairs, telling me to pick one. 

He does not attempt to make the situation better, no reassuring smiles or soft words. Which I'm thankful for. Sugarcoating gets people nowhere. 

"Your mom and I are getting a divorce." He finally blurts out.