"What's wrong with you?" I'm nervous as hell but I was definitely not gonna let him know that.
"If for some reason what I've been hearing is right, why the fuck are you going on a date with Lucas? That fucking nerd." Not that I'm even going on a date with Lucas, but why is he getting shitty over this? And how did people even hear about this? It's not the most exciting news ever.
"Don't call him a nerd just because you're angry for absolutely no reason." I roll my eyes, "Oh and not that it's any of your business anyway, I'm not going on a date with him. We're just friends."
Here I was thinking we were going to get on today and not argue for once. Not that I'm too shocked, the arguing happens way too often anyway.
I stand up ready to walk away but I know he probably has something else to say so for some stupid reason, I let him say it.
"You're not going with him," I smirk and laugh dryly while shaking my head. Is he deluded? Why would I not go out, as friends might I add, just because he said so?
"Wanna bet?" I roll my eyes at his pathetic demand and walk off.
I text Mia throughout the rest of the day and it goes by pretty fast. Next thing I know I'm at home getting dressed for the dinner tonight. I decided to wear a baby blue skater dress, not because it's my favourite dress but because it was my mums favourite.
I look out the window and the street lights blur as we pass. "How have you two been doing lately? Sorry, I haven't been around much, work it hectic."
"I'm good thanks."
"I'm fine."
My phone buzzes and I pull it out of my pocket awkwardly.
Mee: Hope you're feeling okay.
I just respond with a simple thank you.
"Was that Mia?" Josh asks curiously and I just nod. Whenever Mia is involved he's interested. Thinking about it, it's cute I guess.
"Yeah, she was just seeing how I felt."
"Is she okay?"
"Yeah, I think so. She is your girlfriend you know, shouldn't you know these things." I tease, but start to feel guilty.
Mia is asking me how I am but this past week I haven't actually asked how she is because I was too busy worrying about myself.
"Josh, you have a girlfriend?" Nadia asks, with a large amount of excitement in her voice.
Josh turns and looks, or should I say glares at me.
"Wait isn't Mia your friend Andie?" Mark now asks.
Let me just say that after this Josh had his own Q and A while on the drive to the restaurant.
*****
Rubbing the tired out of my eyes, I drag myself out of bed and a sense of dread, grief and sadness hits me all in one. Yesterday's dinner was a lot better than I expected, we mainly talked about my mum and recalled all the fun times we had with her.
When I go and grab my bag I hit my nightstand and a photo of my mum and I almost falls but I catch it before it hits the floor.
40 years old, that's the age she would've been turning today. I can still remember exactly what she looked and sounded like. Her light brown hair, the exact same shade as mine, and her eyes that would light up whenever she smiled.
Boy, I miss her
*****
The school day is finally over but it felt like it was going to go on forever. Multiple times during the day I've wanted to cry but didn't and that's all down to Josh and Mia who have been by my side whenever they can to cheer me up or distract me somehow.
Both Mark and Nadia were gone by the time I got out of bed this morning but they left a note apologising and hoping that we, me and Josh, are going to be okay today. Nadia was distraught when we lost mum, she lost her best friend and sister.
I tried to cheer up Josh as much as I could this morning because I knew he was struggling as soon as I saw him.
When I get home, I'm the only one there and it feels a lot more lonely than usual. Josh has already gone out with Mia and Nadia and Mark are not going to be home for a while. I look at the clock and realise it's already five-thirty so I head out, locking up behind me.
When I pull up in the parking lot, Lucas is already there waiting for me. Walking in together, we notice the comedy that seems pretty good and a funny film is definitely the best option for today.
When I first got here, it was rather awkward but it got a lot better while we were queuing.
"If it were up to me I'd choose every type of candy up there but I don't think that's allowed so what'd you like?" I laugh and choose in an instant.
"Skittles, of course, the superior candy."
Lucas gasps, "As an M&M man myself, I take a lot of offence."
"Did you really just say that? M&Ms are definitely at the bottom of the scale, I don't think I can speak to you anymore."
We burst out laughing and make our way into the screening but I stop when an all too familiar voice speaks. Yes, you guessed it.
"Hey, Princess."
I turn around and there he is. The smug bastard is stood there with his cocky smirk and my smile is gone immediately.
