20.

Harlow couldn't help the dread that pooled in her stomach when after they reached the school, her and Levi had to part ways. It was around the time everyone was starting to head back to their rooms, so the halls were crowded. They couldn't say goodbye in the way they wanted to for fear someone would see them, and the gossip would get around to Izzy or Farlan so they said their goodbyes like they normally would. Harlow looked at him one last time before moving towards one side of the building, Levi to the other. She told herself she was being pathetic for acting this way, but she couldn't help it. Not a single part of her wanted to let the raven out of her sight.

Still, she carried on, each stride getting further and further away from the one she wanted to be with until she was back in front of her dorm room, ready to brace the storm that was her roommate. Harlow and Levi had decided on the details of their day out beforehand so their stories would line up. Harlow was about to lie her ass off. She took a deep breath and took out her keys before opening the door and quickly spotting the redhead on her bed, reading a book. Izzy's intense stare bore into her and she gulped before quickly shutting the door.

"Where the hell have you been Harlow Danes?!" Izzy asked aggressively, standing and staring Harlow down. Harlow would have taken a moment to laugh at her friends' words considering they were both 18 and Izzy was not her mother but was too terrified. She had never seen this side of her friend before. She didn't really like it. Still, she steeled herself and stood confidently.

"There's no need for that Iz. I will talk to you, calmly, once I have a shower. I'm dripping all over the floor." Harlow replied sternly. Isabel huffed but nodded and sat on her bed. Harlow put all her stuff down on her desk before heading towards the bathroom, hoping to heat up the icy coldness in her bones.

When her shower was done, Harlow was feeling a lot better. It seemed Izzy had some time to calm down as well as when Harlow walked in the room in her dressing gown and pyjamas, she didn't receive a glare from the redhead like she was expecting. Although it was clear she wasn't happy either. Harlow sat down on her bed opposite her friend and ran a towel over her wet hair. When she was finished, she took a breath and mentally prepared herself.

"Let me start by saying... I am sorry for breaking my promise to help you. I want you to know I don't normally do that. In fact, I never do that. It was wrong and stupid, and I apologise." Harlow started sincerely. Izzy's eyes softened and she nodded for Harlow to continue. So far so good. "I don't really know what happened. I think I was slightly delirious from the lack of sleep, but I had heard about this tea shop that imported from London and I really wanted to go. I didn't think you guys would want me to leave so I lied. I didn't plan on bringing Levi into it so don't blame him. It wasn't his fault. But he looked as tired and bored as I was, and I know he likes tea, so I offered he come. We went into town, had tea, came back after getting caught in the rain and here we are. The tea wasn't even that good and I just felt guilty for leaving the whole time. I hope you can forgive me." Harlow asked. She hadn't lied completely only leaving out a few important details. Plus, the tea was fucking fantastic, but she didn't want to rub that in her friend's face. Izzy sat staring at her for a moment. Harlow squirmed under the intensity of her gaze. But eventually the redhead broke out into a smile and she barrelled into Harlow, hugging her tightly. Harlow laughed and hugged her friend back. Mission completed, it seemed.

"Of course, I forgive you. Just next time you do something like that. Let me in on it, it sounds fun." Izzy giggled. Harlow laughed and nodded. She wondered how Levi was doing with Farlan.