Six months later...
"HAPPY GRADUATION DAY!" declared Jason, bursting through my bedroom door like a whirlwind. "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! We have some celebrating to do."
I yawned. "Oh, yeah?"
He smiled and joined me by sitting at the foot of my bed. "But first, let's get serious..."
Oh no.
"I'm gonna miss having you as my roommate."
A small pull tugged at my stomach. "Careful. You'll make me cry again."
He simply laughed.
"I'll miss you too, Jase. It's been one hell of a year."
He tensed his entire body, knowing first hand just how hectic things had been for me. Especially this last six months. Throwing myself into college work had resulted in me finishing college with a first class degree but it certainly didn't come without its sacrifices. My happiness being the main one.
"You're strong, Ebony. And Alex is a fucking idiot."
Since learning of my previous feelings for him, Jason has been nothing but supportive with me. We'd hashed it all out and got everything out in the open. He'd tried reasoning with his older brother, explaining to him exactly what went on the night he caught us kissing but Alex hadn't budged. He was adamant in keeping me away. Apparently, I deserved better.
"Let's not talk about him today."
"Agreed. Happy thoughts only," he stressed, pulling on my hand. "Now get dressed! I'm taking you out for breakfast."
~~~~
Mom couldn't make it to graduation. She'd contracted flu last week and still wasn't over the worst of it. Barely able to leave her bed, I ordered her to remain home whete I hoped she'd gain back some of her strength.
"Congratulations, class of 2020! You did it!"
Cheers could be heard throughout, followed by the tossing of caps. I threw mine in the air and caught it with a surprising amount of grace, smiling the entire time. I caught up with Jez and Cordelia, hugging them both with everything I had.
"I can't believe you guys are ditching me for an entire year," I moaned, only half serious.
The pair were temporarily moving to Australia where they planned to do a lot of travelling.
"You can visit during the school holidays," offered Jez, eyes gleaming.
I'd been offered my dream teaching role just last week and my best friend couldn't have been prouder. I was both nervous and excited. Excited because I was finally going to be a teacher and nervous because I was finally going to be a teacher. Preparations still needed to be sorted. As of next week, I had nowhere to live and needed to somehow find enough money to purchase a car.
Financial independence sucks ass!
"Ebony!"
A voice I recognised caught my attention, followed immediately by-
Shit!
There he was. Tall, handsome and fucking delicious.
"Congratulations sweetheart!" gushed Mrs HartâJason's mom.
"Thanks. You look great," I told her, trying my hardest not to stare at her eldest.
What the fuckedy fuck fuck is he doing here?
"You look gorgeous. And that dress! It's a wonder my son didn't snap you up."
I practically died on the spot.
"You have no idea," muttered Jez, taking joy from my misery.
I threw daggers his way.
"These are my friends," I introduced, turning my attention elsewhere.
I could feel Alex watching me. Regarding my every move.
"Guys, this is Jason's mom."
"Nice to meet you," replied Cordelia, always so civil.
Just as I was about to intervene, a warm hand grasped my bare arm. "Can we talk?"
His breath tickled my neck, sensual as ever. A traitorous shiver ran the length of my spine as I attempted to resist his magnetism.
I nodded. "Sure."
He lead me towards a quieter corner. Here, we were sheltered. Unbothered. Close.
"You look great," he praised, dragging his gaze along my knee-length dress.
I mirrored his actions, appreciating his snug trousers and white shirt.
"Thanks."
"I've missed you," he blurted out, blushing afterwards.
I dared a step closer. "You don't get to say that to me."
I attempted to harden my tone but even as the words spilled out, they sounded light. Humorous. Sexual?
"Oh?"
"You left," I continued, broaching his personal space. "Six, long months ago."
"And I've thought about you every day."
"When?"
"Always."
I quirked a brow. "When you touch yourself?"
He shifted, awkward in his execution. "Maybe."
I laughed, feeling for his bicep above the material of his shirt. "Too bad."
"What is?" he asked, reaching for my waist.
Expertly, I dodged his attempts last minute.
"Too bad you walked away," I informed, deliberately pressing every inch of my body into his. "All of this could've been yours."
He tensed, stuck frozen in place.
"Bye, Alex. It was nice seeing you again."
"What will it take for you to be mine again?" he asked, desperate. "I made a mistake, Ebony. Tell me how to fix it."
I smirked. "Why don't you figure it out and I'll let you know."
With that, I walked away before I could say anything more. Moments away from admitting defeat, I knew I needed space. Alex was intoxicating and as much as I thrived at the thought of him wanting me back, I couldn't ignore the pain he caused. The damage he'd done.
When he left, he broke me. I was only now just managing to pick myself up, healing as I went. Still, there were a few things missing. And I had a feeling the man I was currently walking away from still held the key to my heart.
Question is, will I let him in again?
Can I forgive him?
****
Will they, won't they?
Find out in the final chapter!!