The day that I go home for break.
I blow out a sigh of exasperation, wishing that I didn’t have to go, because technically break doesn’t start for a few days. But in all honesty, I can’t exactly stay here. I’ve finished my classes for the semester, so I have nothing to do. I thought I would have work, but no, the owner decided to close for the summer, being that most of our clientele are college students. On top of that, I’m not exactly on good terms with everyone else working there right now. I also have nothing better to do, and I promised my parents I would go see them, but that was before ...
Before I knew who moved in close to us.
I mean, I’m thoroughly planning on ignoring her and taking Chase’s advice. Besides, this will protect me in the long run. Ihaveto protect my heart. I can’t take any more pain. If I don’t, I don’t know if I would get over it a second time. I mean, I still haven’t gotten overit since the first time. Contemplating the whole situation and trying my best not to freak out anymore, my hand drags down my face as I sigh. Stuffing my suitcase, I make my way to the parking lot and jog to the driver’s side of the car, more than ready to roar its engine to life.
Somewhat ready to see how these months will go.
Biding my time to merge onto the busiest highway, I start to think about everything that I’m about to face.
Bianca Harrison is not only going to attend my college, but has also practically infiltrated my family. Mom called and got me up to speed. Apparently, Ms. Kate has invited us to an event, and I promised to make an appearance. Knowing Mom, she’ll be acting as if nothing happened, and for a second, I want to do that. Yet seeing that rejection—that look on Bianca’s face—cemented everything for me.
I refuse to go back to a place of hope. That place I dug myself out of when I realized that Bianca and I were a done deal. There’s still something inside of me, though, that still can’t come to its senses. This part of me that wants to give our friendship another chance, maybe one day dare to ask to be something more.
I sigh, gripping the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles turning white as I try to bury my feelings, effectively pushing them away—but they always come back. Turning on a randomplaylist, I raise the volume, hoping it drowns out my thoughts, but as my mind registers my getting closer to Los Angeles, music seems to be losing its usefulness.
Sighing at the restlessness in my head, and my ETA saying I have three hours to go, against my better judgment, I make a call.
“What do you want?”
I look at my phone in shock, scoffing at his tone.This idiot didn’t ...
“And you wonder why I never call you,” I mutter, moving my thumb to hang up.
But not before he says, “Wait, no. I was joking.” He bursts out laughing and I roll my eyes. Why did I become sort of friends withthis guy again? He starts to calm down, and I can imagine him wiping the tears off his face. “At least now you know how you are.”
I huff. “I’m not like that.”
“Alright, if you say so.”
I scowl at his response, and the car becomes utterly silent, to the point that all I can hear is the sound of my tires spinning along the road and the gentle hum of the motor.
“You still there?” he asks.
“Yeah, I’m here. You’d know if I hung up on you.”
He chuckles. “There he is. So, what’s up?”
“Nothing really,” I say as I yawn, already tired of the trip.
“I don’t believe you. Younevercall me. Not once. I almost dropped my phone when I saw your caller ID on my screen.”
“Really? I can’t imagine why,” I say, and accelerate slightly as I merge into a different lane.
“Are you there yet?”
“No, still got three hours to go.”
“Damn.”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, this small talk is sad. What did you really call me for?” he asks. “Is it about Harrison?”
“Sort of.” I sigh. “I wish she hadn’t come back.”Lies. “I hate her, and her enrolling at college and moving minutes away from my home is screwing with my head.” More lies, but I guess I have to convince myself somehow.
“You don’thateher.”
