Paul & Moi

Chapter 32

"Hill?" I see her thoughtfully watching the rain at the window.

She turns around and regains her spirits. She doesn't seem to be doing well.

"Are you sure it's okay?" I ask for a worry.

"I don't know where to start. You should sit down."

I sat down and then I notice several boxes in the next room.

"Hill?"

She seems to know what I saw.

"I'm on my hand to California."

"What? I get up and walk towards her - When?" I ask in distraught.

"This weekend"

"How long?"

"I'm going to live there with my mother. My mother lives there and I can't stay here anymore."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Lately, all three of us have been cold, Jena Hillary and I, and we have not stopped arguing. But despite this, Hillary remains my best friend. I don't forget all our moments spent together I need to have it near me and know it safely.

"I didn't really have the opportunity to talk to you. Lately, we have moved away and I didn't know how to announce it to you. I'm really sorry for everything. I was stupid."

"Don't say that, we're also wrong but, everything is forgotten and everything is forgiven" I reassure her.

She lowers her head.

"I'll tell you everything I know about this drug story. Anyway, I'm going to leave soon and all that will be over!"

"Are you in danger?" I ask him to worry.

"Don't worry about me. Come on, we're going to sit in the living room."

I follow her and she begins to reveal the whole story to me.

"After my father... left, I was really really bad. I didn't come to class anymore, I didn't eat anything, I didn't get out of bed and I didn't want to see anyone. I was devastated and I even thought of finishing it..." she stops with tears in her eyes.

I take her for a few moments in my arms to comfort her. She finally calms down and then speaks again.

"I was really suffering. And I needed to get better. I started taking antidepressants to calm down. I finished the box very quickly and I wanted something stronger. One day, I was in my car parked in the high school parking lot. And that's where I saw Paul use suspicious pills. I confronted him and threatened him a little to reveal everything to you. He ended up giving in and giving me his dealer number and that's how the infernal spiral began. I couldn't do without it anymore. It was vital for me. I wanted to live my life as if every day was the last. I dried classes and hung out in neighborhoods to take my dose and every night I went in the evening."

"I should have supported you more, I should have been there for you..." I crack.

"No Nina, I would have pushed you back. As I told you, I needed time alone. But your reflection last night made me think a lot. You are right. If my father saw me now, I'm sure he wouldn't be proud of me. I'm sorry I don't have the version of Paul's story and I don't know how he started but..." she stops for a few moments.

"But what?" I ask, a little abruptly.

"I... The dealer..."

"The dealer?"

"It's Max..."

When she pronounces her name, I am shocked, speechless.

" Max? Like in Max? My ex?" I manage to say.

She nods and I don't understand anything about all this anymore.

"Max?" I'm getting up. I need air.

"Please Nina, sit down. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. Let me finish."

My boyfriend finally my ex-boyfriend was in contact with my other ex? I can't believe my eyes. It's insane!

" Paul. Does it..."

"Yes. He knows that Max is your ex."

What? It's impossible! He never told me anything about the fact that he knew Max.

"Before or while we were together? "

"I don't know, sorry. I don't want to tell you nonsense. I just know that Paul has had big problems with Max for a while. Money worries or I don't know what."

"Wow..." is the only word I can say.

No! Paul approached me for a stupid bet with his friends not out of revenge or I don't know what. This is not possible. I refuse to believe that our story is based on personal revenge.

"I have to go" I get up and head towards the exit.

"Nina!" Hillary stops me.

I turn to her.

"Without resentment" I reassure her before leaving the house.

I can't blame him. I intend to enjoy the last days that we stay together without headaches.

I need air.  I need to breathe. I need the truth. I need to know. I crack emotionally, all these twists and turns, I'm not used to it. I never wanted all this. I have to confront Paul! Compulsory! I get in my car and drive at full speed.