Flipped Into Place

The Ring

Juli's POV:
People say that rumors of a cluster would fade away in due course. That terrible gossips of the lot wouldn't last long and sooner or later, they'd find another enterprising hot issue to stick their noses upon to tattle on idly. Despairingly, it wasn't the case here in Mayfield.

It's been a few weeks since I called it quits with Bryce. I was heartbroken at what I had to do and I know he was too. But he appears to be dealing with it easier that I thought he would. Easier than I did, actually. It even seemed as if he had gained more popularity since the breakup. Day after day, guys gave him high fives, and girls attempt to catch his attention. It didn't really differ much from before other than him actually engaging in them now. I wouldn't say he actually flirted back but from what I've seen, he wasn't trying to push them away. Almost looks as if he enjoys the freedom of receiving bounty of praises for his pulchritude.

Meanwhile, I didn't have the heart to dispose of the things that meant value to our relationship. I couldn't decide whether it was difficult to take down the pictures in my room because my parents would suspect something's offbeat, or if I couldn't because I didn't want to. I took it to a medium though and had the guts to take down most of them. But what truly mattered was the ring he got me. I call it the 'angsty ring', the very thing I always find myself fidgeting with when my mind's left in a distant abyss. However, I didn't want Bryce to think that I still gave it meaning. That's why I came up with the perfect idea to keep it close to me while hidden. From one of my old necklaces, I took the pendant out and had it replaced with the ring so it still clung to me whenever, wherever. That way, I can always remember how to keep calm. The way Bryce would care for me in times of adversity. The hope that I may rise above all contradictions.

Regarding it's other half, I'm still not so sure. He still has it on. I hate to torture myself thinking that that meant something. That despite everything that's gone, he's still holding on to the time I would eventually come around. So I'll just stick to the thought that he probably wears it just to accessorize.

Bryce's POV:
It pained me, to say the least, that Juli removed her ring. We vowed never to take it off. But I guess it doesn't pertain to much of anything now that we've broken up. Meanwhile, mine seemed like it had already conjoined with my flesh.

Daven, Dana and Riley say that I deal with the fall out pretty differently. The girls were horrified that I show lack of concern whatsoever, but that's basically the goal. They too are still her friends after all, and I know they'd never take sides. If space is what Juli needs, it's space she'll get. Even if that slowly builds up a wall between us. She did say that perhaps in the future, we'd work it out. This is just phase one. Back to strangers. Two, gradually turn into friends and that's when she would realize that we were always meant to be.

If I have to start over again, I would. She's worth it.

Alex's POV:
It's crazy to think that the exchange student program's term is coming to an end. Throughout the year, I've surprised myself by actually being committed to school more than I've ever been. I learned to balance juggling my time with sports, academics and family time in equal quarters and I'm beyond grateful to be a part of it.

I'm mostly grateful for Juli though. She's been the greatest friend I've ever got to meet in life. Her laugh is contagious, but so are her sorrows. In fact, I feel like my own emotions don't matter if she isn't her own carefree self.

I can't wait for her to be told the news.

Juli's POV:
As swift as I wished the day would end, it didn't. Minutes seemed like hours passing sitting in a classroom I have no more interest in being.

On the bright side, the academic year is almost coming to an end. I trust that the summer off school might give me a fresh start for the next. I just hate the thought of coming back to Mayfield High. I guess I just have to do well and survive the remainder of my high school years in hopes of getting out and finding a good University.

But everything comes to an end eventually, I might have dozed off in silent review.

When Alex and I got home, I headed straight for the stairs to run up my room when my parents called me down.

"Juli honey! Will you come down for a moment?" Mom sounded like she was coming from the kitchen.

"I'm really exhausted, though. Can it wait till dinner?" I spoke, mid-way up the stairs.

"Don't think you'd want this to wait, kiddo." Dad said.

I sighed and dropped my backpack on the last step I took and went down to the living area.

My parents sat me down on the couch with their unusually big smiles as if they were expecting that I came home to tell them big news like I was Valedictorian or something. Oddly enough, Alex was there as well waiting.

"Juli..." My mom started. Her voice sounding as benevolent as ever.

"What do you think of starting next school year in the city?" My dad said.

I couldn't wrap my head around what they're trying to make out. Confused, I let out a "Huh?"

"Since you and your family were so nice to take me in and support me the entire time I've been here, mine would like to return the favor. We'd be more than happy to have you there with us. You can finally have a shot to live your dream city life." Said Alex.

I was in loss for words.

Was this finally the break through I was looking for?

Author's note:
How's everyone doing? I know it's been a while since I published the last chapter before this one and I hate myself for leaving you guys on a cliffhanger.

I just got busy but I honestly did begin to diverge myself in writing again at some point but by then I realized how awkward or "cringe" it was, as some of you may put it. But give the 14 year old me four years ago a break. I started out this entire plot with no experience of real romances and therefore, do not know how they actually work when you've reached pass those over the top relationships you only see on TV. Cut me some slack dudes that's all I used to live for back in the day.

I do wish I could rewrite and edit out all the cringe nicknames and dramatic scenes but I can't believe I went over 37 parts of this story already filled with that so I'm thinking of starting over. A new plot line. You do remember that offer of moving to the city where Juli can finally live her dreams, right? With Alex. With Bryce not giving up. With Juli still having a place in her heart for her first love. But then again, Alex being the more practical choice. But Bryce being the ultimate desire. While also wanting to give Alex a chance since things with Bryce are over.

I should really shut up. But let me know though! I'm shocked to see the view count reachl 20k, double the amount of when I last checked statistics. Should I continue writing or end it off here?