Confessions of a Bestfriend

Chapter 21 Closure

Chapter 21

(Aria's POV)

Rain started pouring in as I ran towards the old apartment in downtown. Water splashed on my black leather boots when I stumbled on a puddle of water.

Ugh. I hated this kind of weather. It's cold, damp and undeniably wet. Even if I am in the punk/emo/gothic/grunge side who usually favored this dramatic mood, I would rather prefer a dry, sunset afternoon.

I gazed up at the building that was four stories high. It had an architectural design like the ones in Europe wherein there were classic carvings on the corners. However, this seemed to be built in cheaper materials. I could tell from the rusting emergency staircases and broken glass windows.

I pulled down my damp hood and entered the grotesque door. A man was slacking in the side. He must have been drunk after five beers that was imminent on top of the table. I guessed that he was the caretaker. I crept in slowly towards the wooden staircase. It made an eerie sound whenever I step on the boards. I hastened towards the third floor, revolving around the spiral staircase. I badly needed air so I could catch my breathe. I inhaled and exhaled deeply three times and successfully calmed myself.

I moved towards room number ten and pushed the doorbell twice. The white door opened and Mark came into view.

He was looking a bit dreary with his full on eyebags and blood shot eyes. It appeared he had not have enough sleep. His clothes were crumpled and his brown hair still a mess. Posture wise, he surely was tired.

Guilt slowly possessed me after I saw him this way. However, I am not here to take him back. I am here for another purpose.

"Hi." I tried to smile.

"What are you doing here?" He inquired with anger in his tone.

"I need to talk to you." I stated.

"What's there to talk? You made it clear last night, remember?" His sarcasm really hit me hard.

"This may sound weird and all but I'm here to help." I implied.

"Help? I don't need help. Look at me!" He turned around in three hundred sixty degrees trying to mock me.

"You look awful Mark." I grabbed his arm which he then shoved away.

"Go home Aria. I don't need you... or anyone!" He shouted.

I pushed him aside and led myself in. The room was messier than usual with all the paints scattered on the floor. Scrunched up papers on the bed and a foul smell of god-knows-what.

Mark's been living alone since his family moved to Chicago. He decided to stay here and finish senior year. Back when we were together I only met his family once. That's when they visited him. They - meant his mother, older sister Lia and younger brother Kyle. His father died in a car accident when he was nine. So, he's practically the man of the house. His mother single handedly raised them with her two part time jobs as a nurse and a housekeeper. Mark, on the other hand, also worked as a waiter at the cafe in downtown. He needed the money to pay rent and also to support himself. Survival was his game. This neighborhood was not much of a He was a good guy, sensible, and funny.

The only downside to him was he does not show much feelings. I only found out that he did not want to be with me anymore when he was already dating Michelle. I hated him for that. But, inspite of all the hiatus that happened with us, I did not want it to end like this. So, I am here to fix it.

"Did something died in here?" I asked to lighten up the mood.

"Let's get this over with." Mark ordered as he slammed his door that made my heart jump.

"Okay, I know you caused the fire Mark." I bluntly stated.

"Did your boyfriend told you that?" He asked with a sheepish grin.

"Yes but I want to know your side of the story." I had to establish trust.

"Do you?" He chuckled.

"Come on Mark. Stop being like this. We're done and I mean what I said last night. Please, understand." I pleaded.

He gave me a smug and went for his mini kitchen snagging a soda from the fridge. He chugged it down up to the last bit and finally answered.

"I thought I still had a chance with you. I felt bad from what I have done. Michelle freaking dumped me for that lame jock and then you rejected me. I guess I did not take it very well."

I nodded and emphatized with him. I thought that was all he would say but he continued.

"I got drunk and wanted to be alone. I found the art room and thought I could hang there. We had a lot of history in that room." He grinned. "Then your boy came up looking for you. I was like 'what the fuck!'. Of all the peole he would be the one to show up."

"He said he saw you smoking in there." I implied.

He nodded. "Yea, I was pretty drunk that time and so freakingly pissed. My emotions got the best of me. So, I punched him. It felt good however he answered back and... and I passed out. I found myself outside the yard and was flabbergasted that the art room was blazing in fire. I got scared and panicked."

"So you ran away and left." I exclaimed.

I felt disgusted. He was a coward and preferred to save himself.

"No. I called for help. I waited for the firetruck and police to come. I did not know at first that you were stuck in the building. But then I overheard your bandmates talking. I called your house and told your mom." He explained.

Everything he's saying was slowly gaining up in my head. He helped us. He's the one who called up to my house. I did not know what to say.

"You did that?" I asked.

"Yes, I was about to go back inside to help but the police and firemen did not allow it. Then, your brother arrived he was too stubborn and went pass the police. A few minutes later, the four of you came into view." He narrated.

"Zeke went looking for you but you were gone." I muttered.

"I could not stand seeing you with him. I felt like crap having to cause all of that and because of me you nearly died. So, I decided to stay away. I am satisfied that you were safe." He said.

I could not believe what I was hearing. Was it some kind of a confession? A confession that he truly loved me. How was I going to react from this?

"Uhm...I...don't know what to say." I shook my head and still absorbing what he said.

"You don't have to say anything. I caused you pain. This, this is just the rebound effect." He grinned.

I smiled. "Mark, you have to tell what happened to the principal. He would gladly 'not' expel you if you admit your mistake and told that it was an accident."

"I don't know 'bout that." He sat on his bed and held his head.

"Trust me Mark. He may be strict and whiny at times but he's a well rounded man." I reiterated and pat my hand on his brown messy hair.

"You think so? 'Cause I could get expelled you know." He muttered as he showed his genuine smile.

The Mark I used to know came back to life. When he smiled, he looked ten times younger from the haggard Mark that opened the door awhile ago. It's been months since we last had a conversation like this. I spent those days feeling bitter and depressed from our break up. I'm glad they were finally over.

"I know so." I gave him my warmest smile.

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{A/N}:

I've been busy but hope you guys dig this chapter. Tell me your comments, suggestions or violent reaction. I'm suffering from Writer's Block. o_O

Dont forget to vote. tnx

xoxo

Nica