🔞I May be Falling in Love // Hwang Hyunjin🔞

🖤Chapter 39🖤

As predicted, Sunday morning rolls around and I certainly do have a headache. Any subtle movement I make, it only seems to grow worse, intensifying as I stand up. I reach over to grab my phone, the time read '8:50AM' which leaves me plenty of time to pack my belongings and say goodbye to the group temporarily. I head out into the kitchen where I spot Cole dancing in his underwear while waiting for his toast to finish cooking.

"Cole?" I break out into laughter as he is startled by me. "Why are you so cheerful this morning?"

"Because my best friend got out of her toxic relationship and is starting a new chapter while also rebuilding her bond with her father." Cole dances his way towards me and grabs one of my hands to spin me around. I give in and a smirk appears on my face. Cole is quick to run back to the kitchen when he hears the toaster finish and points at the cabinet next to him to gesture me to grab out two plates. I follow his instructions and we eat breakfast together without thinking of Harley.

Of course when I go back to my room, I feel like crying but hold myself back as I do not want another painful headache as well as being stuck with Cole in his car for over an hour. I inhale a deep breath before grabbing out a suitcase from underneath my bed to begin packing. It's not going to be easy being separated from Cole and the rest of his friends for a few months, but I know this is exactly what I need.

"Where did you say your dad lives?" Cole questions from outside of my room, walking in to help me pack.

"Just outside of Mountain Waters, in a place called River's Edge. Why?" I stop packing and look up at Cole.

He smiles before answering, "That's where Felix is going too! He always leaves in November to spend the holidays with his family, so I guess you will have company."

I don't know whether to be excited that I will have somebody there or anxious that it's Felix of all people. I'm not sure what it will be like between Felix and I now, knowing that he had feelings for me and he was the one who found out about Harley's lover.

I look at Cole who is still waiting for a response. "That sounds nice."

"You don't sound too excited." Cole glares.

"I just think I should be alone for a bit. If I run into Felix, then I run into him."

Cole doesn't respond and keeps grabbing random pieces of clothing from my closet without even considering what I'd actually wear. I go to the bathroom to take a shower and get the toiletries I'll need. The hot water beam against my skin feels so soothing. My muscles start to relax, and the steam makes me want to fall back asleep.

"Hurry up Audrey! We don't have all day." Cole calls out on the other side of the bathroom door. I come to my senses and finish showering so that I can be on the road shortly.

I manage to finish packing within an hour and we drive off. I start to get a bit emotional as we sit in the car in silence. It feels like I'm leaving everything behind, not just Harley, but I'll also be leaving my best friend for a few months.

"Cole? Are you going to be okay while I'm gone?" I enquire with watery eyes.

"Yes, of course! I have the boys and it's been really good to have Kiki back."

I wipe the sudden tears that have escaped my tears and turn up the radio in Cole's car. The drive is spent with laughs and some carpool karaoke which definitely helped me forget about Harley. This is exactly what I need, and I really hope being at my dad's won't make things worse.

Time flew by as I looked out my window and noticed the 'River's Edge' sign. I begin to worry about seeing my father; what if he isn't pleased to see me, or if he no longer considers me to be his daughter? Cole notices my trembling hands and rubs my shoulder to reassure me.

"We've arrived." He mumbles under his breath as we approach a gated entrance from which we must walk to get to my father's cabin. I open the car door and am hit by a cold breeze as I notice that it has just started snowing, and I hope I have enough clothes for the winter weather. As we begin carrying my belongings through the small neighbourhood of cabins, I take in the welcoming atmosphere. Just inside the entrance, there is a small park with children running and playing on the playground, and all of the parents appear to be getting along.

We continue walking until we come across a small cabin at the far end of the neighbourhood, where we notice a man standing outside. It was my father, with dark brown hair that had a few grey hairs in it, always dressed in the same black clothes from head to toe, and he actually smiled. Cole approaches him first, reaching in for a hug.

"It's so good to see you again Mr. Scarlet."

"Please, we are on first name basis, call me Kevin." My Father grins as he hugs my best friend, giving him gentle pats on the back. Cole steps aside and allows me to walk up to my dad, he looks so much better without mum in the picture. "Hello Audrey." He speaks gently as his arms envelope me in a soft hug. A hug I was so desperate to have, a fathers touch. I instantly begin to cry, letting all my emotions out for my dad and Cole to see.

"He must of really hurt you, pumpkin." My dad whispers into my ear. It has been a long time since I've heard him call me pumpkin, it feels comforting.

"I miss you dad."