Call from Destiny | COMPLETED | English

CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO: New Start

C L A I R E

It took me another week to decide. Benedict was suspicious of the two of us but Sam and I pulled it off and said nothing about the exchange program.

Ethan was still silent so I decided that it was probably time to break off the relationship through a message. There was no other way to call things off, especially when he's not even here. He won't even answer my calls.

Still glancing back at the email I had from the university, I breathed deeply as I fixed my hair. Claire, you don't have to worry about anything. You won't see him anymore. It's probably for the best. This was your dream, right? 

I didn't notice that my cheeks had already been wet from the teardrops that had rolled down on them. Taking my handkerchief, I was thankful that I hadn't put on make-up yet, or else I'm screwed. 

 No, Claire, you shouldn't be feeling like this now. You're already taking steps towards your goals.

 The door creaked right behind me and a familiar voice called my name. "Claire, are you ready?"

Wiping my tears, I shook my head. "Just a few more minutes."

Sam noticed how silent I was so I felt her sitting on my bed — looking at me worriedly. She probably knew that I was still in love with him even though it hurts so much. He could've at least left a breakup message so it would hurt less but no, I had to find it out like this. 

I knew that maybe I was just overreacting and that Vanessa was only making it up to get back at me. But having Ethan give me the silent treatment was something else. He wasn't denying it. He had the time to explain where he was. 

Though, he decided to give me plain old radio silence.

"I still can't believe that you're leaving..." Sam mumbled under her breath. I just gave her a nod as she pulled away. After that, she decided to help me with the makeup so we could leave as soon as possible. 

She only told Benedict that she would be ordering Mcdonald's and wouldn't really take long --- which I thought was a bad excuse, to begin with. Though she got away with it so I wasn't arguing. 

"Well, if you need me, I'll be right outside." I then felt her stand up from the bed and walk away. My eyes looked right through my reflection and I tried to force myself to smile. 

You will be alright. 

Taking my suitcase, I went downstairs to say goodbye to my aunt. She was already there in the living room, smiling as she hugged me before kissing me on the forehead. "Stay safe, Claire. If you run into trouble, call me, alright?"

"My niece would be there at the airport. She'll guide you in New York." I gave her a final nod and smiled, bidding her goodbye before I went outside where Sam was already waiting in the car. 

Taking one last look at the house, I sadly sighed. 

Maybe this is for the best. 

---

I looked outside the car, I could see the lights passing by as if it was just a blurry image. I looked at my phone full of messages from Benedict --- asking if I was home. Of course, I told him the same thing, that I needed some time to recover and wasn't really in the mood to talk.

I even told my aunt that if there were any guests, she'd tell them that I wasn't really in great condition and that I need some space. 

Right now, I'm sure that Benedict was probably wondering where Sam is, considering that it was almost an hour and a half since she left. In fact, Sam and I were here in the car waiting at McDonald's –- waiting for our order so she won't get caught when she gets home. 

Sam suddenly looked at me as she leaned back in her seat. I could feel the tension in the car when she looked at me and didn't take her eyes off me.

"Are you sure about this, Claire? You're not really going to inform him? " Sam asked me as I nodded. She just sat quietly next to me before taking our orders and thanked the woman. There was no way I could do that. 

After a few seconds, she suddenly started the car again and gave me the sundae and fries I ordered. The food for the two of them, though, was placed in the back seat.

"He left without even giving closure. So, I think it's best if I break up with him on a message and let go," I replied, trying to sound monotonous. But, I could still hear my voice cracking a bit as I held back the teardrops that were daring to roll down on my cheeks.

Why does it take so long to heal?

Looking back at the window, I couldn't help my hands but shake and take deep breaths. What will happen to me when I'm in New York? 

Will I be happy? Will I finally be able to start fresh?

There was no Sam, no friends that would be right next to me. I'm just alone, heading to a country that I've never even been to.

I took another deep breath once I waited for Sammie to park the car in a parking lot at the airport. This is it. There is no going back. As soon as it stopped, I immediately opened the door, then closed it right behind me.

Sam, on the other hand, opened the trunk of her car and took out my suitcase. She sadly looked at me sadly before pouting. "I'll miss you. Get back soon, alright?"

"I will. I'll come back." I nodded after I said it. We both knew that it would take a long time for me to return but a few reassuring words won't hurt. Sam gave me a smile and accompanied me inside the airport.

Hopefully, I won't regret my decision.

Taking my suitcase, I finally set foot on a new chapter. 

Without him.