Listen to Phases by Prettymuch

Chloe just texted me the address to the hotel she was staying in and asked me to come. I quickly changed into lavender sweatpants and a white cropped top. I put on a pair of air force shoes and grabbed my mini white handbag. I texted Grey to come over and pick me up. I was sure he would love to see Chloe, besides I didn't want to waste my money on Uber. My driver's license was revoked two months ago for the third time. I was a reckless driver, in the sense that you had to hold on to your seat and pray to God you made it out alive.

I was practically jumping in my seat immediately I settled on the car seat, I couldn't wait to see Chloe. I only wished Grey would drive this thing faster. We stopped by the diner on our way to get Chloe her favorite chicken sandwich and milkshake. If only he didn't act like an idiot that day at the church. I could tell he still really loved her.

We reminisced on old memories and laughed the rest of the ride. We arrived at the hotel ten minutes later.

"Can I come up with you?" Grey asked, his eyes begging me to say yes.

"I don't think it's the right time."

"I get it. Tell her I say hi and I'm here for her if she needs anything," he told me before I got down from the car.

"Sure."

"Do you want me to pick you up?"

"No, I might spend the night here."

"But you have classes tomorrow."

I forgot it was Wednesday, I had classes from Monday to Friday except for Tuesday and Wednesday.

"I will figure something out." I waved him off and walked to the large entrance of the grand hotel.

Wasn't Chloe too broke to afford this place? Or she stole the Sanchesters' money. Smartass.

I took the stairs to the fifth floor and I was panting by the time I got off the last step. I searched for room 350 as I walked down the large hallway. I felt myself tearing up as I reached the door. Chloe was really behind this door. After how many weeks of waiting for any sign of her being alive.

I dropped the milkshake and takeout bag on the floor and prepared to give her the tightest hug in the world. I knocked on the door and it opened almost immediately as if she'd been waiting for me at the door.

"Chloe!!!" I screamed and jumped on her, wrapping my arms around her. She couldn't keep up with the force, so we both stumbled to the floor.

"Oh my God, it's really you." I muffled against her neck. She hugged me back and I could feel her smiling but I was tearing up. "I'm sorry you had to go through all that alone," I sniffled.

"Don't cry. You're gonna make me cry too." She said but she was already in tears. I couldn't tell if they were happy tears or sad tears. We stayed in that position for a while before pulling away and smiling at each with puffy eyes. I grabbed the takeout from the floor and closed the door.

"I was about to order room service, are you in?" She asked. That was a tempting question but I wasn't sure about her behavior.

Her smile and laughter all looked fake. Behind that smile, she was hurting and behind that laugh, she was crumbling to pieces. I wish she would let me in, I wanted to help her. The white sweatpants she wore looked loose around her waist and her collarbones looked more prominent than the last time I saw her. I noticed she had make-up on, she definitely wasn't okay. Chloe hardly ever wore makeup.

"Forget room service, let's talk." I pulled her to the bed with me. We sat down, facing each other.

She refused to look at my face, she kept staring at the sandwich in her hand like she was holding a trophy.

"Chloe, talk to me, please." I said softly but she didn't say anything. "If you're not ready to talk, it's okay. But, it will help if you tell me." I added and bit from my sandwich.

"It hurts," she admitted, still not looking at me. "It still hurts, it's the worst pain I have ever felt."

She looked at me. "I'm trying, Vee. I'm really trying to move on and be happy on my own." Tears were glistening in her pale eyes.

"Just because I was strong enough to handle all his bullshit doesn't mean I deserved this," She sniffled, her jaw clenched. "I still can't believe everything was a lie, he put me through hell and I stayed because I thought he loved me, I thought he cared." she tried to fight the tears but they spilled down her face.

All I could do was sit and listen even though my insides boiled, and all my thoughts were centered around hurting the people that did this to her, the low-lives that broke her. At the same time, I felt helpless just staring at her pale features coated with hot tears, what did she do to deserve all the pain?

"He is not worth your tears, don't give them the satisfaction that you're nothing without them. You are the strongest person I know, you've gone through worse and you are still standing tall with your head held high." I told her, making her smile.

"I'm glad I have someone like you when I feel like no one gives two shits about me."

"Can you say that again? I need it for future reference," I said bringing out my phone and she laughed softly, pushing my hand away.

"I wonder how I got so lucky to have someone like you."

If only she knew I was the lucky one, I did do anything for her even if it kills me.

