The Haze [The Rosati Series]

three

Everyone's eyes were on me, waiting for a straight answer. "Nothing, I did absolutely nothing. It's like I said - I just...woke up and -" Tears started to slowly fall down my face. I wasn't just crying because I was afraid. I was crying because I was frustrated, lost, and more than all of that combined, confused.

"You don't have to work yourself up for me sweetheart. I trust that Amerie and Derrick have good enough judgment, and they've kept you around this long so...there's got to be more to the story, correct?"

I nod my head, wiping away some of the hot tears that streamed down my face.

"I'll be downstairs." She smiled once more sympathetically before disappearing down the stairs. I guess that meant breakfast was off.

Just as Derrick opened his mouth, as if to speak, the doorbell rang throughout the house.

"I'll get it." Amerie jumped to go downstairs and answer the door, instantly easing some of the tension in the room.

"Do you think that's them, coming back to get me?" I questioned frantically.

His gaze softened as his eyes met mine. "No, I invited a friend of mine over. That should be him."

I let out a dry laugh even though there wasn't one thing slightly amusing about the situation. "Look at me, I'm a mess." I ran my fingers through my brown waves.

"You're not a mess. You're dealing with a lot right now, I'd be worried if you weren't highly emotional right now." He reassured.

I nodded my head, still not fully convinced.

"Come here." He held his arms out beckoning for me. Without a moments hesitation I took a step, closing the small distance that was once between Derrick and I. He instantly wrapped his arms around me, and I couldn't help the small sobs that started to escape once again. Normally, I would've been extremely embarrassed. I had never cried in front of Derrick before, and he had most definitely never held me the way he was holding me now. Regardless, a sense of peace eased over me. His strong arms brought a sense of comfort over me, and protection. I felt like standing there, in his arms, that everything was going to be alright. If it wasn't for the huge amount of distress that I was experiencing, I would've found it odd that Derrick had offered to hug me, but I didn't. Comfort wasn't something I was willing to turn down. My world had been sent into a never ending game of chaos, and receiving a hug from my best friend's brother was the least of my worries.

The sound of someone's throat clearing shook me out of my thoughts, and my natural reflex was to jump out of Derrick's embrace. My cheeks flushed red as I took in who was standing before me. Before me stood a boy who looked to be around Derrick's age, maybe eighteen. His very presence in the room demanded all the attention, giving off a menacing aura. His eyes were an abnormal shade of light brown, and there was no denying his athletic physique. His dark brown hair was cut short and neat, similar to Derrick's. He towered over me easily, like Derrick, and wore dark denim jeans, and a white tee.

"Don't let me interrupt." He flashed the most daunting yet charming smile I was sure I had ever seen. There was a playful edge to his tone.

"Celine, meet Nate." Derrick said rolling his eyes.

"His best friend." He finished holding out his hand.

I smiled apprehensively before grasping his hand in return. The second our hands met, a tingly feeling spread over me slowly, and I wasn't too sure I liked it.

It was odd. I'd never met Nate before, or even heard of him until now, and I've known Amerie and Derrick for literally years. You would think if they were best friends like he said, I'd have met him by now. I shook my doubtful thoughts away.