บท 47: Chapter 47: Absolution
THIRD PERSON POV
It was difficult for the four to focus on their classes especially that they’re classmates in most of their subjects. Science class is the hardest. Every time they would have a lab activity, Mitchelle mostly ignores Alex by dividing their work in a way that they’d work separately in the same table. Alex can’t complain of course, she asked for it.
On the other table, Breana is still confused and careful around Maria. She notices Ari taking most of the work. She takes this as a sign that the cheerleader probably doesn’t want to interact that much that’s why she’s keeping herself busy. Contrary to how Bree thinks, Ari is actually willing to do most of the work for her. She just doesn’t want Bree to push herself especially in her injured state.
---
It was around lunch now as Ari waits in the school gate for Bree. They don’t take lunches altogether now but she wants to talk to the girl.
She saw her walking alone.
“Hey.”
Breana looked up. She was surprised that all she could reply with is a shy ‘Hi’.
Maria matches her pace. “Where’s Alex?”
“Oh.” Bree is disappointed. “She went ahead. She’s taking Selena’s shift at the café.”
“I see. Can we talk, over lunch at the café?”
Bree falters. She looks at her companion as they slowed down to a stop. “Uhh…yeah.”
She wonders what the other wants to say but she feels relieved the girl is talking to her.
“Where’s Sunny?”
“Her sister is coming back from Europe; she wants to see her early. . . I’ll carry those.” Ari states.
“Huh?”
The cheerleader pointed at the books Bree is cradling in her arms.
“No. No. It’s fine.”
“Don’t be stubborn. Come on. Hand them over.” She insisted.
“Th-thanks.” The smaller girl hesitantly gave it. “I’m not stubborn.” She added.
“Yes you are.”
“No, I’m not.” She called out as they continued their way.
After a while, Ari speaks. “Then why would you get into an argument that you know would lead you into a fight you have no chance of winning?”
Bree pouts. She knows what Ari is referring to. “Because I-”
“Because you’re stubborn.” Ari butts in again. “Come on, I’ll treat you to lunch.” She speeds up, leaving the slower girl in front of the café door, and ordered their food. When Bree went in, Ari is already seated on one of the tables. She sat opposite her.
“What is it you want to talk about and why are you treating me lunch?” Breana is bewildered with Ari’s actions towards her. It was just last week when her world was upside down with everything that happened. She thought Maria hated her for not telling the truth, consequently hurting her feelings.
“A lot of reasons. I want to talk to you because first I wanted to say sorry.”
“Why? I should be the one apologizing, Ari.”
“I’m not yet done talking.” The girl’s voice was stern. Bree thought she is going to be scolded, she purses her mouth as Ari continues. “Sorry for not giving you the chance to explain. I guess I was being an emotional mess that all I could focus on was on my pain. I mean, I am pining over you and you didn’t tell me you’re already in love with Alex. Also, the fact that we are best friends, well at least that’s how I see us, means that I should at least know as your friend. You could tell me you know. I told you, you don’t have to reciprocate my feelings. I just wanted to stay by your side, it doesn’t matter if as a lover or a friend. I want you to stay in my life.” Ari confesses to Bree. She looked at the girl, meaning every word she said.
“I’m sorry too. I couldn’t accept it at that time. I was fine watching by the sideline until Alex fell for Sunny. I had to accept it and let it go. I’m so sorry I couldn’t tell you. It was hard, I was with her most of the time but she never saw me like that but yeah, I let her go. I just want to come in terms with it before telling you. I’m sorry.”
“I know. I forgive you and I want to say thank you for defending my name when I wasn’t there.”
“How did you know?”
Ari was unprepared for the question. If she admits she was there, it might come off as rude as to why she didn’t go in with Alex. “I heard…from some people.” Technically, ‘some people’ means directly from Bree and the bullies.
“Oh so are you thanking me for being stubborn?” Bree playfully asked.
“Of course not.” Ari giggles.
They ate their lunch as they chatted, filling in each other on how their weekend went without each other.
---
“Ari, I still have to go to the library. Do you want to come?”
“Uh, I still have to wait and talk to Alex.” Ari points at the counter where Alex is.
“Ooh, okay.” She gave Ari a knowing look and a nod, understanding that they’ll also have some girls talk just like what they did. She gathered her things and stood to go.
“Take care.”
“Ari?” Bree turned before going.
“Hmm?”
“I want you to stay in my life too.” She gave a sweet smile to Ari who is apparently blushing at the sudden words.
Then Bree runs out, almost slipping, worrying Ari again. Good thing, Bree caught her balance before she even falls.
“That girl.” Ari sighs. “Will be the death of me.”
----
“You looked into what I asked you?”
“Yeah. Coincidentally, it’s like what you said.”
“It’s no coincidence.”
“You think it’s her doing?”
“Yes.”
Ari looked back on all of the events that lead to this. It all fits. She tersely stood up from her seat.
“Where are you going?” Alex held her by the arm.
“To her.”
“And then what? You’re already demoted for picking up a fight with your teammates. Do you really want to get kicked out of the team? After all that you’ve done for it, you’re going to waste it?” Alex tried putting in some sense into the girl.
“Then what do we do? Just let it go? You were affected too.”
“I know. That’s why I’ll be the one to confront her. I know I’m not good at handling my jealousy but I can hold in my anger better than you.”
Ari sighs deeply, calming herself. “That we can agree on. Okay.” She sat back on her seat.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you this. Why did back off when you saw me coming?” The sight of Ari backing off when she was almost at the washroom where the commotion was, incites Alex’ thoughts.
Ari leans her head on the headrest of the seat. Her eyes are closed. “I was there and so are you but I wasn’t the one she wanted to come and save her. It was you, Alex.”
“What if you’re wrong?”
To this Ari opened her eyes. “I want you to stay in my life too.” The words Bree said resounded in her head. “I can only hope so.” She replied to Alex.
“Hey, uh…did Sunny, uhm, told you. . .anything?” Alex lightly scratches her temple. She awkwardly looks at younger one.
“I’m not saying anything. It’s not my place to say anyway. Go ask her coward.” Ari teases.
Alex chuckled. “I hate you.”
“Don’t worry the feeling is mutual.” Ari laughs off and Alex joined in.
To some people who are passing by or just looking at them, they might have come off as crazy people laughing their ass off.
---
P.S. I might have slept in the wrong position, my neck hurts =_=" Have a nice day everyone!
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