Bad Decisions (Part 1)

Chapter 7: V-Day

Today was the Valentine's Day party and since the party was going to be at my house, I had to set up and prepare. I texted Niki if she could come early to help me set up. As soon as I put my phone down, it buzzed, and assuming it was Niki, I grabbed my phone again. Instead, it was a message from @itsalex.

Hey. It's been a while. How you been?

I began to type when my mom came outside with a few chairs for the party. I was surprised she even gave me permission to use the balcony but I did not question it for it was the first party I will be hosting with friends. I lived in an apartment complex that had many floors and my apartment, fortunately, had a balcony with an incredible view of the city. My mom also suggested using the pool area on-site to take my friends swimming.

"I have 6 more chairs in the garage. Do you need those or will these be enough?"

"I think I'll need more but it's okay I'll get them, mom. Thank you." she smiled and walked back into the house. My phone buzzed a few times and it was Alex calling. I answered and rested my phone on my shoulder while I organized the chairs.

"Hey. Just letting you know I will be there later since I'm picking mostly everyone up." I finished the chairs and finally grabbed my phone with my hand.

"Sure, that works." The phone hung up and I continued to set up.

About 2 hours later, the doorbell rings, and I open the door to greet Alex, Niki, Julia, Lisa, and Clay. There was only Hunter missing. I smiled weakly hoping he'd show up. He had been distant and rarely talked to me and it disappointed me because I was expecting him to show up on the one holiday that is meant for relationships but lately, it felt like we weren't even in one.

I tried to not let it get to me and continued about the day with my friends. We got to eat and listened to love songs and talked endlessly about relationships, friendships, which led to Alex. He talked about his girl and everyone carried the same opinion: to leave her. But Alex was so stubborn, he ignored us all.

"Let's go swimming," I suggested. My friends all looked at each other, shrugged, and screamed as they ran out of my apartment and towards the pool area. I stayed behind with Niki and we were in charge of the music. Just then, I started to think about Hunter and how he had missed all of this with me. It made me sad and angry all at once that we couldn't figure it out and solve our problems. Niki noticed I started to space out and put her hand on my shoulder,

"Friend. You look upset. Is everything okay?" I looked at her about to deny everything but instead gave in and told her everything that was going on with Hunter. Just then, Lisa and Julia walked up to the chair I was sitting at with Niki and I talked about Hunter with them. They were all very good listeners and Julia kept giving me solid blunt advice which was the only thing keeping me from crying my eyes out. They helped cheer me up and I appreciated their friendship.

"Thanks, guys for hearing me out. It has been hard and you girls really helped me feel better." Niki hugged me and Julia added,

"Of course. Let me know if you need me to beat Hunter up," she announced confidently which only made me laugh. Just then, I heard the pool door creak and I turned immediately to see who was at the door. My face fell when I saw Hunter staring at me with a disappointed face. He scoffed quietly and turned to leave. I look back at the girls who were also confused. I turned to run after him outside the hallway.

"Hunter, wait!" I looked around but he was nowhere to be found. The only place I thought of where he could be is back at the apartment on the balcony. I raced to the elevator to take me to the floor, leaving my friends behind. Why was Hunter here? I thought he wasn't going to show and he did, but why was he upset (more than he already was for whatever reason)?