Hidden. (by seasidestyles-original copy)

twenty one

I awake to a fierce pounding noise.

I groan and pull the pillow over my head. Its Saturday, who's at the door?

That's when I remember where I am.

I hear the door creak open.

"Can I help you?" Harry asks, his voice raspy from sleep.

"Yeah, have you seen Rose anywhere? She hasn't been answering her phone and she doesn't seem to be home."

I widen my eyes.

Aaron.

Oh shit.

"Uh..." Harry trails off.

I peek over the top of the couch. Harry leans against the door, scratching the back of his neck nervously. If Aaron comes in here, he'll draw conclusions quickly and assume that Harry and I...ugh. The thought makes me shudder.

Lie, I command Harry mentally. Lie to him.

"She probably went out to get coffee," Harry says. "She usually has it at work, but it's the weekend, so..."

"Oh. Right."

I breath out a sigh of relief.

"What was that?"

I freeze. Aaron heard that?

"My...cat," Harry says.

"I didn't know pets were allowed in the building."

"They're not. It's a secret. Shh."

I cover my mouth to keep myself from laughing at Harry's lie.

"Can I see it?"

"No, it's one of the hairless ones. Really gross looking. And it...has rabies."

"Shouldn't you get it checked out, then? Rabies is pretty serious."

"Look, mate, I appreciate your concern, but--"

The door swings open and Aaron walks in, his eyes immediately landing on me. He widens his eyes, anger filling then quickly.

"Rose?" He asks in disbelief.

I shoot up from the couch. "Aaron."

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Harry looks on, his eyes locked on me.

"It's a long story," I say.

"I've got time."

"Oh, really? Because you never seem to have time for anything else!"

"Rosie--"

"You were supposed to pick me up from work twice. Twice! And you blew me off for reasons I still don't know!"

"So you think the solution is to sleep with your neighbor?"

My jaw drops. Harry tries not to laugh and I shoot him a glare.

"I didn't sleep with anyone!" I shout.

"Then explain this!" Aaron yells.

I recoil. I can't tell Aaron about what happened when I was walking home. I know it's important that I keep it secret, for Harry's and my sake.

"Harry gave me a ride home and I fell asleep in the car," I lie. Well, it's partially true.

Aaron looks at Harry and he nods.