All Is Fair In Love and War

Chapter 9: The Fight

The drive back to my apartment was miserable. I couldn’t understand Arlene’s hatred towards me. It did not make sense to me at all. We were the best of friends, we swore never to hurt each other, but she did nonetheless.

Tears fell down my eyes. Even though I could not forgive her, I had the hope that we would at least speak to each other, someday in the future.

I parked outside my apartment complex and burst into tears. I was alone in my car and the only noise I heard was of the rain falling.

Once I was done crying, I ran inside my apartment.

I checked my phone and saw I had many messages.

I opened Ron’s texts. He said he wanted to see me and was going to drop by in a couple of minutes.

I saw texts from my mom, who was asking how I was doing. I was going to reply to her once I had calmed down.

I saw a text of Jeremy, who was apologizing and asked to see me. In a later text, he added that he would show up unexpectedly if I didn’t answer his texts. I didn’t care. He could show up to my apartment for all I cared. I wouldn’t allow him in.

Finally, I saw Bryce's texts. He was asking what time he should come by. He also asked if he should bring anything, like food or entertainment. His thoughtfulness made me smile. Despite having a horrible day, he was there to cheer me up. Sometimes I felt like he was the angel that fell from the sky to help me, like he had said about me.

I replied immediately to Bryce. Come in an hour. Bring food! I have movies we could watch here ;)

My phone vibrated moments after I replied to him. Dirty movies? ;P

I laughed uncontrollably. This was the funniest thing I heard all day.

Not dirty movies. Just a movie. Sorry to burst your bubble. We could leave that for another time ;D. As I sent the message, I felt relieved because I was starting over again with a guy I really liked, and who was incredible. Even though I only knew him for a short amount of time, I felt very comfortable and protected when I was with him.

Hm. I’ll take you up on that offer. See you soon. XXX, I read. I was excited in seeing him.

I heard a knock on the door and I ran to open it. I saw Ron with an umbrella, but he was soaked. I invited him in and offered him something to drink. I boiled water for tea.

“I’m sorry I haven’t returned your phone calls, Ron” I said while I was in the kitchen. Ron moved into the kitchen and sat on a chair, facing me.

“It’s understandable. I’m sorry I was being stupid. I overstepped my boundaries. I realize now what you said. I’m a fool for not realizing what we could have had. But, I know that I’m too late now,” he says looking disappointed. I felt uncomfortable as he talked. I was afraid he would insist on being more than friends, which is not what I wanted.

“That day, I know it was the alcohol and vulnerability that caused us to kiss. But, after hanging out with you, I felt that my feelings for you grow. I knew it wasn’t platonic, but much more...amorous. After you stopped talking to me, I felt that I would rather see you happy and to be your friend than not be in your life at all.” My jaw dropped and I felt like all the air was taken out of me. I closed my mouth, gulped and started processing what I heard from Ron.