Laurel's POV :
The first thing I do when I get upstairs is pack my crap, not that there's much to pack. I'd say there's more for me to unpack but not here. There's just too much history to overcome, and I'm a fool for thinking that I could be anything more than an acquaintance. It was arrogant, my subconscious tried to tell me as much but I refused to see it.
I'm ready to run out of the apartment like it's a blaze. I press the elevator button and a thought occurs to me while I wait. It may be wrong of me to leave without giving her notice. It isn't her fault that there's a wedge between us. That's on me for what I took from her. Also, she tends to worry; and if I leave without warning she'll likely send the squad to find me.
I make a note on the nearest paper I can find and I write what's on the tip of my heart. I head back to the elevator and the doors open suddenly. Dinah steps off directly into my path. Our eyes lock until her gaze wanders down to my bag. I attempt to breeze pass her but she grabs onto me.
"What's happening?" she asks. There's a low but perceptible crack in her voice.
"I'm leaving," I answer, while anxiously slapping my bag on my thigh. The elevator doors shut behind her and I know this is going to become a thing.
"You're leaving?" she repeats with indignation in her voice. There's disbelief in her eyes as she drags me away from the elevator.
I pull away from her grip to keep my distance. "This wasn't meant to be a permanent living arrangement," I remind her.
She grabs hold of my bag. "So you were just gonna leave without saying anything?" she asks.
"I left a note," I say, pointing to the table behind her.
The heels of her shoes pound on the floor as she marches over to the table to read my note. "Really Laurel, 'D, I can't live her anymore,'" she reads aloud. She shoves the note into my chest. "You couldn't think of anything deeper than this, or better yet, tell me in person."
Well, words have been few and far between with us, so what does it matter?" I ask.
"It matters to me Laurel. You don't just leave like it's nothing," she says. "Look, I'm sorry if I made you feel like you can't be honest with me."
"I think I've been more honest with you than I've been with anyone in my entire life. You're the one who refuses to be straight with me honey." I push the elevator button.
"Damn it Laurel!" she cries. The elevator arrives and I step on. "There are just some parts that I can't share with you," she explains. I notice the tears begin to well in her eyes, and look away as the elevator starts its descent. "It doesn't mean I don-" That's all I hear before the door shuts, it's all I can bear to hear.
A week passes since I last saw Dinah's beautiful eyes toss an annoyed look my way. Since I've been blessed with the sound of her dark tone in the early morning hours. The scars her hands bandaged constantly ache for her touch. Nothing I consume can nourish me, and all fragrance pales in comparison to hers. I'm left sulking into a moldy pillow case, destined to spend the rest of my life in this beaten down motel room.
My eyes are too puffy from crying so I'm forced to stare at the faded walls. I can't sleep because Vinny is still terrorizing my dreams. I thought once I left they'd go away, but they've gotten worse. Yet, I'd spend the rest of my nights with these nightmares if it meant I could spend them with her.
I don't know when I became this person. The one willing to throw themselves into the depths of torment. For what, love? Felicity tried to explain this to me once, and I recall thinking she was insane. But now I'm the insane one; locked away in a filthy motel watching movies like, "Love Actually." I dislike this part of myself.
There's a knock on my door and I contemplate whether its worth even getting up. They knock again and I remember I ordered a pizza. I roll out of bed to open the door, and I'm immediately disappointed to find William, Perrie, and Nina standing before me.
"Oh my God," Williams gasps, "you live in a hovel. I've heard of it but never seen it."
I slither back over to my bed and throw my head onto the pillow. "What are you doing here?" I ask.
The three contort themselves pass the threshold. "We just wanted to see if you were still coming to training," Perrie says.
"What are you talking about?" I huff. Half my face buried in the pillow.
"Um, the obstacle course that all of us have to complete," Nina says, "the one you've been helping us train for since last month."
I shoot my head up from the bed, "Crap! That's today?" I ask. William nods his head. "Im not going," I tell him, before dropping my face back down.
"Girls, wait outside while me and Laurel have a chat," he says. The door shuts and I know they did as asked. Suddenly, I feel the sheet ripped from under me and I hit the ground hard. "Get up," he demands. I shoot an angry look his way and he shrugs. "These girls are depending on you and want your support," he continues, "So you're gonna go, even if I have to drag your butt to the car."
As we pull up to the mansion I can tell that I've been set up. Dinah's bike is sitting out front, and the car suddenly gets silent. William and Perrie avoid eye contact but Nina seems unapologetic as she looks at me. She's giving me a stern look that says, this is happening so get over it. My heart begins to pound in my chest, and when I step out the vehicle I get light headed.
