It’s been weeks, and after that mind-blowing kiss, I feel like I can’t keep this from her anymore. She needs to know what’s happening around us so I can help keep her safe in a world she is unequipped to deal with.
Heading to the art room, I’m preparing myself to talk to Darren about the way he was looking at Harleigh earlier. He’s not a bad guy, but I find myself being overly protective of her.
I’m pulled from my thoughts when my phone rings. Taking it out I see Dad’s name flash and quickly answer it.
“Hey, Dad. What’s up?” I ask and walk back outside, sitting on the ground a safe hearing distance away from everyone else.
I hope he has some good news because time feels like it isn’t on our side right now.
“I got the answers you were looking for, but before we go into that, I really want to apologize for not believing you, Brian. You were right, she is your first assignment. I’m proud of you for recognizing the call, Son.”
It’s strange to hear my father praise me. It’s not something that happens often…but there are more important things to discuss right now.
“Thanks, Dad. So, Harleigh…what did you find out?”
“I’m coming to the school. I’ve spoken with the Dean and after this class, you are excused for the rest of the day.” He sounds short and clip like an army drill sergeant.
“Dad, talk to me, because right now you’re freaking me the hell out!” I wince because I probably shouldn’t have chosen those words. He absolutely hates when I swear.
“Brian!” he hollers down the line. “You know better than to speak to me like that. Now, I will tell you everything, but I need to tell you both at the same time. I have arranged for Harleigh to be excused from classes as well. Meet me in your dorm in an hour. We can talk privately there.”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll grab her, and we can get our lunch to go. See you soon.” I hang up because there’s really nothing left to say.
He made it clear that we had to talk about this face to face, and I’m not up for more of his snark when I’m already on edge.
If he wants to yell at me, he can wait until I have all the facts and I at least know she is okay.
One hour. I just had to last one hour and then I could see her, hold her, and know she’s safe because I’m there.
Harleigh
Bry is already waiting outside the cafeteria with our food when I get there. During class, he sent me a text to ask if we could eat lunch in his room today, and I didn’t argue. I’m too tired to deal with Colten and his antics today anyway, so I may as well avoid them.
When I get close to him, I can see the worry etched into his features and my heart rate picks up as I wonder what’s wrong.
“Bry, are you okay?” I’ve never seen him like this.
He’s always so sure of himself, but right now he’s freaking me out. He quickly turns his eyes to meet mine, and I watch him gather his words.
“Harleigh, I’ve been keeping something from you,” he says nervously.
O…k…? I’m not sure I like where this is going.
“Okay, what?” I ask, trying to keep the edge out of my voice. Clearly whatever it is, it’s big enough for him to be freaking out.
“My Dad is here to talk to us. I can’t really explain it until you know all the facts, and since I don’t have them, I can’t tell you. But you have to believe me, if I had known anything concrete I would have found a way to tell you, consequences or not,” he blurts out.
Okay, I’m lost. He’s keeping something from me, but he didn’t know until now? And his dad?
SHIT! He just said I’m meeting his dad?! Now.
“Brian Renald! What the hell are you talking about?! And I’m meeting your dad? Now?! Are you insane?!” What the actual fuck is happening right now?
Brian looks pale as he nods his head slightly.
“Yeah, he got us both excused for the remainder of the day,” he states, saying nothing else to clarify the situation.
Ugh, men! I’m so confused, and I guess the only way to get unconfused is to go meet his dad, so I put one hand on my hip and throw the other toward the door, silently directing him to lead the way.
4
Harleigh
Walking to Brian’s room feels kind of like walking toward my doom.
I have this strange feeling in the pit of my stomach that whatever is about to happen is going to be life changing. Brian looking like he’s about to pass out from sheer terror doesn’t give me all that much confidence either.
I’m also not a fan of people telling me what to do, or making me miss classes. Given the vibes I’m feeling, I’d much rather be in class than face whatever the hell is waiting for me behind that door.
Brian doesn’t talk about his parents often.
I know he feels like a giant disappointment to them, and for them to make him feel that way automatically puts them on my shit list.
No child should ever have to feel like they’re a disappointment to their parents when they haven’t done anything worth warranting it.
All because he hasn’t lived up to some weird expectations they seem to have? He’s a genuinely good guy. Although, right now I’m more than a little pissed for being blindsided. It better be for a damn good reason or I’m kicking his ass.