"That's deep, Chlo. I'm flattered." I said dramatically with my palm on my chest while fanning my face with my other hand.

She laughed and pushed me to the bed. "I'm sorry for not calling."

"I don't blame you for anything. I understand why you did it," I whispered looking at her as she smiled at me.

"Come here, I want an assurance that I'm not dreaming," I demanded opening my arms, she laughed and drifted closer till we were wrapped in a warm embrace.

"I missed you, Vina," she sighed.

"It's hard not to, I don't blame you," I said and she hit me.

"How did you afford this place?" I asked staring at the spacious room that looked bigger than my room.

"Adrian gave me some money but I..."

"Adrian? Adrian freaking Parker?!" I cut in and sat up to look at her.

"Well...I was staying at his place the whole time," she confessed.

Mentiroso gilipollas

"That scumbag! He said he knew nothing!" I was pissed, the asshole lied right in my face, literally.

"I told him to keep it a secret."

"But at least he would have said something to make me feel better, I'm going to run my fist through his face when I see him."

"Adrian is not the bad guy, I know he knew about it and never told me but he is not a bad person." she defended him.

"Don't be an idiot, Chloe, you see the good in people even when it's not there and look where that got you," I said angrily. The look on her face made me want to take my words back but she needed to hear the truth. "I'm sorry, I just don't want you to get hurt again, and to avoid that, you need to be far away from those people, Adrian included."

"He is my friend, it's okay if you hate him but it's my choice." she sighed and turned away from me.

"Sure," I mumbled and lay back. "I'm still gonna punch him though," I said and she laughed.

"With what? That hand that looks like a toothpick? Sure," she said and I kicked her playfully.

Chloe's ringtone blared somewhere in the room, she stood up and went to pick her phone. She took a glance at me before answering the call, I knew who it was. I started singing out loud to block out the sound of their conversation.

I got tired and stood up, I started looking around the room. I stopped at her closet which was empty. I decided to help her unpack, I unzipped her suitcase and got to work. After removing some clothes, I found three bottles of vodka. I had to stop myself from being disappointed. It was bound to happen anyway, Chloe always turned to alcohol for her pain. It seemed it had gotten worse from the last time. I only hope she wasn't doing drugs again, I didn't want her to go down that dark path again. I picked the bottles and went to the bathroom to empty everything in the sink.

Chloe rushed into the room when I was pouring the last drink away.

"What are you doing? I need that!" She looked furious.

"No, you can't go down this path again, not on my watch."

"I need it, Vina, it's the only thing keeping me sane." She cried. She frantically tried to get the last bottle out of my hands before it became empty.

I finished and took her hand, pulling her out of the bathroom with me as she stared at the sink as if I just poured away the only water left in the world.

"You are stronger without that, Chlo."

"No," she shook her head. "The pain will drive me insane, I can't!" she shook her head vehemently.

I cupped her face, trying to get her attention as she shook her head, "No, listen to me. You're human and you are allowed to feel pain but you can't keep deceiving yourself with alcohol that you are okay."

It took her a while to calm down, but eventually, she promised me not to take it anymore. I knew her too well to buy her lie, but it was baby steps.

"How long are you planning on staying here?" I asked. She couldn't live here.

"I don't know, I was thinking maybe we could rent an apartment together."

"Finally! Yes! I have been waiting for this moment. I will look up for a nice apartment when I get home." I jumped in excitement.

My phone rang, it was my Dad. A text came from my mom at the same time.

Mami- come home now!

Seems there was an emergency. I looked over at Chloe, she was staring at the bathroom where I'd empty the alcohol. I was caught between staying with her and going home to my family. I didn't want to leave her side but something bad might be happening at home.

"Come home with me, just for tonight. I need to be sure you're okay."

"No," she shook her head. "I'll be fine, I promise. Just go home, we can hang out tomorrow."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Vee, I can take care of myself. Now go home to your family, it could be about your Dad."

I nodded, I knew my Dad's health was getting critical and every day I fear I might suddenly lose him. "Fine, I'll come over tomorrow, call me if you need anything, I don't care if it's three in the morning"

"Yes, now go," she pushed me toward the door. I turned around and hugged her, she sank into my arms and hugged me back tightly.

"I'll send you a playlist to get you in the mood, don't listen to any Taylor Swift songs got it?"

"Crystal clear." She smiled.

"No more crying over that piece of shit," I poked her and walked to the door. I called for an uber as I took the stairs.

I took out my key as I got to the front porch of my house. I unlocked the door and entered quickly as my heart raced anxiously.

