The Rings

[ thirteen ]

"So when are you going to explain where you were last Friday?"

I sighed at Simon. When was he going to drop this?

"Does it matter?" I snapped, sighing to myself.

"Yes."

"My phone died, I told you." I lied, glaring at him. He glared back.

"I can't help that I was worried about you!" He grumbled, folding his arms.

There was a moment of silence as he stared down at his hands for a while. He glanced out of the window of the rings, watching a yellow, crumbling leaf fell down from a tree.

"Sorry, I just haven't spoken to you in ages." He murmured, leaning his chin on his fist.

I wasn't sure what to say, so I stood up and walked to the counter. I didn't bother explaining to him. I shouldn't have to tell him every single thing I was doing.

"Can I get a cappuccino?" I asked, to the lad behind the counter. He had snake bite piercings and stretchers that I could probably fit two fingers through, tattoos covering his neck. Where was the usual, cheery lady?

He didn't say anything, just turned and poured my drink, slamming it on the counter with a frustrated huff. I would have thanked him, but his attitude showed that he couldn't care less, despite the fact that he was extremely attractive, so I didn't bother.

As I sat down I shivered. Recently, I had taken an interest in boys a lot more. I supposed that I could say I had seen everything from a different perspective lately.

I sipped my cappuccino, only for it to burn my tongue like hell's worth. I yapped like a puppy and spat it to the side, landing on someone's shoe.

I followed up the body with my eyes, apologising over and over when suddenly I stopped. It was Liam.

I furrowed my eyebrows automatically as he grimaced at his now wet shoe. "A bit too hot?" He asked, with a small laugh.

"Not at all," I snapped. "Just felt like spitting on you."

Liam raised his eyebrows and I huffed. "I'm joking, idiot." I mumbled.

He smiled in relief and settled beside me. No. Don't sit there.

"Who's your friend?" He asked, offering Simon a small smile, who glowered back at him like a little kid, angry that he couldn't have a lollipop.

"This is Simon." I said, begging Simon to be nice with my eyes.

Liam nodded. "Liam." He said.

Simon nodded firmly in reply, his mouth in a flat line.

For a moment there was a silence before Liam turned to me. "What happened to you the other night? I was worried." He asked.

In the corner of my eye, Simon perked up at this. No, Simon, close your ears.

"I um, my phone died..." I said, awkwardly.

Liam was confused for a moment. "No, I meant at the party?"

I froze.

"Y'know, on Friday?"

I didn't dare look at Simon.

"I... Got a bit.. Can we talk about this later?" I croaked, feeling like being sick.

"Okay, sure," he murmured. "I just wanted to know if you wanted to go to another party this Thursday?"

"Well.. I have class this Friday too, so..."

"So?"

"Can we please talk later?" I pleaded.

Liam squirmed in his chair uncomfortably, but agreed.

I met eyes, finally, with Simon who was scowling. "I have to meet someone," he snapped, "so I'll see you ...whenever you're free."

With that he got up and stormed from the rings.

I glared at Liam. "You know what? Yes, I'll go to your fucking party." I snapped.

Liam smirked. "Did you just swear?" He asked, grinning. "And by the way, it's not my party.

"It's Harry's."