Unfaithful

Chapter 13: Richelle

When I see Henry leave, I leave too. Honestly, I'm done watching Noah and Jacquie flirt. I'm going to confront him about it, obviously, but I don't want to do it in front everyone. Plus I'm just not in the mood anymore. Today was supposed to be one of the best days of my life. All I've ever wanted is dance captain. And after all my hard work, I finally got it. But instead of being able to celebrate, I got to watch my boyfriend spend the whole evening talking to anyone but me.

I get up and walk out of the house, not bothering to tell anyone I'm leaving. They clearly don't care. And by they, I mean Noah and Jacquie. Outside, I see Lola sitting on the wall. I sit down beside her. She doesn't seem to have many friends yet and as dance captain, I suppose it's my job to make sure she's settling in ok. Even if I don't particularly need or want friends. "Hey" I smile. "Hey" she says. "Did you enjoy your party?" "No. It was rubbish. I had to watch a cringy romcom while my boyfriend flirted with another girl." I didn't mean to be so honest but I guess the whole thing is getting to me more than I hoped it would. "You don't like romcoms?" Lola asks, choosing to ignore the second part of my statement. "Nope. Honestly, horror or Disney princess. No in-between" I admit. Lola laughs. "Well, I would agree with Disney princess movies. But I do like horror movies." I smile. She hesitates for a moment, then asks "Do you wanna come back to my house and watch a horror? My mum will be here to collect me in a minute or two?" I consider my options. I can go home and wallow in pity. Or I can hang out with Lola. Easy choice.

"Sure, that sounds great" I smile. "Awesome" Lola says, beaming back. She sounds surprised I agreed, and I feel kind of bad. Maybe she really isn't settling in well. Her mum arrives soon, and we spend the car journey listening to loud jazz music. Which I honestly don't mind. Not my favourite but it's not too bad. I message my mum, letting her know I'll be out late. She replies quickly, like normal. 'Have fun with Noah sweetie. Love you xx'. I close my phone and sigh. Noah was my whole life. We were best friends before we started dating. When I'm out, I'm with him. Either one on one or as part of a bigger group, like tonight. It's weird to be hanging out without him. But also nice. The old Richelle wouldn't have been so reliant on one person.

Maybe I do need a new friend. Maybe I want one.