Princess Charming (gxg)

Part 14

23. I made it to 23 years old.

Part of me never thought that I would- but here I was, on my birthday.

I was feeling on edge though. I needed to see Hallie.

Victoria took us back from the hotel in Philly to her house- and I didn't go inside. I went straight to my car after giving her a hug goodbye.

As I drove home, I couldn't help but to beat myself up.

You're a fucking idiot, Alina. You probably ruined everything with Hallie.

I also couldn't help but wonder- what kind of pictures was Hallie taking?

Probably cosplay or something.

I was glad at least that she suggested that we see each other today instead of the next. I couldn't wait to see her and hopefully clear the air.

What are you even doing, Alina? Is this all just one big mistake? 

No. It's not a mistake. I think Hallie might be worth it. Maybe.

When I got home, both Cora and my brother were there- with balloons hanging in the entrance for me. It was a Sunday, so they both were off from work.

"Happy birthday, sister!" Cora gave me a hug. Then she mumbled, "You have some explaining to do."

Fuck. She follows Victoria on Instagram.

Felix gave me a hug as well, "Happy birthday, Alina. Even if I complain, just now- I'm glad to have you here."

I smiled at my brother. "Thank you, Felix."

Felix truly is the only family I have. Not my parents. Not my sister. Not any of my distant relatives.

Just Felix. And Cora.

"I made you breakfast." Cora lead me into the kitchen, "And I figured we could have girl talk."

"Guess that's my cue to leave." Felix said, and headed up the steps.

Cora made me some chia pudding, a waffle, and egg whites. It was delicious. She sat down next to me with a plate as well and said, "I was surprised to see you in Victoria's story last night. Making out with someone that isn't Hallie."

I sighed, "It's a fucking mess. I thought Hallie was out on a date, I learned later that she wasn't. She saw the story as well, and she's mad. She's coming here later to see me. I hope it's not the end of whatever we have going on...I mean, tell me Cora- do you think it's worth it?"

"I do." Cora nodded, "And I think she is worth it- Hallie is worth it. I haven't seen you like someone this much since..."

She trailed off. And I said, "Jocelyn. I know."

"And whoever your second love is, after her- whoever is the next woman you're going to marry- because I know you'll get married again...I want it to be even better than Jocelyn. Way better than your marriage with her. You deserve that, Alina." Cora put her hand on mine and smiled at me, "And I think you really like Hallie. Keep exploring it."

"Thank you." I smiled at Cora, "I needed to hear this."

I was nervous to see Hallie. We were going to meet up at a park near my house. When I pulled up to the parking lot, Hallie was standing by her car- holding a wicker basket.

"Are we having a picnic?" I asked her, in a joking tone, to make the mood light.

"We are, actually." she said, "Happy birthday, Alina."

She then leaned and gave me a hug with the one arm she had free. She held onto me for an extra moment.

I think things are going to be okay.