Page 98 of House of Bass

A tear falls and rolls down my face. Despite how much I try to deny it, it really is happening again. My depression is back but I’m certain it never even left because all I do is push it down and pretend it doesn’t exist.

Arden cups my chin with his finger. “You’ll get through this and I’ll be there every step of the way. I won’t leave your side.”

I nod as more tears fall, maybe from relief that someone does notice the void in me and I won't have to carry it alone. Our hands interlock and I kiss his hands with a watery smile, then place them on my lap as he starts up the car.

I don't know if this visit had somehow made me feel more or less empty but I realise what I needed is to talk to someone.

36

HARLEY

Scarlett had been dodging her for days now and Harley had let her but tonight she was going to put an end to it and confront her. There was a party happening at Lucas’ place and she was certain that Scarlett would be there because Bloss had told her just as much.

Harley had never been to his house, mainly because Posy lived there too and she paid heed to the older girl’s warnings. However, tonight, she was willing to risk it. And she was taking Annabel with her for moral support. It was selfish considering it had been a mere couple days since the incident. Arden had told her everything that had happened so she spent the last couple days by her side.

In a way she had also been using the situation as her excuse for why she couldn't go see Scarlett. So, they were both hiding from one another but not anymore.

“Have you seen my blue polka dot dress anywhere?” Annabel said as she barged into her room where she sat in front of her mirror applying makeup.

“The one you said you had remade into a mini?”

She nodded.

“No, have you checked your room?”

“Obviously, if I hadn't I would not be here.”

“Just wear something else. You have a million and one clothes in that ginormous wardrobe of yours.”

“I have to wear that one.”

“Why?”

“I just fucking do!” Annabel shouted and stomped her foot, which shocked Harley into slowly putting the eyeliner in her hand down. She turned around in her chair and went to calm the frantic girl down.

Annabel slid down into a crouch and hid her face between her legs. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean to yell.” She breathed in and out. “It’s my favourite to put on during times like these and I think I am just feeling extremely overwhelmed at the idea of being out of the house.”

“Look at me,” Harley said to her and the girl obeyed, lifting her head up to reveal bloodshot eyes and a tired face. “We don’t have to go to this tonight if you’re not feeling up for it. Say the word and we’ll get into pajamas and watch The Godfather for the tenth time. I only ask that we don’t have to sit through the second film.” Annabel gave her a watery laugh at the lighthearted jab.

“No, I’m fine. I need to leave the house at some point.” Then she smiled, “Besides, you have to go. It’s important to you, and if it's important to you then it is to me too.”

Annabel took a deep breath in and they both got up together. Harley said, “Come on, let's see if we can find some other blue dress for you to put on.”

After the slight panic attack, they got ready in under an hour and drove to the Carney house. It was situated not too far from the Tate Modern and was quite large. Scarlett had mentioned how they had knocked down the walls of the houses by its side and made it into a much larger one, it was essentially a mansion. Nowhere the size of Bishop’s Avenue though.

They walked into the very packed house linking arms and the first person they saw was the Belle of the ball, Lucas. He was talking to a group of people that she had never seen before but despite her nerves she went up to him regardless. This would be the first conversation she’d ever have with him alone.

She tapped his shoulder and he turned around, surprise hitting him at her appearance. Anger flooded his face, “What the fuck are you doing at my house?”

Harley held her head high, trying to ignore how scared she was at the moment. “Scarlett. Have you seen her?”

He glared at her a little longer before relenting, with a sigh he answered, “She’s in the back. Fix what you broke, she’s been hell to be around. My guys have been complaining all week.”

He was going to continue until he looked behind her and a smile broke out on his face. It was entirely disconcerting. Unlike the other rare moments she’d seen him smile, this one felt genuine. Harley turned around to see the object of his attention was none other than Annabel.

“I thought I told you not to come back?” he asked.

“When the bloody hell have I ever listened to you?” Annabel responded.