Strings of Fate

61- Apologies and alarm

I shriek and leap out of his lap. Or I try to, I trip over my own feet and get caught by Bellamy’s hand in the edge of my top. Bellamy tries to catch me but we both end up overbalancing and the chair tips over. We both land hard, sprawled on the floor. Bellamy manages to slip a hand behind my head as we fall so at least I don’t break my skull. Bellamy groans as I sit up and I realise I landed hard elbowing him in the stomach. I jump up.

“Sorry!” He sits up and rights his chair. Megan is in the doorway and is frozen. I make eye contact with her. I’m sure I must be tomato red and I can’t believe that just happened. Megan bursts out laughing. She laughs so hard that I can see tears in her eyes. Bellamy can’t help but join in.

“You guys!” I whine but I can’t help but smile and I try to resist the desire to giggle. Megan throws herself into the recliner Bellamy moved in for me as she manages to calm herself.

“Oh I needed that. I was going to come apologise for falling asleep and ditching you, but it seems like you were having plenty of fun without me.” She smiles at me. A real smile and while I’m still completely embarrassed, I’m glad to see her smile, even if it is at my expense. Bellamy answers cheerfully.

“You haven’t been asleep that long, you sure you don’t want to head back to bed? I’m happy to keep Ryann company for as long as I need to.” He winks.

“Bellamy!” His name comes out in a shriek of outrage. Megan rolls her eyes.

“Oh yeah, I can clearly see how much you were suffering with her company, but nope. I think I’m going to stick close to Ryann from now on. Together twenty four seven, sleepovers every night. I’m just so distraught you see. I can’t bear to be alone. Not only did I lose. my fiancé but my brother has been keeping secrets from me. Clearly you can’t be trusted. I’ll have to keep a VERY close eye on you and watch out for my best friend. Unless of course you can make it up to me somehow.” Megan flutters her eyes at Bellamy and tries to fake an innocent expression like she isn’t threatening to keep me away from him. Bellamy grabs my hand and pulls me into his side, wrapping an arm around my waist. He narrows his eyes at his sister.

7

his tone a

“Just try it, I’ll just have to hang around you both. ALL. THE TIME.” he responds dare. I push his arm off me and step away, hands on my hips. They might be joking but

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61- Apologies and alarm

tells me that they’re both just a

identical expressions of guilt. Never have they looked more like twins than they do at this moment. Megan mutters an apology to me and Bellamy sends me a pleading expression as he holds

encouragement.

had more faith in you and your judgement. I will try to be

glances at me and I give him an encouraging smile. Megan sighs and collapses

I forgive you. I guess given how badly things turned out I can see how you might mistrust my judgement at the very least. I don’t think I’ll be dating again for a while. Thankyou for

for dinner? I’m thinking some horribly greasy

anyone?”

my phone and call Darrien. His voice

she alright? Do you need me?” He sounds anxious and

dinner. Not asking you to come work since we aren’t going out. Be here in twenty?” I don’t want to only spend time together when he’s technically working, and I think Megan will appreciate that he’s coming to hang out when he

then hangs up without saying

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61- Apologies and alarm

is using an

be surrounded with people who support her. Plus, if all goes to plan, Darrien can use this time to get closer with her so that when she IS ready he will be the obvious choice. I know I already gave her some pretty obvious clues but I haven’t specifically said he is her fate, she could assume they’re meant to be friends or just that I trust him. Either way, I don’t want her to end up dating

confusion.

isn’t he?” I prompt.