Unsaid Love (JATP fanfiction)

• Chapter XII •

Juilliard University, NY, 2021

Fiona's POV:

"He's been trying really hard lately. I think he regrets it a lot..."

"You're not serious, are you?" Melanie asks, horrified.

"I'm sorry..."

"Fiona, I think Melanie is right," Julie intervenes.

"Guys, I have faith that he means well. Better help me
get rid of this other problem. Jessica."

"You don't get it. You're a good enough person to forgive such
things, but you can't trust him again. Trust doesn't come with a
refill. A second time would destroy you, you know that."

Yes, that's a complicated thing. Trust. It is the foundation of every interpersonal relationship.
It takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.
But sometimes, even forever isn't enough to bring back the same trust in someone's heart.
Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. When you give it to a person who doesn't deserve it, it gives this person the sway to destroy you.

Melanie exhaled deeply, having finished with what she now had to throw at me. But that's exactly what my best friend is. She is the one who tries to open my eyes, no matter how much it hurts. She just protects me from what would hurt even more.

"But I-.."

"But nothing. You know our opinion on this now, but we're behind you no
  matter what you decide. However, we will not be pleased with
all your decisions.", Julie interrupts me.

"I'm just warning you, don't be naïve.
You deserve someone who would never hurt you and treats you
like a queen," Melanie winks at me.

"What are you getting at girl?"

"I don't know... I do not think of a particular person", she shrugs and I can't help
  but shake my head.

Yes she does!

"Anyway, Jessica is an additional problem all her own," I sigh.

"Oh no, what did she do?", Julie asks worriedly.

"She is what she is. Sneaky, annoying and mean. Her put-down
look every time I walk into a room is unbearable. Today she 'accidentally'
spilled her fruit juice all over my T-shirt. Just childish that girl".

"That b*tch! Why do you put up with that. Time to fight back."
Melanie proclaims.

"What's the point, she'll always win."

"I have a feeling it's time for your personal bodyguard to step in again."

"Don't do anything you, Julie or I will regret."

"We'll see. I want her to have a very good memory of what happens
when she messes with you. Then she automatically messes with us."

"Yes girl!", Julie exclaims and gives Melanie a highfive.

And Melanie didn't promise too much with that. She is not someone who announces something but then doesn't follow through.
As if the universe would have it, there was the perfect opportunity the very next evening. Friday night, college party at Jessica's house. Such parties are the number one topic of conversation in the whole university as soon as they are announced. They are known to get really wild, just like at her big sister's a few years earlier. I guess the bitchy gene runs in the family.