Bi-stressed

CHAPTER 73

All I know next is that I'm lying on the same couch and the familar voices tell me it's Hardin and Shawn standing on my head, and talking. I keep my eyes closed, pretending to be asleep.
I must have fainted.

Zac. Where is he?

"He, they left before it even happened." Shawn answers my thoughts.

They? They. He left with her.

"But how could he even leave without her?" Hardin goes on. "That also with 'her'."

"Why the fuck are you concerned!" I hear Shawn yell then sigh. "Fuck, sorry. He must have had a reason to leave okay. I tried to get him as well as her but there are no fuckin signals, damn it."

He left with 'her'. With Gwyneth. My already shattered heart is even more devastated right now and there's not a single chance I could give him, not like he would want one, he's enjoying right now with Gwyneth. He's ruined me. I can not even face him or anyone right now. I want to go home.

Wait, how will I? I came with Zac.

"Shawn?" I finally speak, getting up and settling myself in a seated position.

"Lexi you okay?" They both ask.

"Yeah I am."

"Are you sure?" They ask.

"Yeah I'm am.. but-" I begin but am cut off by Hardin.

"Zac is not here." He says.

"Oh." Is all I manage to say but quickly put myself together mentally, in order to think of what to say next.

"Is there any way I could get home?" My voice comes out squeaky.

"Umm Lexi, the coaster isn't going to leave until later evening and it's 5 am right now."

"Shawn, can you take me?" I ask, instantly reminded of him coming by car with Hardin.

"Well, let me remind you that I came with Hardin in his car, so-"

"I can drive you back home." Hardin offers, feels more like a demand though. He looks towards Shawn and he shrugs.

"Uh- oh no. You don't have to spoil your picnic for me. It's fine, I'll wait till evening." I say, standing up from the couch and begining to walk away, when I hear Hardin say, "I'm anyways not interested in this picnic. We can leave now if you don't feel like-"

"I'm coming along." Shawn states and catches the staircase probably going to get his stuff.

"Wait! Shawn." I yell, reaching out to stop him but he's already far too gone. I then look towards Hardin, resting my palms on my hips. "I'm sorry, because of me-" and I'm cut off again when he takes a step closer and says, "Stop it, you don't have to apologize." His voice so soothing yet raspy, just like, just like his. Why does everything about Hardin remind me of Zac.

His eyes looking into mine the way they were earlier in the pool when he said my lashes were long and my eyes- wait,

"Are you in love?" As soon as the words leave my mouth, I so want to take them back, what did I just say, damn it.

"What?     Yes I am. In love with Elaine. Yeah?" He stammers, shifting uncomfortably in his place.

I hadn't planned on saying this but I am going to, "You better be in love with her. She wa-  is more than a friend for me, she's family and I want the best for her. Not like you're the best but you gotta be sincere, or else-"

"Sincere." He states, cutting me off.  "You want me to be sincere to her?" He questions, laughing.
Why is he laughing, I'm talking serious here. I know I had a crush on him, a huge one but that's all changed now. After all, Elaine was my best friend, infact more like family so I would definitely want her to settle down with someone who's faithful to her. And of course I would want to see Hardin happy. The last week, his state was really bad. I never knew the girl he spoke about was Elaine.  "Well Lexi, you're too kind. Not everyone deserves your kindness. Most people take advantage of it."

"What do you mean by this, Hardin?" I ask. Totally confused by his reply.

"Nothing." He shakes his head, fluffing out his curls. "Just that you're too nice." He simply states.

"Thank you but what does me being nice got to do with Elaine?"  Whatever he's saying does not match and so it makes no sense to me. Unless what he meant to say was that Elaine has taken advantage of my kindness.

"Guysss?" I hear Shawn gasp. Hardin immediately moves back, away from me and turns to pick up his guitar. I didn't realize he was standing that close to me until he moved away. "You'll haven't moved an inch from your places. What were you'll doing so long? I packed my bags also. Didn't you want to go home Lexi?" Shawn goes on without a breath.

"Chill Shawn. I'm ready, I'll go get the car." He begins to walk but turns to me instead, "You're coming in this?" He asks, raising a brow as his eyes move down my outfit- a tank top and shorts.

"Excuse me?" Who is he to ask me this. I know, this tank top is inappropriate to be worn in this city and of course I'll be putting my shrug over.

"I mean, situations aren't good. Although we're going in the car, it's better if you cover up."

What's with him being so demanding like Zac.

"Of course Hardin. I know where to wear what." I roll my eyes at him and turn to see Shawn's astonished face to Hardin's demand. I roll my eyes once more and start walking when Shawn stops me, handing me my bag.  "We were in the same room so I got your bag along. You know, to save time. Come on now, let's get going."

We make our way to Hardin's car and Shawn insists I sit in the passenger seat. After digging in my bag a couple of times, I finally manage to find a shawl to wrap around myself. The shrug must have been left in some corner of that mansion like farmhouse.

Suddenly I feel my seat lower and when I open my eyes, I find Hardin almost over me.

"What are you doing!?" I shout.

"Ssh!" He cups his hand over my mouth and looks behind at Shawn snoring.

"The fuck girl, chill.. I'm not doing anything. I was just lowering the seat so you could be comfortable. Anyways, I thought you fell off to sleep."

I push away his hand from over my mouth and answer abruptly, "You should concentrate on the road ahead rather than risking our lives to make me comfortable. I could have done that myself too." I roll my eyes and lower the seat even more. Turning to my side, I hug my legs and try to sleep without thinking about Zac.