"Nope-" I say. William grabs me before I can get back into the car. "I can't see her right now. I can't see her ever again really," I say, "I know that sounds extreme but logically if you think about it, it makes sense."
"No...actually it doesn't," he says.
He and the girls drag me through the front door and I breathe a sigh of relief when I notice she isn't in the atrium. However, the newer recruits are running around like it's a kid's party. I keep my eyes alert and my feet ready to bolt if need be. I follow my captors to the backyard and that's when I see her. Her olive skin is like a beacon drawing me toward her.
She has on a white sundress with orange floral accents, white heels, and her curls are tied back. My heart thrashes against my chest and my limbs turn to slush at the sight of her. Her bright smile and dimples cement my feet in their place. She spots me and gives me a half-hearted grin. I make a not so casual nod her direction, and she averts her eyes. Confirming to me that this is going to be a long afternoon.
I find my way to the kitchen but it's not empty, however, it's not busy and it's further from her. I take some food from a platter on the table and two of the new recruits glare at me. "SÃ, escuché que ella no ha querido salir de su apartamento," one of them says. They talk freely as though they know I don't speak the language. I don't, but they don't know that. But I gather they are talking about me, because when I look at them they smile.
"Riley dice que ha estado triste y enojada con todas," the other girl says. Now I know for sure I recognize some of those words. I glare over at them and they get up and walk away from the table.
Nina suddenly appears beside me with a smirk on her face. "You do know they weren't talking about you," she says, "Alexandria said, she hasn't left her apartment, and the other one said, she's been mad and taking it out on everyone." She pops a grape in her mouth, "they were talking about Dinah, not you," she adds. I'm taken aback by her translation skills and she notices. "I'm fluent in six languages," she tells me, "And yes, us melanated folks speak more than one language. Don't buy into the stereotypes."
I am relieved to learn they weren't talking about me, but sad that Dinah wasn't as good as I thought. "Thank you for that PSA, but my reaction stems from the experience I've had with your lack of self discipline. So I'm surprised you were able to sit still long enough to learn another language," I respond.
She tosses her head back, "Ugh-" she sighs, "I feel like you're referring to my disagreement with Dinah?"
"You know I am. Why did you go at her like that?" I ask.
"I don't think its fair the way she's treating you," she replies, "I'm just trying to keep her on her toes I guess. She's leading you on, whether she realizes it or not."
"No she's not. Our friendship is complicated," I say, "it' no all on her."
"Ha!" she chuckles, "everyone, and I mean everyone, minus the two of you know that you two have a thing."
"In order for us to have a thing we need to be a thing, and right now we're on different planets," I say, as I take a sip of my iced tea. "If you know all this, why have you been telling people you have a crush on me?"
She shrugs, "Because I do, I have a crush on a lot of people," she answers, plainly. She leans in and whispers, "I currently have a fling going with Perrie." Just then, the blonde enters the kitchen and Nina waves at her. "I think I'll keep her. I better get outta here before people start to talk."
"I don't think you'd mine that too much," I reply. She winks at me then heads back outside Perrie. I take a glimpse out the window and see Dinah headed into the house. I swivel around in a mild panic, then recall that there's a bathroom outside the kitchen. The entrance to the backyard is also in the same corridor so it'll be a task to get in unseen.
As I peek into the hall I see that Dinah has stopped to talk to the girls. I press my back against the wall and quickly slide into the bathroom. Just as I'm about to close the door I hear a voice say, "So this is what we're doing now?" Her tone sends chills up my body. I drop my head in defeat. "We're hiding in the bathroom now?" Dinah asks.
"No just using it," I say, succinctly, as I turn to face her. Her glare makes me feel like a child whose been caught doing something naughty by their teacher.
"I find that hard to believe since Nina just told me you were hiding in the kitchen," she retorts.
"Well Nina was clearly mistaken because I'm in the bathroom" I reply, "so if you don't min-" She pushes her way into the bathroom, then shuts the door.
"Actually I do mind," she says, while pressing her body against the door. "I'm not gonna pretend as though I didn't just see you slink across the wall like Pink Panther. We are two adults Laurel, and we have other people depending on us being able to cooperate."
"Well that's kinda hard when all we do is get into petty arguments," I say, trying to pull the door open. She pushes my hand off the knob then nudges me backwards.