"I'm home!" I yelled tiredly. "What's the emergency? Did Dad's blood sugar go down again?" I asked walking into the living room.

I paused when I saw two unwanted guests in the living room. My blood went cold. What were Chloe's parents doing at my house at this hour? I sent a questioning glance toward my parents before greeting Chloe's parents.

"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Simpson," I said with a small awkward smile before I started heading for the stairs.

"Please, wait," I heard Mr. Simpson's desperate voice.

I froze in my spot for a moment before I turned around with a straight face. Did my mom seriously have to be a snitch?

"Can you tell us where our daughter is? Please?" Mrs. Simpson sniffled and wiped the tears in her eyes away with a handkerchief. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Her fake tears won't sway me.

"I don't know. Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you."

"Fabiola!" My Dad called, a glint of warning in his voice.

"Please Belvina, we are really worried about her." Mrs. Simpson whimpered, standing up from her seat.

"I'm telling the truth, I have no idea where she is," I lied in a calm tone, regardless of the anger igniting inside me.

"But you told me she called you this afternoon and sent you her address."

I tried my best not to shoot a glare at my mom. "Screw this." I exhaled, there was no need lying. If Chloe didn't want to see them, it was her choice. She was old enough to make her own decisions.

"Yes, Chloe called me and I have been with her the whole day but she wants to be alone, so forget about getting her location." I saw Mr. Simpson release a heavy breath and relax at the information.

"Really?" Her mom broke into a smile and placed a hand on her chest like her heart could beat again. I tried to refrain from rolling my eyes at her masquerade.

"If you don't mind, I have homework due by midnight." Everyone watched me as I climbed the stairs.

I drowsily stretched my arms with a groan and entered my bedroom. I twisted the knobs on my bathtub to turn on the water. I let the water run over my hand smoothly while I waited for it to reach the best temperature. When it did, I clogged the drain and applied my face scrub as I waited for the bathtub to fill up to my satisfaction.

I ran the tips of my fingers over my vinyl records, looking for one to play. I easily chose my favorite album, I met You When I was 18 by Lauv. I hummed along to the tune as I skillfully wrapped my lung curls in a brown scarf. I slid my body into the foamed bathtub and immediately began to relax. I let my eyes fall shut as I listened to the music flowing throughout the room. I stayed in the water until my fingers resembled prunes and the water's heat had cooled to be lukewarm. Chloe was safe now.

I guess I will just tell Professor Erin my WiFi at home got disconnected and I couldn't do the homework. Nursing school was hell.

Grey's loud honk woke me up the next morning. I sluggishly picked my phone up from my bedside table and opened my eyes to check the time.

"Shit!" I jumped down from my bed, tripping as I ran to my window. "Give me twenty minutes!" I yelled at him, hoping he would wait. I'd stay up till one in the morning with Chloe talking about everything and nothing.

I ran around my room like a maniac, picking out an outfit. I guess I will have to do my workout in the evening. I was still trying to adapt to a routine. I took a quick shower. I finished in record time and put on a black turtleneck top and a floral strappy dress. I put on my black Docs. Marten's boots and grabbed my stuff for school. I ran down the stairs with great speed. My boots tapped loudly against the marble floor with each step I took.

"Bye, Mami!" I yelled, running to the door. She didn't reply or look my way. She was kneeling in front of the statue of Our lady of Guadalupe, praying the same way she did every morning.

"Sorry, I slept late." I apologized to Grey when I entered the car. He nodded his head in understanding and leaned back on his seat with his arms folded.

Grey had sunglasses on, hiding his eyes from the sun. I looked back and saw Zyon fast asleep in the backseat. His unruly curls covered half of his face. He too had sunglasses over his eyes. I rolled my eyes as I looked between the two of them.

"Please don't tell me you're both recovering from a hangover," I said after observing them.

The car started moving on its own after Grey pressed a button. I watched him as he relaxed to take a nap as the car drove off without him controlling the wheels. I felt unease sink into me as we turned onto a new road. I'd rather put my trust in a person than a piece of tin.

"Can you at least drive or do you want me to drive? I don't mind." I offered, hoping he would let me take control.

"Don't worry, I trust Bella." He said referring to his car. I found myself rolling my eyes at him.

"Well unlike you, I don't put my whole faith in technology."

"It's fine, Vee. It's not the first time I'm letting Bella take charge." He said with a sigh.

"I am not going to be a part of this suicidal act," I told him. He didn't hear me, or if he did he was doing a good job at pretending he hadn't.

