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“I slept at Holden’s, but we didn’t do anything.”
Bree rolls her eyes as Taylor scoffs and shakes her head. My mother stays silent, just rubbing Bree’s back.
“Get out.” It’s hardly above a whisper, but I hear it.
“But, this is my room. You can’t do that!”
She looks up and glares at me. “I said get out. I’m not going to have this discussion with you while you’re wearing my ex-boyfriend’s clothes, so go.”
“Where am I supposed to go?”
She laughs dryly. “To be honest, I don’t really care.”
I run my fingers through my hair, frustrated. “Can’t you just listen to me?! I can explain!”
“She doesn’t want to listen. What she wants, is for you to leave. So, leave.” Taylor shoos me away with her hand.
Tears spring to my eyes as I stand here, feeling completely alone. My mother still hasn’t said a word. “Mom?”
She looks up at me and shakes her head. “Maybe you should just go for now.”
“Unbelievable.” I scoff.
I grab a bag out from under my bed and quickly go over to my dresser, stuffing clothes into it without really paying attention. There are many things I’m willing to do, but crying in front of Taylor is not one of them. As soon as I’m done, I grab my computer and shove it into the bag with the clothes. Before I leave, I take one last pause near Bree, but she won’t even look at me.
“I’m sorry.” I whisper, and then I’m gone, tears falling as soon as I’m out of view.
I COULD HAVE CALLED Holden to come pick me up, but to be honest I want to be alone. I take out my phone and send him a quick text, asking if I can come back over soon. I’d hate to walk all the way there only for him to not be home. My phone buzzes a few moments later, notifying me of a text from him.
Holden: Just can’t get enough can you? ??
Kidding. Sure babe.
I want to laugh, really, I do - but I can’t. Not even the term of endearment can bring a smile to my face right now. I may have lost the only friend I have here, and maybe even my dorm along with it. I don’t know what I’m going to do.
The walk to Holden’s isn’t very long, but it feels like it takes forever. Still, it’s beautiful. The leaves on the trees are so many shades of red, orange, and yellow – the picture-perfect definition of autumn. Traces of toilet paper from mischief night lie forgotten on the ground, but it doesn’t tarnish the view. It’s just one of the many reasons why fall is my favorite season.
The wind blows coldly, causing me to pull the hood over my head and tuck my face into the sweatshirt. It smells like jasmine, and honeysuckle, and Holden. I let the smell infiltrate my senses, and somehow, it manages to calm me a little. Yet, all thoughts of Holden are tainted with visions of a heartbroken Brianna.
BY THE TIME I reach Kappa Delta Phi, everyone seems to have woken up – even though most of them went to sleep just a few hours ago. Five guys run down the stairs and all climb into an SUV, while the pledges clean up the mess from the party last night. I look around at the cups and cans that are scattered across the lawn.
How do they not get in trouble for this?
A whistle brings my attention to the door. Holden leans against the doorway with his arms crossed, dressed in black sweatpants and a matching hoodie. He smiles brightly, but when I don’t smile back his expression changes.
I walk up the steps and in the door, trying to slip past him, but he gets in my way.
“Move, please.” I murmur.
He ducks his head down to look at me when I won’t make eye contact. “Have you been crying?”
I shake my head and look away, using the sleeve to wipe my eye. “Can we just go to your room?”
He doesn’t move until I look at him, but thankfully, he doesn’t fight me on this. He steps to the side so I’m able to go past him and up the stairs.
“I’ll be right up.”
I don’t answer him. Instead, I go into his room and shut the door as soon as I get there. I don’t need anyone seeing me like this. I take a closer look at the pictures o
