The Improbable Clause of Missing You

Chapter Nineteen

[Double update because I'm feeling it. Will probably post another one later. And lots of love to supportive parents out there like what is up with fics that don't mention parents. YES AND CROSSOVER kind of with Fall Back Plan to Juliet because that was my intention all along hurhur. Nothing is given away. No spoilers. Just mentions.]

Chapter Nineteen

19: Williams seems plural, but it could be singular. But it's plural.

It was almost ten and most shops had closed for the day. I'd been a little apprehensive when Sebastian had asked to meet me at the twenty-four hour Astroknots cafe.

I'd called my Mum to tell her I'd be late. I couldn't really say why; it's not like I'd been told much by Sebastian either. Despite this, though, Mum simply offered to pick me up afterwards.

What, so I'm a little dependent. It's not realistic if I don't.

A flood of relief washed over me as I spotted him by the counter, ordering. The moment I'd stepped in, he'd immediately turned to look at me. Granted, there weren't many people coming by so late, so he'd probably been expecting me.

Sebastian smiled, but he looked strained and slightly aged, the most uncomposed I'd ever seen him at. He gestured to a small table at the back with armchairs, where a girl was sitting, back to me.

She was a tiny figure curled into her chair, though her shoulders seemed to tremor. Wait... Was she crying? I turned sharply to Sebastian and gave him a scolding look. Instead, his lips set in a firm line and he gestured to her again.

Carefully, I approached her. I didn't want to startle her. But she looked up at me curiously, perhaps having spotted me out of her peripherals.

While she didn't have the same striking green eyes, it was clear that she was Sebastian's sister. She could've easily been sixteen, but looked younger in her vulnerable state. My heart tightened.

"Hi, I'm Hayley, Sebastian's friend." I started awkwardly, not too sure what I was doing here. "What's your name?"

"I'm Stephanie," she replied, although it came out a mere whisper. Even her voice sounded broken. "Sebastian's sister."

There was silence, save for the soft whirring of coffee machines in the background. She was still sniffling, but her eyes were curious. So I talked through it.

"I don't know why I'm here, but I am. We can talk. Or, I can, if you don't feel like it." I rambled.

"I know. Why you're here, that is," Stephanie replied. "My incompetent brother isn't very good with crying girls."

I couldn't help but smile. The same humour as her older brother.

"Neither am I, really, but I'll try. What's made you cry?"

"A falling out. I... Uh, had a falling out with my best friend." She replied steadily, the tears now drying on her cheeks.

"Over a guy?" I asked knowingly, as she bit her lip. She nodded.

"Y-Yea, and I... I was in the wrong. I... Her boyfriend... They never really broke up, but I thought they had, and he said he liked me, and..."

"Oh," I breathed. "I'm so–"

"And I'm so angry at him, and I'm so sorry for Amelia, but I'm only sorry for hurting her, y'know? That she got hurt. But I'm not sorry that I... Y'know. I'm not proud of it, but I'm not sorry for it, either." She was ranting now.

A small tray was set on the table, and Sebastian settled next to me on the sofa. He was silent, sitting to hear what else was to be said.

"Is that so wrong?" Stephanie asked suddenly, cutting off her monologue. "Is it so wrong that I just wanted...?" She broke into sobs, then.

I didn't know what to say, so instead: "I'm not one to decide, Stephanie, sorry. But... I can walk you through your friend problem."

Two hot chocolates and half a muffin later, Stephanie had calmed down somewhat. Sebastian had remained very still throughout the exchange, only getting up once in a while to get more food and such. I was beginning to feel very tired. It had been a very long day.

Involuntarily, I let out a soft sigh and leaned on the sofa. Similarly, Sebastian shifted closer, until my head was tucked neatly on his shoulder. Stephanie was managing a smile, and I felt relief course through me.

"So, was I really incompetent?" Sebastian asked Stephanie afterwards, once we'd stepped out into the cold to go home.

"Not so shabby this time, brother dear," she replied coolly, then reached up and wrapped her arms around him.

I smiled warmly at the scene unfold. Stephanie turned to me.

"Thank you for tonight, Hayley. I really needed someone to talk to."

She hugged me tightly. Whoa, she was almost taller than me.

"Sure thing! We should hang out sometime," I suggested.

"I'd like that," she grinned toothily, then melted back into demure serenity. She'd definitely cheered up, but she wasn't all smiles and flowers just yet.

As I walked up to the edge of the pavement to wait for my Mum, Sebastian moved next to me and lowered his voice.

"Thanks for coming. You did great," he smiled.

"Ah... Sure," I smiled back. "You're a good brother."

He simply smiled, no arrogance present in his warm gaze.

"Is that your car?" He asked, squinting into the darkness as a car's headlight shone on.

"Oh, yea. I'll see you, then."

"See you, Hayley," he replied, though his hand caught mine briefly. "And thanks again."

"Yea," I replied, skin on fire from the contact. "Yea, I... Don't mention it."

I pulled the car door open and stepped in, waving madly to the two siblings until the poorly lit streets swallowed them.