Chapter 12
880 Words
When I open my eyes, Harry is not in bed.
I place my hand on his side of the bed and it's cold. I didn't hear him leave. It's okay all the same.
I strip and step into the shower. The water is hot and soothing but I can't relax enough to feel it. I'm still a bit terrified about what happened last night. Charlie makes me sick in the stomach.
I wrap the fluffy towel around me and step into Willy's room.
I realize then, that I never retrieved my clothes from Harry's room. I wonder how his bipolar self will react when I show up.
I'm definitely not going to his room in a towel, so I wear my pajama pants and his T-shirt before I pad barefoot down the deserted hallway.
I knock twice, but there's no response, so I push the door open.
Harry looks up from his laptop, his eyes widening a little bit when he sees me.
“You should knock, Bridget."
“I did. Twice."
“You should wait until I tell you to come in."
Ugh!
"I hear you."
"Why are you here?"
"To pick my clothes, but only if that's okay with you. You seem to be having one of those moments."
"I can't help myself."
"I bet."
His coldness is a total mood killer. One would easily think last night never happened.
I walk into the room and I pick my duffel bag from the top of his dresser. His eyes are focused on the computer screen.
I peek at it as I turn to leave.
He's staring at a picture of a woman. She seems to be in her forties and she's rather beat and a bit wrinkled.
And she looks a lot like Harry.
Maybe his mood swings have something to do with the lady?
I don't know. It's none of my business.
“Where are you going?“ Harry's voice stops me when I turn to leave.
“To change. I’m going home.”
“Already?"
“What do you care? I'm sure you can’t wait to see me out of here.”
He chews on his bottom lip.
“Mind if I drive you home?”
“Lisa has a car. Thanks for offering, though."
He scoffs.
“You really don't know Lisa, do you? I bet she's in Justin's house right now.”
She was with Stan the other night. I wonder what her deal is, or what world record she's trying to break. Either way, she's entitled to whatever she's into.
So I shrug.
“Willy will take me home then. I'm sure he won't say no. “
“Anything wrong with my car?”
“I didn't even know that you had one.” I call over my shoulder as I leave the room.
“I’m taking you home.” He calls after me.
I turn to pop my head into his room.
“You're not.”
He shrugs then.
“Challenge accepted."
**
I'm glad that Willy brought me jeans and a tank top. I change into them, and I grimace at the heels I wore last night.
The thought of wearing those right now seriously depresses me, but my choices are rather limited.
I stuff my soiled dress into my bag and I'm good to go.
Downstairs, the living room is thoroughly clean and impeccably arranged. No one is in sight so I stalk into the dining area.
Willy is seated at the table taking breakfast, and he smiles as soon as he sees me.
“Good morning."
I smile back.
"Hey."
"I'm having breakfast."
"I can see that."
"Wanna join?"
"No, thanks. I really have to go home."
“So soon?“
“I need to do my laundry and prepare for tomorrow's classes.“
“Okay. I'll give you a ride."
“Are you done with your breakfast?“
“I'm fine, Bree. Let's go.”
He leads the way to the deserted living room and picks his car keys from the table.
“The house is always clean after such nasty parties. Do they clean before they go?” I ask Willy who just laughs.
“It's Harry who does the cleaning most of the time. He's doesn't drink so he never has to deal with hangovers. “
“What? Harry doesn't drink? “
“Nope.” He says as he leads the way outside.
“I don't understand. I saw him drinking.”
“It was probably water.“
“Oh.”
I’m a bit confused as Willy opens the door for me and I quickly get into his car. When he starts the car, however, the engine coughs then it dies.
He tries again.
Nothing.
“s**t. This car was serviced on Friday. I have no idea what’s happening right now.”
He tries yet again.
Nada.
Someone taps Willy's Window and when he rolls it down, Harry leans over the window and looks directly at me.
“Hey, need a ride or something?“
My face breaks into a sneer as reality hits me. He did this. He tampered with Willy's car.
"Can I use your car?“ Willy asks Harry who just shakes his head, his eyes on me.
“That would ruin the entire plan, Willy.”
I stare at him in disbelief.
"How old are you? This is rather childish, don't you think?"
"I know it is."
"And you still did it?"
"I never claimed to be mature, or to play fair."
"Harry, I seriously need you to go and f**k yourself."
Willy sighs tiredly.
"Just go with him. Giving someone a ride is probably the nicest thing he's ever done for anyone, and I'm kinda curious to see how it works out for him."
I'm fuming as I push the door open, and I slam it shut behind me.
What the hell is wrong with Harry?
When I catch his eye, he's trying hard not to laugh.
****
- Writer
