UNBREAKABLE

Chapter 3

"We will make Art regret not choosing you!"

AVERY'S WORDS AND THE smirk on her face haunted me for weeks. Though her ideas for claiming Art back were over the top, I hadn't agreed. Maybe I should keep the way things are since Art made his choice.

Since the morning Art asked to talk, we haven't been able to speak. He'd been attempting every day, but something or someone always came in between.

Maybe it's a sign for me to let go and move on.

However, letting go and moving on is easier said than done. Every time I entertain the idea, there's a voice reminding me of our happy and good times together. This first love thing is killing me!

Good thing I thrive under stress and pressure. I can still concentrate and perform well in school while nursing a broken heart.

"Shells, have you decided?"

Avery's question stopped me from my thoughts. Instead, it reminded me of the plan we need to make for our end-of-the-school-year dance. I've been holding back on discussing it with her because I'm not planning to attend.

Realizing it was the first time I won't have Art as my date was causing more pain in my heart. It may have started as a pairing made by our mothers, but his giving me a bouquet of my favorite flowers and asking me to be his dance partner every year became a tradition.

It was one of the happiest moments I get to spend with him each year since middle school, and I always look forward to it. And thinking it won't be the same this time breaks me more.

"Shells! Are you listening?" Avery asked.

I took a deep breath and bit my lip to fight the tears. When I looked at Avery, she was pouting at me. Even without me saying anything, she knew me. There's nothing we can hide from each other. And I love her more each day for being a sister and my rock. She gave me the courage and strength I needed.

"Don't!" Avery glared at me. She held my hand and squeezed it when she saw my shoulder slowly trembling as I avoided my eyes from welling. "Remember our plan. We will make it happen!"

I shook my head and took a deep breath. "Ave, I'm not going to the dance this year. I'm sorry. I just can't." I focused my vision on my book to avoid her gaze.

Avery gave a deep sigh. "Shells, I understand how you're feeling. I bet it's hard. Me too; I miss us three being together in everything."

I nodded. When I looked at Avery's face, she was crying. "Why are you crying?"

Slowly, she wiped her tears. "That dumbtard Art is full of ...! He's a coward and the dumbest I've ever met!"

I chuckled and fixed her hair. "I should be the one crying like that. But honestly, I feel like we should throw in the towel."

Avery shook her head multiple times. "No, Shells! When we love, we should fight for it. That's what my mom told me."

I smiled and cupped her face. "I thought so too. True love is worth fighting for, but I shouldn't be the only one fighting for it to work, Ave."

Avery pouted her lips and put her hands in prayer. "I promise. Just this once, agree to my plan. If it doesn't work, I'll stop. I don't want us to live in the what-ifs just because we didn't try."

I tapped her chest gently. "Don't you think we're too young for this? And why are you so into my love life anyway?"

Avery flipped her hair and grinned. "I want you to be happy. And once your love life is happy, I can start chasing mine." She tapped my chest back but harder. "We can't be each other's third wheel forever, Shells! Remember our dream of experiencing a double date?"