"No, you're not listening," she complains, "whatever is happening with us right now needs to be pushed aside. These girls expect us to be there for them like we promised." I always hate it when she makes a good point, especially when she makes it with her resolute face.
"Okay, I hear you," I say. "This is not about us, and I promise to keep my commitment to the canaries."
"So no more hiding," she says, inching her way toward me. "We go out there -" I feel my butt touch the sink. "-and we are on good terms." I arch my back over the sink as she leans in.
"Yes, whatever it takes to make it good again," I respond.
"In keeping with that spirit, how about we make a friendly wager?" she asks.
I raise my eyebrows. "What kind of wager?" I inquire.
"If my girls win, you have to do something for me. If your girls wins, I have to do something for you," she says.
"Like what?" I ask. I'm wary by how confident she seems.
"Whatever you want," she says.
"Fine, I want to be able to borrow your clothes," - I press my finger on her lips before she can interrupt - "with no complaining," I add. I let my finger fall away from her lips.
"Okay fine, but when I win, you have to come with me to Mia and William's charity event," she says, abruptly.
"Oh no... I hate tho-"
She interrupts, "No deal then."
"No no, you have a deal," I agree. I notice that her hands are on either side of me and she has me pressed against the sink. "How have you been?" I ask.
She pulls back, "I've been good, but I had to get use to cooking for one again." she says.
"Cooking... what's that?" I joke. She smiles then a wistful expression comes over her face.
"I imagine that there's not much of a kitchen in that crappy motel," she says.
"How did you know I was at the motel?"
She bites her lip, "Fine...I tracked you down," she admits. I glare at her. "No one would tell me where you were-" she says, "and it'd been three days with no call or text."
I shake my head, "D, that's a bit extreme."
"Don't give me that look. You shouldn't have told everyone to keep it from me," she argues.
"Oh so it's my fault you're a stalker. What'd you do sit outside in the car?" I joke. She lowers her head and pinches the brim of her nose. "You did?!" I yelp.
"I missed you, I was gonna go in bu-" she goes quiet.
"Let's go," I say. "I'm ready to start collecting on my bet."
We walk out into the yard then separate into our groups. William is standing with my girls, Nina, Perrie, and Alexandria, the one that was chatting in the kitchen. Then there's Dinah's group, Riley, Thuy, and Julissa, the other one from the kitchen. They are standing off to the side with Mia, who seems to be giving them a stern pep talk.
As we take our place near the starting line I get an overview of the course, a total of six in all. It's a lot but I have faith in my team, Nina and Perrie at least. Alexandria is who I'm worried about, but what she lacks in athleticism she makes up for with intelligence. I just pray Nina's natural athletic ability, and Perrie's over competitive nature gives us an edge.
Dinah throws an unnerving look my direction. She's too confident, it makes me wonder what I don't know. Riley is the only one on her team that I know for sure will give her an edge. She's like Perrie and Nina rolled in one. I've never been around to see the other two ladies in training. I don't usually take a bet without getting all the necessary data, but I refuse to let her top me.
Thuy and Perrie are the first to the starting line. I tilt my head toward Dinah and she returns with a cocky smile. "Go!" Mia shouts. They hit the ground and begin crawling in the mud underneath the cargo netting. They are neck and neck when they shoot up from the ground, but Thuy takes the lead as she sprints to the next course. She grips the first ring then quickly swings to the next. Perrie gets to the course just as her competitor reaches her fourth swinging ring.
There's a devious look in Dinah's eyes, like she's waiting for me to see what's next. Thuy gets to the netted wall and scales it as easily as a regular person walks from one room to the next. Perrie is almost through the last course but she slips on the second to last ring. She rebounds quickly then races over to wall; but Thuy is already crossing over to the next side.
Perrie finally makes it pass the wall as Thuy dodges the third swinging heavy bag. It takes the fourth back to take her down and she topples over. "Go Perrie!" I shout, as she's about to run through her first heavy bag. The bag smacks her in the back and she falls to the ground. Her opponent having already rebound is half way through the course.
There are two obstacles left for them to clear. I turn to Nina, "Get ready," I say, and she rushes over to the starting line. I notice that Dinah has tapped Riley as her next choice. A loud roar from the audience grabs my attention. Perrie and Thuy have cleared the rope wall, and are tied as they jump the hurdles. Both ladies have an intense look on their face as they storm toward the finish line.
