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Chapter XIV

•<Stupid Cupid>•

Stupid cupid, why'd you do me like that?
     Why'd you send me someone I can't have?
      Stupid Cupid when you crossed our stars
                         You broke my heart
                                           •
                                Jenna Raine

                                      •<>•

It's been several days since Autumn's hospital discharge, and I'm genuinely happy to witness her remarkable recovery. Her overall well-being is on the upswing, her complexion exudes a healthy glow, her eyes have regained their sparkle, and it warms my heart to see that broad, radiant smile returning to her face.

The sight of her reuniting with Brandon never fails to bring warmth to my heart, and I can't believe that it was only when they were on the brink of parting ways that I realized the depth of my love for both of them.

Gosh, I'm glad they didn't breakup.

After Key and I granted them some private time for conversation, it took them a little while before inviting us back in. As soon as we re-entered the room, we were greeted by the heartwarming sight of a joyful couple tightly clasping hands, as if they feared losing each other.

I'm relieved that I encouraged him to communicate with her because, as it turns out, Brandon had been truthful from the beginning. There was nothing more to his relationship with his ex-girlfriend than the longstanding friendship they had maintained for some time.

Upon getting home and letting her rest for hours, she began to tell us what happened in that hospital room the second we left. She told us about why Brandon was giving more attention to Aero than to her even though he didn't realize it. Turns out Aero's parents finalized their divorce some weeks before and she needed a shoulder to lean on. I can't imagine how she must have been feeling going through something like that. I can't even imagine my parents being divorced.

Realizing how inappropriate his close relationship with his ex-girlfriend has been even though it was never his intention to hurt Autumn, Brandon promised her that he'll keep his distance from Aero.

She let out a small laugh and quietly uttered something to herself, 'I can't believe I misinterpreted everything.

While nibbling on her nail, she proceeded to recount Brandon's response upon learning the same details she had shared with the medical professionals and us. She confided in him about her insecurities when in the company of Aero and the other girls from The Apex, describing her constant sense of insecurity and the pressure she felt to conform to their standards in order to belong.

She explained that his expressions underwent a constant transformation, alternating between anger and sorrow. The once vibrant spark in his eyes gradually faded, leaving behind an overwhelming sense of sadness and guilt, only to be periodically replaced by flashes of anger before reverting to those earlier emotions once again.

'He then wrapped his arms around me, and pulled me closer to him till there was no space left between us,' She said with a smile on her face -- her eyes lost into nothingness as though she was reliving that moment. She was beaming, her eyes sparkled and I could almost swear I saw a halo hanging above her head.

After she broke free from her reverie, she went on to convey his words to us. He had encouraged her never to change because he appreciated her just as she was. He expressed that she was the most beautiful and remarkable girl he had ever been with. In her account, she emphasized the sincerity of his words and how keenly she could sense the depth of his emotional pain caused by all that had transpired.