Torn

Chapter 31

Selena...

I need to get a grip.

I needed to, yes. But with each passing second I could feel myself slipping further. In this industry, lying comes with the territory. Yet no matter how many times I've managed to fluidly worm myself out of sticky situations before, right now as I stare into the clear sapphire orbs drinking me in, it's as if I've finally reached checkmate.

"W-what?" I asked, retracting my hands from Taylor's arms. I could feel sweat unpleasantly start to form in my palms and the least I could do for her is to prevent from giving her an unnecessary soak.

"Oh c'mon now Lena, it's just me, no need to be shy! Oh wait, I know, I know. Since you're here for an interview, why don't you reveal it today? It's the perfect chance, isn't it?"

My eyes widened as Taylor turned, her eyes holding an excited glint in them as she searched the area. But it was only when she spotted Aleen and made a move to call my manager that I pieced her intentions together.

"No wait Tay" my hand wrapped on one of her arms, causing her to slightly lose her footing as I tugged on her harsher than intended due to my haste. Thankfully, she regains her balance as she ends up facing me once more, but I can't even find it in me to feel guilty. I know I'll deal with it later, but for now, there isn't any time to feel even the littlest smudge of remorse.

"Wha –"

"I don't have a boyfriend" I blurted out, convinced that it's better to say it outright before hesitance could hinder me.

She gave me an incredulous look before flipping her hair flawlessly, erasing all traces of her earlier mishap and showcasing her inner champion. I'm uncertain about the kind of emotion depicted on my face, but whatever it is I'm astounded it stirs sympathy from her azure pools. "I-I'm sorry Lena, I didn't mean to upset you."

Her arms enclosed around my frame again and while I am unable to return the gesture, I focus my attention on the blank wall behind her, keeping the moisture in my eyes at bay. I was her Judas, yet in the irony of it all, I am the one relishing in her comfort.

I had no right to cry.

Pulling away, Taylor loosened her grip on me but only by a fraction as one of her hands rubbed my back soothingly. "Better?"

"Y-yeah"

"I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop by the way. I just heard some snips and I got excited." Taylor said with a sheepish smile.

"I guess that's my fault. I've been prodding her to get a man already, it must've come out wrong."

Both my and Taylor's attention are grabbed by the familiar voice, reminding me of Kate's presence all along. A feeling of sheer foolishness washed over me upon realizing Kate had just witnessed me lying to Taylor about something so trivial and commonly shared by best friends.

As if aware of my thoughts and wanting to reassure me, her eyes focus solely on me as she casts me a smile nothing short of sincere. It is heart-warming to know she doesn't hold judgment against me despite what she saw. Though I'm unsure until when her unprejudiced thoughts of me will last, it is enough to make me smile – for now.

"No problem, I guess we're both just too absorbed in Selena's love life." Taylor replied with a giggle that both Kate and I seemed to find contagious.

"I guess so, anyway, I hope you don't mind me asking. But are you alright? You look kind of pale to me."

Kate was just midsentence when my head instinctively turned to Taylor, my heartbeat suddenly gathering speed. As if to confirm the question, my eyes widened as I took her appearance in.