"Fine, ignore me all you want but just know if we get pulled over by the cops, I will tell them you both kidnapped me." I threatened with a glare.

"Jeez, relax." He grunted and sat up. I grinned in triumph when he turned to look at me. He let a short sigh escape his small lips before he put a hand on the wheel.

"Shades off, I wanna be sure you're not sleeping," I ordered reaching over and pulling them off his face myself.

"Ohh, you look like shit," I tried to hold back a laugh. I study the expensive pair of sunglasses I held in my hands, I was not giving these back.

"So, how did it go with Chloe?" he asked, glancing at me slightly. I pointed at the road before responding.

"Good."

"What was her reaction when you mentioned my name? Did she enjoy the sandwich?" I knew he was eager to get back into her life, but did he have to be so obvious?

"I got too excited and didn't say anything about it, sorry." I shrugged a bit.

"It's fine. I hope she's okay?"

"She will be, she is a fighter."

"Yeah, she is." A small smile spread over his lips as if he was going over a memory of her. "Can I see her after school?" he asked.

"I'm not sure, I have to ask her."

"Why are you guys screaming? It's so loud in here." Zyon grumbled from the back, placing his hands over his ears.

"Next time, control your alcohol," I scolded, looking back.

"What's a party without some booze?" Zyon asked.

"Peace and quiet."

"She got admitted into the hospital the first time she took a sip of tequila." Grey laughed.

"Are you sure you're normal?" Zyon teased, raising a thick eyebrow at me.

"More than you for sure." I snapped back at him.

"Poor thing, you're missing out on the best part of your life."

"I don't care!" I yelled in his ear.

He moved back with a groan, rubbing his temple as he distanced himself from me.

He whined, "I think you just gave me a migraine."

"Why did you guys even bother getting out of bed when you both look like famished vampires?"

"Test," they both groaned.

"Did you guys even study? I pity your G.P. A's."

"No, but we know how to hustle for answers." Grey wiggled his eyebrows, Zyon nodded in agreement. The car came to a stop at the sidewalk leading to the entrance to the east wing where I took all my nursing classes.

"Can I have that back? I don't wanna go around looking like this." Grey pleaded, referring to the sunglasses I stole from him.

"Promise you will give it to me later?" I demanded. He knew I wouldn't give them to him if he won't give them back.

"Sure, I promise." He said with a smile.

"It's too big for your face though," Zyon sniggered.

"You are lucky I'm in a good mood today, Beckham. Don't push me." I threatened with a smile, I turned to leave.

"Now I know why she is still single," Zyon blurted. "Drive!" He shouted to Grey when I turned around to look at him.

I was already ten minutes late. Today, I had a two-hour class and a shift at my part-time job at the university café. And I tutored two people in Spanish.

I took the backseat, that way I could look up affordable and nice apartments while recording the lecture for later. I just hope I don't get caught recording because all professors were against it.

I tried Chloe' line as I stepped out of the café after my shift. Her line was switched off, I wanted to tell her I was coming over and ask if she would like me to get her anything. It was almost five in the evening, so why would she switch off her phone?

"Belvina!" Someone called from a distance not so far from where I was.

I looked up from my phone and made eye contact with the last person I wanted to see right now.

"What are you doing here?" I asked Adrian dryly as he approached me in a fine-tailored suit that made it almost impossible to look away. "We have some students at the welcome center who can answer all your questions and direct you to the service center." I hissed and started walking away.

"Have you heard from Chloe? I have been trying to reach her all day." I didn't show it, but I was immediately more worried.

"No, but I'm sure she is fine." I waved off the growing concern.

"You're not worried?" He asked curiously as he fell into step beside me.

"She is fine, Adrian. Chloe won't do anything stupid."

"Can you tell me where she is staying?"

"No," I said, not looking his way as we walked side-by-side on the sidewalk.

I was surprised she didn't tell him. I thought they were close after the way she defended him.

"Belvina," he called, grabbing my wrist to halt my movement. The touch of his hand caused a wave of anger to flood through me.

"If you ever think of touching me again, you will have my footprint on this Doc. Marten on your face." I warned and pulled my hand away.

"Noted. I only wanna know where she is, I'm worried." He said calmly, running a hand through his dark hair.

I gave up with a sigh, "Okay, let's go together. I was about to go see her anyway."

"Great," he said, still smiling. His dimples made my dimples jealous. I peeled my eyes away from his perfect face and followed him as he walked away.