[Austin's POV]

I woke up not in a good mood today. Having a terrible headache in the morning sucks! I know it's not hangover cause I didn't drink that much. If there should have a hangover, it would be Phoenix. I bet she's still asleep.

But I was surprised when I went to the dinning room. They're complete. Lorie, Alan, and Phoenix. Of course minus Lara, I know she's already in Australia.

I saw them having breakfast. Lorie saw me first.

"Austin! Come here and have some breakfast."

"Good morning everyone." I lazily greeted everyone. I sat on the chair infront of Phoenix. I looked at her but she looked away.

"Are you okay Aus?" It was Lorie.

Maybe I was too transparent.

When I glanced at Phoenix, I saw her looking at me.

Dug! Dug! Dug! Dug!

'Fuck this heartbeat! Here we go again. Why am I feeling uneasy?'

"I'm fine." I tried to smile at her.

I was startled when I felt a hand on my forehead. It was Nana. "You're not sick, are you?"

"Hangover dude. That's how you call it." Alan said laughing.

"Nah! I don't think so."

"Maybe you're in pain." Nana spoke looking intently at me.

"My heart's in pain. And I think its bleeding." I placed my hand on my chest and tried to joke to cover what I'm feeling at that moment.

They all laughed. Except for Phoenix. She's just listening, quietly. Never even bothered to look at me.

Tomorrow is her last day. I don't know what's her plan in. I don't know what she's thinking. She looks like she was okay and fine. But I know she was only trying to be strong.

I let out a long sigh and I noticed they were all looking at me.

"What?" I frowned.

"It's positive!" Alan was grinning.

"What is positive?"

"We've been friends for the longest time Austin. I know you."

"And so?" I don't understand what he meant by that.

He smiled from ear to ear. Then the rest of the people in the room looked at him while waiting for his answer.

"He's inlove." It was Phoenix who spoke.

'Fuck! Does she know?'

"Who says I'm inlove? And how do you know I'm inlove?" I challenged her.

"Relax! I'm only bluffing. But based on your reaction, obviously you're guilty."

I scoffed at her. But she gave me a smirked.

"Who's the lucky girl?" Alan asked.

I didn't answer. I don't want to talk about it. It's enough that I can't even tell her I love her. I don't want to complicate things for Alan, not until this is all over.


[Phoenix POV]

I just got off the phone with my boss. I told her that I was assigned to do an international tour and I have to be out of the country for a year. Lorie made this possible. She disagreed at first but I told her that I needed this. I just need to go away and have some time for myself. I don't want to see Alan while I'm mending my heart. I wanted to be alone after the operation. I wanted to think things out. 'Damn!' I'm being miserable again.

I went to the garden to have some fresh air. Then I saw Austin with a couple of beers with him.
He looks really different today. I wonder what's up with him?

I came up to him and I was about to call him when he suddenly spoke.

"What's your plan?" he said without looking at me.

"What plan?"

"What is your plan after Alan's operation?"

"I plan to disappear from his life completely." I looked up to the sky so I won't cry. I saw how he looked at me. "Do you have to ask that Austin. You know what will happen after the operation." I looked at him and I laughed sarcastically.

He was staring at me and I was surprised when he stood up and hugged me.

"A-austin, what are you--?"

"Sshhh.." He said then hugged me tighter.

I didn't move. I just let him hug me. I felt like I don't have energy to strggle anymore. But honestly, I felt comfort with his hug. Like nothing bad is going to happen to me.

"Nix?"

"Hmmm?"

"What's your shampoo?" I felt he smelled my hair. "I like it. Smells like strawberry."

I didn't answer.

"Phoenix?"

I rolled my eyes. "What?"

"It's ok to admit that you like me. I'm used to it--Ouch!"

I smack his head from behind.

I let go from his hug. "When are you going to be serious Carlile?!"

He was rubbing the back of his head like it would lessen the pain. "That hurts!"

I didn't answer. Instead, I asked him, "Seriously, are you ok Austin? I was hesitant to talk to you when I saw you here. I don't want to disturb you. I know you're having issues with your heart."

"What issue? That I'm inlove?" he laughed.

I didn't answer. He was just laughing but I can see that he's in pain. I just don't know why.

Then suddenly, it rained. I was planning to get inside when Austin grabbed my hand and held it in his, "Let's enjoy the rain. I haven't done this for a long time."

I thought, this may wash away all the pain that I'm feeling right now. Austin let go of my hand but I just stood there. Looking up to welcome the pouring heavy rain on my face hoping that after this, it would let all the wounds in my heart heal.

Notes

Sorry it's short. I just came home from my boss' birthday party. Had a blast!

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