They tap in their teammates at about the same time, and Nina and Riley take off like two runners at the Olympics. Their race stays tight the entire run through and they wind up in a contested draw. That leaves Alexandria and Julissa as the tie breaker. If Nina and Riley are considered gold medalist, our finalist are a medal lower than bronze.
It's the first time I've witnessed two people have a conversation while trying to run an obstacle course. Dinah and I can't help but voice our frustration when the two practically skip over the finish line together. The two grin as they walk pass us, receiving a cheer of encouragement from their teammates.
"It's a tie!" Mia shouts. Her body quakes trying to hold back her laughter.
"How about we pick two more girls?" I suggest. William looks around for any volunteers, but they've already begun to disperse. "C'mon, the food isn't going anywhere," I complain.
Mia puts her hand on my shoulder. "Well... if you really want a tie breaker. You two can always give it a shot," she says. I glare at her and see her other hand on Dinah's shoulder.
"No thank you, she cheats," Dinah responds.
"I'm down to watch that match," William says. "Don't do anything til I grab the canaries. They have got to see this," he says, rushing toward the house.
"I never agree-" I start to say, but give up when I realize he's out of earshot. "Also... I don't cheat," I say.
"Well then it should be no problem for either of you," Mia says. "Unless you guys don't think you can handle it." Her snide remark earns her a scowl from us both. The girls begin to sprinkle back into the yard with plates of food in their hand and excitement in their eyes. Our teams split away from the group to stand at our sides in solidarity.
We glare at each other as we saunter to the starting point. We're in position and she extends a sporting hand to me. I give her a tap with my fingers in the spirit of sportsmanship. She rolls her eyes and shakes her head before crouching down into position. I follow her lead and wait til we hear, "Go!" Mia shouts.
I drop to the ground and begin crawling through the mud as dirt flies into my mouth. My pants pocket gets snagged on the netting, and I watch Dinah wriggle by as I swivel to get loose. It's a minor delay, and soon enough we are basically tied when we shoot up from the dirt. We dart to the swinging rings and I'm first to latch on. I get too cocky when I see that she's lagging behind and wind up missing the next ring.
She passes me while I try to regain momentum. I hear my team screaming my name, and saying, "Don't let her win!" I get hold of the ring just as she gets to the end of the obstacle. She starts scaling the cargo net but slips and gets her leg caught between the netting. I clear the bars then quickly rush up the net. There's a grin on my face as I blow a kiss and pass by her.
I reach the other side of the cargo net and she's finally out of my view. I'm half way down the wall when my muddy boot slips on the net. My body jerks back and my hand slips loose, burning the skin on my palm. I brace for impact when suddenly, I feel someone grab hold of my arm. My eyes shoot open and Dinah is clinging on with one hand while holding me with the other.
The rescue is short lived once her steady foot slips, and we take a hard tumble down the net. There's a loud thud as our bodies crash into ground. "Are you guys okay?!" William shouts. I catch my breath and give him a thumbs up. Dinah reaches out from the other side of the grass and grazes my hand.
"We can stop if you want?" she says.
"No, I'm good," I say. I am not good but I won't let her know that. I roll over then rise to my feet.
"Ugh," she groans as she rises to her feet. We both get to the heavy bags then pause to glare at one another. Our eyes dare the other to go first. She takes a deep inhale then darts into the swinging labyrinth of heavy bags. She evades the first two sacks with ease, and it gives me the incentive needed to continue. There's a look of tired disbelief on her face when she sees me gaining on her.
She mouths, "I hate you." I just grin and keep treading through the obstacle. I'm almost out when I get the urge to look pass the horizon. Vincent's ghost or apparition is standing between me and the next obstacle. It's as though he's step out from my dream. There's blood seeping from his ears and a barren look in his eyes. I feel the last bag slams across the side of my face and I drop.
I look up from the ground and Dinah is already grappling the rope to the next obstacle. She clearly doesn't see him nor does anyone watching. Their concern seems directed at me since I have yet to rise back to my feet. I shake the vision off and manage to make up some of the distance. Dinah gets to the other side of the wall then darts to the hurdles, but I'm seconds behind her.
She gets off to a good start jumping the first few hurdles, but midway her dress snags the corner of a lengthier hurdle. She collapses on the hurdle and drags it down as she falls. That mishap gives me time to advance and I get pass the last few bars. I sprint over the finish line into the arms of my adoring team.
"Congratulations," Dinah moans, strolling across the finish line.
"Thank you," I say, taking a bow. "I'll come by later to borrow those shoes I like," I add, while doing a little victory jig.
"Which ones?" she asks with a grin.