Stained Recovery

Us || Chapter 6

Cleo

"Are you still going to avoid Ari? That's going to be hard, she'll be all over London. Plus, we'll be in the same hotel." My best friend, the ever so curious, Jasmine asked as she rested on my bed.

She was helping me pack for our trip to London, or more like, telling me what to bring since I was the one who packed my suitcase. She said that we'll be staying there for a couple of weeks -- so I had my clothes ready, but I'm currently having trouble packing my shoes.

I'm used to traveling, but never with this heavy luggage.

Now, Jasmine's inquisitively asking about my plan to keep my distance from Ariana. It's been 3 days since we hung out in her house. After that night, I went to Jasmine's place to admit that I'm totally confused right now and Ariana was not helping at all.

Jas was a little pissed at me a couple of nights ago when Ari and I messed with her during the phone call but I was able to explain what happened. She quickly forgave me but reminded me to sleep with one eye open, she'll get her revenge soon enough.

I wouldn't expect anything less from Jasmine Peters.

I told her that being involved with Ariana would be a bad idea since I'm still trying to get over my ex, while Ari's with the other guy. So I have to put some distance just so I can continue being friends with her -- like plainly platonic friendship only.

I didn't really answer her question... I'm not in the mood to give lame excuses for not pursuing Ariana... even if Jasmine said that the Dalton guy didn't really want to commit... it's just respect, he was the first in line. I just don't want to step on anyone's toes.

Ariana has been texting me non-stop, but I tried to keep my responses into a minimum. I don't want her to think I have other motives besides being her friend.

"I've never seen you become such a pussy. Is that the effect of being in love with a hoe?" I gave her a pointed look -- she has been pushing me to tell Ariana about what I feel.

I don't know if she hit her head or something, she must've mistaken me for a different person.

"Shut up, Jasmine. If you're not going to help me pack my bags, the doors are wide open." I said with annoyance in my voice.

She doesn't understand that before I get into something, I want closure. Closure from Naomi -- closure from my insecurities.

"You're so rude to me! I just knew you were into Ari the moment you guys met in my apartment. I feel like I was fucking Einstein with a Eureka moment." She said dreamily like she had the best idea ever.

I rolled my eyes at her. "Bitch, it was Aristotle who said Eureka -- please read your books more, yeah?" I continued pairing my shoes and placing each inside my suitcase.

"See, that's rude -- you're so short with me, but you've been talking non-stop to Ari. Do I need to be a five-point-two feet half-Italian woman so you'd be sweeter?" She said while batting her eyelashes at me.

This earned a chuckle from me -- it wouldn't be 'us' if we weren't arguing. That's our friendship, but I love Jasmine, she's been my best friend and I can't thank her enough for always being there for me.

I was about to ask her if she has talked to Ariana recently, generally to just ask how's the woman who's been occupying my brain for the past few days, when her phone suddenly rang.

She immediately checked the caller ID and smirked at me. My eyebrows raised, silently asking who was calling but she answered me by facing the phone to my face.