Unintentionally Falling

chapter thirty-seven

Iris

Alexia's bed was snug and warm as the three of us; Alexia, Crystal, and I were watching some random movie. Although Crystal is fucking manspreading and taking up three-quarters of the bed.

After Aaron and I biked home, I was pulled in a completely different direction by Crystal and Alexia. I haven't talked to him since the beach. Aaron and the boys left to go stay in the guest rooms for the final night.

"This movie is so cheesy." Alexia sighs.

"So true." Crystal agrees.

I don't even answer about how cheesy it is or not. Honestly, I can't even tell you anything about the movie. I don't even know the plot of it or the names of the characters.

My mind has been occupied by what the fuck just happened between me and Aaron. We kissed. I kissed a guy, and it wasn't just for pre-fucking purposes. I wonder what he's thinking right now. What he's doing right now.

How did Aaron feel about it all? He's sensible, he knows how to properly think and articulate thoughts usually. What does this all mean?

My mind right now is like a puzzle that isn't finished. I can't exactly think. Tomorrow I'm back at UCLA. Away from my dad, my brother, Carmen, and Ximena. I won't be lonely, I have my friends. Aaron's going to be there too.

The constant taps of Crystal typing on her phone took my attention from the thought of going back home.

"Damn, are you writing an essay on your phone Crystal?" I add taking a small kernel of popcorn from our bowl and chucking it at her.

"I'm fine." Her voice held something more than what she said.

"Are you sure?" Alexia's head swivels over in concern.

Crystal nods, not daring to meet Alexia's eyes.

I look to Alexia, letting her know that we should probably keep pushing for the answer. Alexia shakes her head, she wants Crystal to talk about it when she wants to. Fuck, she's right. She is usually right.

My gaze flickers to Crystal, she couldn't have even seen our secret conversation. Her eyes are glued to her phone, she's in a completely different world. Crystal finally breaks her intense stare from her phone, her movements are something so different than what I've ever seen her act.

"I'm a little tired, I think I'm gonna get some sleep." Crystal's skin is pale, almost a ghostly type of white. She looked disinterested, no she looked like she was almost shell-shocked from whatever she just saw.

"Okay, girl." I jump off the bed, watching Crystal bury her head in the pillow, trying to hide her face from us.

Alexia gives me a confused face which I match completely. What just even happened?

When we close the bedroom door Alexia immediately says, "What just even happened back there?"

"No clue, she was fine one minute then the next she's freaked out."

"Well whatever it is, I'll see if she's ready to talk tomorrow morning," Alexia says. I swing an arm around her shoulders, giving her a side hug.

"You're the best, you know that?" I compliment her, she's always been that person. The smarter one between the two of us and the more reasonable one.

"Not the best, I just do what I think needs to be done."

"You're too modest about shit," I tell her when she enters her house's guestroom, letting Crystal sleep in her room because she needs space.