"What are you doing here?" Of course, I already knew the answer. After what he said in the canteen yesterday it was obvious he was here to mess with me but how the hell did he know where we were?
"No princess, what are you doing here? I heard you speaking to Mia saying you were only going out with him to make me jealous. How could you do that to poor Lucas here, huh?"
What.
The.
Fuck.
He can't seriously be making all this up to spite me. I really hope Lucas knows better than to believe Cole's stupid lies. Out of all the days he could've messed with me, it had to be today.
"Lucas, don't listen to him. He's a lying pig." I say, now glaring at Cole again. "I swear to God Cole, if we weren't in a public place right now you'd be wearing my drink."
"Feisty as ever I see." Cole winks, still smirking. How isn't this bothering him? Making up such rubbish just to be a dick.
"Look, Andie, I believe you, but I think I'm just gonna go. Maybe you can sort out whatever issue you have going on here." He smiles weakly.
"Lucas wait!" I can't see if he turns around because Cole is blocking my view.
I can't even begin to express the anger and sadness I feel right now and they're definitely not a good combination.
"Are you being serious right now?" I whisper yell, trying now to draw too much attention to us.
"Why couldn't you just leave me alone? Lucas is nice and sweet and doesn't need someone like you making him feel like a second choice."
Don't cry. For the love of God, Andie. Don't you dare cry.
He can't know that he won.
"I needed this, Cole. I really, really needed this today because it was the only thing keeping me from falling apart."
And finally, Cole's smirk is gone. All it took was him pushing me over the edge.
Tears start to fall and through my blurred vision, I can still somehow see Cole's expression which is full of panic and worry.
I need to get out of here.
I walk past him as quickly as possible and he reaches out for my wrist but I pull it out of his grasp instantly, ignoring his calls for me to come back.
I'm not going to stand around while he says one of his pathetic apologies, there's no point. He'll just say it again two seconds later once yet again, screws up.
Once I'm outside I turn the corner and fall to the floor, pulling my knees to my chest and cry.
That's what I've needed to do all day and maybe for once, the pain will stopâthe grief, the woe, everything.
I try to stay as quiet as I can but must've failed because a familiar figure comes towards me with one thing and one thing only written on his face.
Regret.
"Andie, I-I don't know what to say." It was easy to notice that he was beyond speechless. But then again, what exactly do you say to a girl who is breaking down right in front of you?
He takes both of my hands and lifts me off the floor and holds me. I would've pulled away but don't have the energy for that. Especially if it were to just end in arguing.
"It's okay, I'm right here." He repeats while rubbing my back.
"It's okay, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere." His chin is resting on the top of my head and as comforting this hug is right now, something dawns on me.
I haven't visited my mum today. How could I be so stupid? How could I even forget to visit my own mother?
I pull away, looking him in the eyes, "I need to go." I hiccup. I run rapidly, hoping I lose Cole who is currently calling out and chasing after me.
I can hear the footsteps getting closer and closer so when I make the sharp turn I need to take, I pray that it throws him off.
I stop right in front of the florist and go inside to buy my mum's favourite flowers, roses. Red ones.
"Are you okay dear?" The lady behind the counter asks with concern. She looked at least 60 and she isn't the woman who usually serves me.
I fake a smile and nod even though my mascara stained face is the perfect indicator to say otherwise. I ask for a dozen roses and give her the money. She hands me the flowers and I thank her, leaving the shop in a dash.
I'm greeted with Cole who is pacing back and forth, "Are you okay?" He asks, his tone soft.
"I'm fine but I've got to go and do something. I'll see you tomorrow." I turn around ready to head for the cemetery but Cole stops me.
"I'm not leaving you, especially when you're this upset. Where ever you're going, I'm going too." If it was any other time I think I'd find that sweet but right now can't he just leave me the hell alone?
I groan, "For God sake Cole, just leave me alone!" His eyes are begging me not to leave and I don't think I can bare looking at the look on his face any longer so I leave.
A/N: Now would be the time to play the recommended song >>>>>
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This is a hella long chapter compared to my others with over 3500+ words!! I hope you like this chapter even though it's kinda sad :(
However, I ended it on a good note! I never usually do song recommendations for a chapter but if you like me doing it leave suggestions in my previous chapters and I'll add them at the top<3
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