He narrows his eyes and unexpectedly punches the wall near to him, cracking the cement. I gasp and jump back, my eyes widening that he’s just done that.
What the hell ? Before I can say anything more, he grabs my arm and pulls me into the living room, eventually throwing me down on the couch. Angered, I slam my fists into the cushions. What’s wrong with you ?
I knew he didn’t come here to give you back your jacket the other day. Not to mention his car is still in our drive. What’s been going on ?
I don’t have to tell you anything.
He’s dangerous. Yeah. Dangerous. Want me to spell it out to you ?
How would you know ? I ask.
Because I do. End things with him right now. If you don’t, I will. I’m not having you getting mixed up with the likes of him !
My heart pumps furiously in my chest. You don’t get to be the brother. Not after the humiliation you put me through tonight.
Don’t change the subject. He scoffs. You pack things in with him right now, or I swear to god, I’ll-
You’ll what ? I cut him off, You’ll do what, Ray ? Keep me prisoner in the house ? You can’t do anything and you know it. I think I’m old enough to take care of myself.
He’s dangerous, he repeats.
Yeah ? Well, if I had to choose who to be with right now, I’d choose him. Because at least he doesn’t yell at me like this. I stand. Just leave me the hell alone.
I head for the stairs, but before I leave the room, I hear him groan behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I see him bend over, his hands wrapping around his stomach. Worried, I go over to him, but he jerks away from me. Don’t.
I frown. What’s going on with you ?
He straightens his back and glances at me, his eyes hard. Distant. I’m fine. I said just go.
He storms out of the living room, but I get the feeling he’s running away. A second later, the front door slams shut. He’s gone. I grit my teeth, but I can’t help being worried. After staring at the door for a few minutes, I eventually go upstairs, my head hurting so bad after everything that’s happened tonight.
I take off my heels and reach for the zipper of my dress once I get to my room. After getting into my pyjamas, I grab my phone and climb into bed. I lie awake for a while, unable to stop replaying Colton’s goodbye kiss despite my argument with Ray after. Shamefully, I wonder what he’s doing right now and if he’s thinking about me like I am him. Even though I shouldn’t be.
I shut my eyes and will myself to sleep, but my phone suddenly buzzes, and when I look, my chest squeezes when I see it’s a text from him.
What are you doing ?
He is thinking about me. Nibbling on my bottom lip, I sit up, not sure what I should say back to him. After what happened with Ray, I don’t feel like being cold with him.
Lying in bed… You ?
His reply back is quick.
I’m stuck in work…thinking about you when I shouldn’t be.
I smile.
I’m thinking about you too.
I lie back down and sigh. He’s no good for me, I know that. But speaking to him is making me less… lonely. I suddenly feel like I have no one. My phone buzzes again and I quickly look.
I’m sorry about tonight.
I bite my lip, wondering why I’m disappointed in his text. That he sounds defeated ?
Me too. Goodnight Colton.
Sighing, I push my face into my pillow, my phone vibrating again. I don’t read it right away, knowing what it probably says. This is the right thing. We need to end this. I need to stay away from him. But just as I’m about to fall asleep, I look at his text.
Goodnight Layla. Sleep well.
I wake the next morning groggy and exhausted. My sleepy mood follows me as I get out of bed and head downstairs. Ray’s bedroom door is ajar, and when I poke my head inside, I sigh with relief when I see him passed out on top of his bed.
Closing the door, I head downstairs and search the medicine cabinet for tablets for the headache I still have. After finding them, I wash them down with a glass of water and make myself a coffee.
When I’m done, I head inside the livingroom, deciding to have a lazy day curled up on the sofa watching TV. But as I’m about to sit down, I stop when I see a body sprawled out on top of it.
Get off my couch, Toby.
Groaning, he turns over, throwing his arm over his eyes. I grit my teeth, so damn sick of Ray’s friends taking over my living room. Placing my mug down on the table, I nudge him with my foot.
Leave me alone, he mumbles sleepily.
I kick him again, harder this time. Suddenly, he sits up and grabs my leg. I squeal when he pulls me down beside him, pinning me down with his arm.
Hey ! I slap him. Let me up.
Sleep, he mumbles.
I struggle, but he’s too strong. There’s spare rooms upstairs with beds.
His eyes open a tiny bit. They’re bloodshot, which means he’s obviously hungover. I’m comfy here. Don’t be mean.
Why are you here ? He grumbles something that I don’t make out, but I’m sure he says he was too drunk to go home. I’m about to say something when I realize how close I am to him. If anyone were to walk in right now it would look like we were spooning… facing each other. Cuddling. I push against his arm. Let me up.
Will you stop kicking me ?
No.
Then no. I huff out a breath and fight him.
Come on, let me up. I have a headache. He goes quiet and my eyes widen. He’s falling asleep again. Toby ! Get up. Go upstairs and sleep in my parent’s bed.
Ew. He pulls a face. I’ll stay here, thanks.
No, you won’t. Go away.
Sighing, he sits up and glares down at me. You’re so mean.
Climbing over me, he stands and starts making his way out of the living room, probably to find a bed upstairs. I sit up. Toby.
He turns before he leaves the living room. Yeah ?
Can I talk to you later ? I ask. About things ?
I’m not sure if I should, but I need someone to talk to, and Toby obviously knows things that I can’t talk about with anybody else.
Nodding, he sleepily leaves the room and I lie back down on the couch, turning on the TV to distract my thoughts. It’s useless. I can’t stop thinking about shit.
Besides, there is a problem I want to get to the bottom of. Vicky. A part of me wants to go over to her house and give her a piece of my mind for what she did to me and the humiliation she put me through. Sitting here trying to forget isn’t making me feel better, and the thought of spending my day stuck inside annoys me.