Hopeless, Devoted, Unrequited (ACE CLAWS Trilogy #1)

Chapter 12

My mind has never felt this heavy. So many thoughts were occurring at once and yet, there wasn't a single positive thought. But it wasn't like my mind's ever empty either; It just felt... heavier.

I had myself seated on an orange-colored armchair, with my back all hunched and my mind being mentally absent. In front of me were Claudia and Komiko. They were quiet like me, but kept muttering a bunch of words that I couldn't hear and didn't bother to hear.

"You ask her!" I could audibly hear Claudia shout-whisper to Mimi. "Poor girl has been depressed since this morning!"

Mimi sighs, moving her chair closer to me. Claudia copies her after. "Lia? I think it's about time you tell us about what happened that got you acting like this."

I remained silent. It wasn't that I had no intention of telling them nor was I afraid, but I was hesitant. I was scared of hurting myself. That if I explained it to them, I would have to truly assume the worst. The worst that is considered best for Ambrose and Kalani.

"Ophelia Francesca Peterson!" Claudia yells, making her catch my attention. "You know I can't stand you being all gloomy. Just tell us what happened or I'm gonna assume that Ambrose broke your fucking heart and punch him!"

My mouth gapes slightly. How did she know it was something related to Ambrose?

Her eyes widens. "I'm right?"

Mimi looks back at me with furrowed eyebrows. She had this somewhat surprised yet angry expression. An expression from her that can only be seen once in a blue moon.

"Just when I thought he was starting to like you too, he goes on and breaks your heart? Is he a player or what?"

"No—no... that's not what happened," I say as soon as possible.

"Then what happened? It must've been something related to Ambrose, seeing how you reacted just now," she leans back her chair, getting frustrated.

I bite my lip in frustration too. It was frustrating how upset I feel just because I saw Ambrose with the same paper bag that Kalani was holding, and then immediately assume they're back together. I should be happy to be begin with! I don't even own Ambrose for goodness sake!

"Ambrose was just... he was just with someone and I got jealous. That's it." I cover the truth.

The two exchange confused looks. They then look back at me, seeming like they don't believe what I just said.

"It's more than just with someone, isn't it? I saw how miserable you looked this morning and it just can't be because he was with someone. You usually don't care who he's with. May it be with a girl or a boy, so spit out the truth." Claudia sternly says.

It was hard to continue lying looking at Claudia right now. Between the three of us she has always been known to be the fiercest. And never once did I try to fight her because of how scary she can be when mad. Lying wouldn't be the best option, she's too smart to figure me out.

I sigh. "I saw Ambrose's ex walking inside the building with a paper bag, then I returned back to the clubroom and suddenly Yve told me someone was finding me, only to find out it was Ambrose, so I tried finding him. When I did, I saw him walking out of the building and saw him with the same paper bag,"

"And as you can already tell, I just... assumed they got back together."

Mimi closed her eyes, looking away. I had my focus on her out of confusion. Why did she react like that?

Claudia goes closer. "Ambrose had a girlfriend? Since when?"

I was about to open my mouth but I remembered that it was none of my business to just tell it to someone. I know I can trust Claudia with it, but I was still unsure of that decision.