Fly Away (Book 2 in the Unpredictable Series)

Chapter 9 - Bittersweet Reunions

Have you ever been so scared that it couldn't even be called fear? It was more of a thundering nervous terror that couldn't be banished, that ached and pierced and damaged inside you? 

That's how I felt right now. The rumble of the tires on the tarmac, the airy scream of the engines as we descended, the pressure popping in my ears as we landed in Miami International; all added to the painful anxiety. 

Harry was tense too, he wouldn't say so, that wasn't his nature, but I could see from the bulge  of muscle in his neck and shoulders, taunt with stress. I could see it from the thin line his lips were pressed into. I could feel it in the silence that stretched between us and in the heavy gaze of his eyes that stayed on my back as we walked off the plain.

"Ready?" I whispered finally, needed his assurance. 

He took a deep breath, looked at me with those gorgeous green orbs of his, before answering. "Honestly? No. But I'll do it for you." 

Somehow, that was exactly the thing I needed him to say as we got our luggage and went to hail a cab.

 ***

When we pulled into the driveway of the apartment that Harry had bought for me at a masquerade ball, what felt like forever ago, I felt my knees go weak with memories and a sudden longing burst through my chest.

Bittersweet didn't even fully encompass the feelings that this place evoked in me. I could remember my birthday party, and Harry singing You & I, remembering that feeling of realization when it struck me that I was in love with him. I could remember the sweet little kisses and the hugs from behind and the late nights making food.

But I also remembered, with a painful stab, the heartbreak that revolved around this place. Harry leaving, his bitter words, the feelings of unbearable pain, the thoughts of ending it all.

Oh, love is a bitch.

I knew better than to surprise Lilah, but I couldn't deny myself the little pleasure of seeing her face when I showed up. So, I told Harry what I planned to do, and dashed away from him, leaving the bags, and running up the staircase that only an owner would know about. 

By the time I got to the top, I was panting and heaving and sweating, so okay, maybe taking the stairs wasn't my best idea, but when I thought about the look on Lilah's face, and how amazing it would feel to hug my best friend, the burn in my lungs vanished. 

With a heavy, unsteady breath, I pulled the door open, and climbed the stairs to my room, which was surprisingly still mine. She hadn't changed a thing. 

I walked across the glass floor hallway that connected to her room, and pushed open her door. "Lilah?" I whispered softly, and when I walked in, I knew that something was different.

Pictures of us had been torn off the walls, and pieces of the paper still dangled on pushpins.

Her yellow comforter had been exchanged for a black one and books sat piled along the bed side tables.

"Yeah, I'll meet you at your place in 20." A voice said from the bathroom. I knew that voice, oh so very well. My heart sped up, my breathing quickened, and before I could stop myself, I'd called out her name. 

I heard the distinct dropping of a phone as it smacked the tile floor and her flip flop clad feet spiriting toward me. "Ariella?" she whispered, staring at me with astonishment.

Tears were rapidly filling her hazel eyes, causing the green flecks to stand out even more. Her chestnut locks were elaborately braided, and her make-up was flawlessly applied. 

"Hi Lilah" I murmured, tears filling my own eyes. I was surprised, no, astounded when she walked up to me and smacked me, clear across my cheek. "Don't you ever leave me again!" she sobbed as she pulled me into her arms.

Everything physically felt right about this situation, but something was off, and that was the scariest part.