So, this is just going to be more of a filler chapter. Kinda get you more in- touch with Skylar and Logan's friendship and to add a little drama for the next chaper. So bare with me here and tell me your thoughts on the Skylar/ Logan friendship! I'm going to stop wasting your time now and get on with the story!
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Skylar returned to her apartment, tears threatening to spill. Only once in her life had she felt this empty and broken, the only other time being when James had left Iowa. She rested her head on the cold granite counter in the kitchen, exhaling and closing her eyes. A hollow knock broke the silence in her mind. She lifted her head up and slowly trudged to the door. As she opened the wooden door, she weakly smiled.
"Hi Logan" she sighed as she opened the door wider, allowing the braniac to enter her apartment. " ... Are you okay?" Logan asked, sitting on the couch. Skylar did the same, pondering the thought. Without hesitation, Logan wrapped a comforting arm around her small shoulders, bringing the small girl closer to him. "I guess, kinda." Skylar shrugged. Logan nodded and his arm remained around her.
As Logan watched the blonde, his eyes softened. In the short amount of time he had known her, Logan had never once seen her without the bright gleam in her bright eyes. Now, as he searched her face for any emotion rather than remorse and sadness, he noted her eyes were seemingly darker than normal. The shine was gone, all life seeming to be gone from her irises. Logan pursed his lips, still searching for any sign of anything.
" ... I can't believe I called my best friend a prick." Skylar finally mumbled, shaking her head. "I'm the prick in this situation." "Skylar, you're not a prick. You were upset and hurt, you're adrenaline took over and you had no control in what you said." Logan argued, "I can imagine how you could be upset."
She shrugged and scooted closer to her new- found- friend. Both friends were content with sitting in silence; Logan open to comfort her and the silence giving Skylar the opportunity to think. "Thanks, Logan." Skylar smiled up at the brunette and he returned the gesture. "It's nothing" he shrugged.
Skylar chuckled and stood up, un- wrapping Logan's arms from her shoulders. "Do you want something to eat?" she asked, holding her hand to Logan. The taller teen taking her hand and pulling himself up nodded, following her to the kitchen. Logan watched in wonder from his seat at the counter as Skylar flawlessly began to prepare food.
Making a simple pasta dish with cheese sauce, Skylar took a seat beside Logan. The two had begun on their dishes when Logan broke the silence, "Where's your mom or dad, or guardian or anybody?" he asked, facing her. The shorter girl's shoulders slumped as she looked to him, "I'm here alone. I don't have a mom, my dad is still in Iowa, and my sister moved to New York." she shrugged. Deciding to leave it at that, Logan simply nodded and finished his meal.
" Honestly, Skylar. How did you learn to cook like this?" Logan asked, helping the blonde clean their plates. "I was always left to cook for myself at home, so I, cooked." she shrugged, "Well it's amazing."
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James remained in the same position as Skylar had left him, awaiting someone to break the silence. The apartment door flew open, Carlos stepping in. "What was that about?" the Latino asked, confusion painting his features. James sighed, looking to the floor, "It's a long story." The door re-opened, revealing Kendall and Logan this time. "I've got plenty of time." Carlos crossed his arms over his chest and stared at his friend. "Fine, come on guys. I'll tell you in my room." James mumbled, beginning towards his bedroom.
Once settled in the brightly painted bedroom, Logan Carlos and Kendall watched James in anticipation. " ... So? You said you would explain." Carlos shoved the brunettes shoulder.
"Okay. The girl who I was fighting with, was Skylar Clarkson. She was my best friend from the time I was six, to when I was ten. Before I lived in Minnesota, I lived in Iowa where Skylar was my neighbor. The two of us were ten times closer than the four of us could ever imagine to be. She protected me from the bully on our street, and I allowed her to practically live at my house. I didn't know it then, but as I've thought about it, I've figured out that Skylar's dad was abusive and her sister left when she was eight. When I was ten, my dad got a job in Minnesota. The day we were moving away for good, Skylar was my first kiss."
As James finished, he looked up. Carlos stared, wide- eyed. Kendall pursed his lips and looked to the floor, Logan doing the same only nodding. "Guys, can you, leave?" James hesitantly asked, facing his friends. Respectfully nodding, Logan stood first, Kendall and Carlos following him out the door. Once the three had shut the door, James sighed and plopped on his bed, closing his eyes.
Memories engulfed James' mind, guilt panging against his chest.
The aroma of popcorn and butter filled the Diamond house. The light of a small lamp and the glow of the t.v. screen lit the living room, decorated with sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows. The two eight year olds rested against each other's shoulders as the intently watched Anger Management. Mr. Diamond had originally intended on watching the movie. But as he grew tired as the night progressed, he left the remaining hour of the comedy to James and Skylar- thinking the two would show little to know interest in the movie.
Facing his best friend, James raised an eyebrow. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern filling his eyes.
Earlier in the evening, Skylar's sister had moved out, done with dealing with her alchoholic father. Skylar had rushed to James' house, tears threatening to spill as she pounded on the front door with her small fists.
"I'm okay, now." the blonde nodded, wrapping her arms around James' throte and pulling him close to herself. The two tightly embraced, smiling.
That night had only been one of the multiple occasions when Skylar had truly felt safe. She was held within her best friend's arms, always feeling safe while with him. This had also been one of the memories that came to Skylar's mind as she remembered all the times James had showed his loving and caring nature.