Cheers To Puberty

Chapter 15. What matters most

Alexandra's POV

Currently I am rumaging through my closet in search for an all black outfit. It's not hard to find, so in no time I have picked a black tshirt, black ripped jeans and an antracite hoodie.

Storming downstairs, I get weird looks from my mom and dad who are reading and solving a puzzle. "Where are you going in such a rush?"

"To get some ice cream. I am meeting Ava at Mia's gelato. But I am late, so I have to go. Bye!" I say while slipping my black nike's on, not caring if they're properly tied or not.

Today is sunday and today Ava and Oliver are going to straighten things out. Although Ava doesn't know it yet... I hope she'll accept the set up and talk things out. But I can't blame her if she just walks out once she knows what's going on. I just hope they can be civil with eachother. At least for my sake.

I decide to take my bike although I hate cycling. But I'm running out of time, so no alternatives unfortunately.

Spinning so hard I'm quickly out of breath, to arrive at Mia's gelato five minutes before meeting time. They are both not the types to be late and I don't want to miss their first exchange.

Hiding my bike and myself in a bush in front of the shop, I see Oliver already waiting in a booth. He's bouncing his knee and fiddling with his hands and fingers while his eyes stay glued to the entrance of the parlor.

I can't blame him for being nervous, I kind of forced him to do this. But on the other hand he's never nervous...Oh well, I'm glad he's doing it.

After a few minutes I got a text from Ava.

Ava: Should I order for you already? Or are you running late?

A frown forms on my face while I read her message. Did I miss her going in? But a second later I see her coming from behind the parlor and going for the entrance with her phone in her hand.

Quickly typing back that I am running late so she doesn't order for me, I wait for what happens.

I watch in excitement, expecting a grant romantic moment to unfold like they are in a Disney princess movie. But Oliver just stares at her. While Ava is completely oblivious to that and is consumed with all the flavours she can pick. Luckily, Ava is not one to take ice cream choices lightly and takes her time with it.

After a few moments I get the anxious feeling that nothing will happen. If Oliver doesn't make a move, Ava is going to walk out of there not even knowing he was in.

But once Ava has decided what she wants, Oliver stands up and walks slowly to Ava. She looks up at the person walking up to her and tenses up. Oh no, this is not good...

Oliver starts talking and I see Ava's shoulder sag. She looks around the parlor and makes a round outside with her eyes. I dug once she scans over my bush hoping she doesn't see me. When I look back Ava gets her ice cream and they both walk back to the booth Oliver was in.

Yes, my plan is working!

Now that they are seated and somewhat comfortable, I think it's good to give them some privacy. So, with that I step out of the bush and struggle to pull my bike out.

It's stuck behind a fallen branche. "Great" I pull at it with all my weight and almost fall on my ass when it snaps loose. Some bystanders look at me weirdly and I try to play it off with an awkward friendly wave. Yeah... That didn't help.

Not wanting to raise any suspicion at home, I just start to ride around in the neighbourhood. It would be strange to pull up back home in less then 20 minutes when it already takes 10 to get here in a normal pace.

It's quiet out here. A few people walking past and a couple of cars drive by. It's relaxing even, to not be in a hurry for once. I should do this more often.

About half an hour later my phone dings, indicating that I have a message.

Ava: We talked it out, we're good.

I can barely contain my excitement when I read this. I want to hit the call button, but decide against it. If she wanted to tell me everything, she would have called me.

I secretly hope it's the beginning of their love story, but I already intervered too much.

A heavy sigh leaves my mouth. Maybe I should talk it out with Nick as well... I should just put my big girl pants on and confront him with the situation. The last time we talked, we didn't really say anything.

Nick's house is not far from here, so I could just pop by. Would it be a good idea to spontaneously knock on his door? Maybe I shouldn't...

Before I loose all my willpower, I adjust my route in direction of his house. On my way I try to come up with a logical explanation for my random popup. But the more I think about it the more stupid it sounds...

I look through the windows to see if anyone is home and feel my heart sink when I see the scenery.

Here they are, Nick and that well-known-but-still-no-name blonde, hugging eachother in the middle of Nick's kitchen.

She has her arms around his neck, while his arms hang loosely around her waist. Her head is turned in, towards his neck, so I can't see her face. And his head is resting on top of hers with a glaced and faraway expression in his eyes.

They look comfortable...

They are a lot closer then I originally thought. But then again, does it surprise me? No, not even one bit.

Coming here was a stupid idea. My big girl pants can catch fire for all I care. I am not going to make a move to repair what happened anymore. I. Am. Done.

He seems to be doing just fine, so why can't I?

The wheels in my head can't stop turning. My mind is constantly comparing the pretty blonde with my ungraceful self.

She's a lot taller than me... She has flawless skin... I am clumsy as fuck... I never really care about my appearance... She has a smile that catches everyones attention... My chubby ass can't compete with her fit but still curvy figure...

Everything that comes to mind is a confirmation of my low attractiveness. I should really stop trying, before I make a fool of myself. If I haven't done that already.

I turn around and make my way home. It's enough. This week has been fucking enough. I'm up for a romcom movie marathon and a couple bags of Doritos nacho cheese.

Closing the door behind me, I feel the warmth engulf me from my home. Stripping myself from my Nike's and jacket I walk further inside with a clouded mind.

"Hee hon, would you like to join us? I know we did this puzzle a year ago. But let me tell you, it doesn't get any easier."
My mom asks while inspecting a single puzzle piece in the air.

With everything going on, I should really start mending the relationships that matter most, my family. My movie marathon can wait, I guess.

"Yes, I would love to." A slow smile starts to grow on my face. I chuckle at the way my father hangs over the table to find the needed puzzle piece.

I make my way to the table where the puzzle is spread out. This is going to take some time. I go fetch myself a drink, when I remember to put a little more effort in thinking about others. "Did you guys have something to drink already?".

"Yes, hon, but can you take the cookies with you?" Taking my glass of water in one hand and the cookie jar in the other, I walk back to the table. "I sure can."

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AN - It's been a long time since I posted a chapter. I'm trying to get back on track, but writers block has been a major obstacle... Show your love with a vote or comment, I would love to hear from you♥️