Veiled Affections

Chapter 6

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Copyright © 2024 Cassey9

Mitch sprinted down the stairs, a towel in hand as she attempted to pat her hair dry. "Come on! Hold your horses!" Her retort reverberated as the insistent pounding on the door grew louder. Hastily, Mitch undid the door chain flinging the door open only to find herself rendered speechless by the figure on the other side.

Piper didn't respond, instead, she threw herself into Mitchell's arms. Her sob filling up the air around them.

"Hey, hey?" Mitch dropped the towel, enveloping her friend in an embrace. "What's wrong?"

"It's my... it's my mom," Piper revealed as more tears sprang forth. Her day, no, in fact, her entire week, had been utterly draining, and the argument she'd just had with her mother was the cherry on top. "She... She just can't stop..."

"Hey! Guys? Piper," Kurt called, dashing up the house steps. "Why weren't you there tonight?'

Piper withdrew from Mitch, quickly wiping away any signs of her distress. "Sorry," Piper murmured at Mitch as she forced on a smile, "I'll be going now. Goodnight guys." Dealing with Kurt would only send her off the edge.

"No way. I just got here," Kurt chuckled, grabbing Piper's wrist and pulling her into the house. They pushed past Mitch, who had grown quiet. Their eyes locked but only for a brief moment before Mitch turned away.

"Hey Mitch, are they home yet?" Kurt inquired about their parents.

"No," Mitch replied, picking up her towel and shutting the front door. Their parents were out for their usual weekly dates, probably making the most of their night. Piper headed for the stairs, her steps as heavy as the emotions weighing on her heart. "I'll be in my room... If you need me," Mitch uttered but quickly sensed her words had met no reception. Piper would be okay, Kurt was here for her.

A door shutting upstairs shook her from her daze and Piper rose from the sofa offering Kurt a polite smile. "Kurt, I'll be leaving now," she quickly announced intent on departing but Kurt stood up, intercepting Piper's way.

"Hey, let's hang out, Piper," Kurt whispered, the alcohol on his breath hitting her like a slap to the face and reminding Piper of the situation she'd left behind. "I barely see you around. We kissed and I... I liked it Piper. What about you? Can we at least talk about that."

Stepping back, Piper assessed the situation before her as she sought for the right words before finally deciding on the truth. "I... I didn't, Kurt," Piper finally replied, despite the slight stammer in her voice. "Kurt, I... I mean, we can't be together."

"Oh, okay," Kurt chuckled lightly and ran his hand through his hair as he shifted backward. "But... but you came here. To see... to see me?"

"Your sister is my friend too, Kurt," Piper replied getting slightly irritated at his insinuations.

"Of course, I know that, Piper."

"Kurt, you're a nice guy, and I wish I could feel the same, but I don't," Piper started, aiming to soften the rejection. "I only see you as a friend. Can we just be friends."

Kurt nodded, his mind abuzz from the alcohol and with swirling possibilities Piper's words held. "Can I at least take you home?"

"No, Kurt," Piper smiled gratefully and planted a kiss on his cheek. "I'll be fine. You should get some rest. Tomorrow's school. I'll see you there."

Kurt nodded and watched Piper walk away. Despite the weight on his heart, fatigue consumed him, so Kurt slumped down on the sofa and turned on the television.

Piper approached the front door but hesitated at the base of the staircase. She gazed upwards, her feet still rooted to the ground. Taking a deep breath, Piper climbed the stairs and headed directly to Mitch's room. With a soft knock, Piper turned the knob and stepped inside.

"Hey," Piper called out, drawing Mitch's attention.

Mitch sat with her laptop, deeply immersed in the music streaming through her airpods. "Piper?" Mitch said, rising from the floor. The loud music had drowned out everything. Everything including the conflicting emotions raging within her. "I'm sorry I didn't see you there."

"It's okay. I just wanted to let you know I'll be leaving," Piper murmured as her gaze trailed over Mitch's frame. The girl looked stunning in the black sports shorts and white t-shirt. It was a simple outfit yet enough to leave her breathless.

"Okay. Did you drive?"

"No, I ran here," Piper replied whilst avoiding eye contact with Mitch. Mitchell was the only one on her mind and it had driven her to run all the way here to see her. "I'll go now. Goodnight, Mitchell."

Mitch dropped her laptop onto her bed and swiftly gripped Piper's arm. The visible sadness in Piper's emerald eyes worried her deeply. "Is Kurt taking you home?"

"No. I'll be fine," Piper replied as she attempted to break free from Mitch's hold.

"I'll take you."

"You don't have to," Piper insisted. "I said I'll be fine."

"No," Mitch countered, tugging Piper with her as she reached for her car keys on the nightstand. "Let's go." Switching her grasp, Mitch took Piper's hand in hers and pulled her along and down the stairs.

"Mitchell come..."

"No," Mitch interjected as she slipped into her sandals by the door. The TV's sound from the living room indicated of Kurt's presence, so Mitch called out, letting her brother know that she was leaving. Piper followed in silence, her heart fluttering at Mitch's thoughtful gesture. She silently watched as Mitch opened the passenger door for her, and she slid in without a word.

"Thank you," Piper whispered as Mitch settled into the driver's seat.

"It's nothing," Mitch whispered as she pulled out of the driveway. Despite dreading the conversation, she wanted to ensure Piper was okay. "Did you and Kurt talk? Are you okay now?"

"No," Piper honestly answered. She hadn't run all the way to see or talk him about her problems.

"I can help, if... if you want."

"Yes, I'd like that," Piper whispered, her voice breaking. "My... My mom. It's my mom, Mitchell."

"Has she been drinking again?"

"Yes," Piper whispered as tears streamed down her face, "So much more these days. She's destroying herself and doesn't even seem to care."

"What about the rehab center," Mitch asked hesitantly. "Did... Did you talk to her about it?"

"Yes but she... she always argues that she's fine. She won't go," Piper let out in a defeated tone. "I hate seeing her destroy her life. I wish... I wish my dad was still here."

Mitch reached from the other side and gently took Piper's hand. "Please don't cry," she whispered softly, hating the sight of tears in Piper's eyes. Mitch was aware of how sensitive she got whenever it came to talking about her father. "I'm... I'm here, Piper. I'll always be here for you."

"Thank you," Piper murmured as more tears streamed down her cheeks. If only Mitchell knew how deeply her words affected her. Unconsciously, she raised Mitch's hand to her lips, kissing it affectionately. It was in her presence that her life felt calmer, easier.

"How about we make a pit stop?" Mitch whispered, disregarding the shiver that ran down her spine at the touch of Piper's lips on her hand. She was intent on making Piper less sad.

"Where?"

Mitch halted at the red light, fortunate for the pause. Reaching over, she gently wiped the lingering tears from Piper's face. "It's a surprise, but I'm certain you'll love it!"

"Mitch?" Piper chuckled, calling out. She marveled at how effortlessly Mitchell Wilder turned her frowns into smiles, even as kids, it had always been that easy for her.

"What?" Mitch whispered feeling relieved that at least Piper was smiling.