Where to Begin

Chapter 17

I woke up with a sore chest and puffy eyes. It was nearly half nine and I didn't want to get out of bed. I felt like my heart had just been ripped right out of my chest but it also felt like a punch to the stomach.

I couldn't imagine facing Connell for the rest of the day.

"Celine? Are you ok, it's nearly half past nine," Max came into my room. "Are you not feeling well or something?" He asked quietly, sitting on the edge of my bed.

"Where's Aubrey?" I whimpered.

"She's gone out with mom for the day and will be back later...do you want me to get you anything?"

"No I'm fine,"

"Are you sure, we missed you at breakfast, everyone was wondering where you were,"

"I just, went to bed late last night and... I'm just a bit tired I guess."

"Ok, well, we're not doing anything today and it's pissing down outside so take your time. We'll probably all watch a movie later or something now that we can watch TV again," he slowly got up and walked towards the door. "You're sure you don't want any breakfast? I could get Connell to make you some and I can bring it in here for you?" He asked shyly.

"No it's fine – I'm fine thank you Max, I will get up at some stage. I think I'll just have a shower and then get ready for the day."

"Ok, and I promise I won't come in this time," he smirked.

"Oh yeah, don't," I tried squeezing out a laugh but it came out awkwardly.

"Oh, before I go, I just wanted to ask, I have an audition tomorrow for, like, a huge movie and I was wondering if you'd come to support?"

I never knew he liked acting.

"Really? You really want me there?" I didn't want to bring my bad luck to Max as well as the others –especially not if it's for a huge film.

"I'd love for you to come and support," he said shyly. "Everyone else is coming, I just thought I might ask you in case you didn't feel like going and waiting for me."

I thought about the bad luck for a second.

"Max, it's just I don't want to ruin it for you,"

"How would you ruin it for me?"

I sighed. "Ok, then I'd love to support you,"

"Cool, well, I'm so nervous, apparently there are going to be, like, really famous people auditioning,"

"You'll do well, I can feel it." I hope.

"Ok, see you later."

He walked out with a goofy grin on his face. After Max came in and talked to me, I decided to stop moping around and just get in the shower. As I left my room and closed the door behind me, I looked up and nearly dropped my towel.

"Celine, oh, I just – '' Connell was walking back to his room in only his towel. There went my chances of trying to avoid him for the day.

"Connell, I just want to shower," I said trying to rush into my bathroom. An image of his teary eyes suddenly flashed in my mind.

"Celine, can we at least talk?"

"Maybe after my shower!" I yelled closing the bathroom door. Why? Why me? Why all of a sudden? I thought. I tried not to think about Connell's body. The hot shower woke me up and cleared my head. Maybe I was willing to just clear things up with Connell.