UNBREAKABLE

Chapter 19

OUR AMAZING DINNER AND unexpected sleepover at the Fairmont ended with a satisfying massage. Though Avery joined us in almost all activities, Art and I had the last three hours of Valentine's day to ourselves.

He made the time we spent together alone genuinely memorable. When we returned to our suite after spa time, a love tent lighted with only candles and surrounded with flower petals welcomed us in one of the suite bedrooms. It was a secret Art, and Avery kept from me. But, before the night ended, he added a set of earrings to match the necklace he had given me.

And as my best friend declared in giggles, her gift to us was letting Art and I sleep beside each other inside the tent for the night. It was a pure moment of bliss and love. It wasn't about sex- a craving for each other's touch, voice, kiss, and presence.

***

Though we only shared a few hours that day, the experience left me on another level. Our relationship bloomed and grew stronger each day despite the distance.

Feeling wanted, loved, and cared for gave me a different glow.

I'm a lovesick puppy. My best friend was right.

My beautiful puppy was Art's words whenever Avery called me such.

After a year of navigating our university life away from each other, Art and I had proven trust, understanding, and genuine love for each other could do the trick.

Despite our efforts to see and be with each other anytime we got a chance, we had looked forward to summer. Planning how to spend a vacation together got us through homesickness and loneliness. Though we saved dates for only the two of us, we ensured to pay attention to Avery.

Without Art knowing, I also planned a surprise for him. With Avery's blessing and push, I welcomed the idea of putting our intimacy to the next level. Besides, Art will be celebrating his birthday before summer ends.

As we packed our luggage the night before we drove back to Boston, Avery and I had a funny conversation about it.

"How are you going to tell him? It's not like you will say here, " Take my V card." Avery laughed so hard.

I felt heat on my cheeks as I faced my best friend. "I don't think couples do it that way." I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing. "I don't know how."

Avery face-palmed herself. "Goodness! We should have watched porn."

"Crazy!" I threw my red bikini toward her face. "It's not that part I was thinking how. I need ideas on the part prior." I bowed my head to hide my flushed face.

"Yeah, the seduction part!" Avery winked. "I got it!"

I rolled my eyes at my best friend. "Seriously, it's easier said than done. From what I remember, you feel it when you feel it. Same when we kiss each other. We never told each other when we were about to kiss. The atmosphere changes, and then it happens."

"Then just let it happen." Avery sighed. "At least you found Art, and he found you. I'm so happy for you guys. Unlike me. I'm unsure if I'll find my Art or if there is someone for me."

"Of course, there is! Maybe it wasn't time yet." I felt the melancholy that plastered on my best friend's face. "Besides, who wouldn't like you? You're among the most beautiful, loving, and kind young women I know."

Avery smirked. "You're expected to say those good things about me because you're my best friend." She shrugged her shoulders. "But look at me. I'm turning twenty this year, but I haven't experienced going on a real date or at least being courted."

I stood up and placed my arms around her. She was expressing her thoughts in a joking manner, but I knew the conversation was one of those whenever we felt lonely and insecure about ourselves when we were still young high school girls.

"Don't you forget that we are the same? It just so happened that we grew up together with Art. I bet he wouldn't even look at me if he weren't in our circle. No one would be as miserable as me when it comes to courtship and everything."

Avery looked me in the eye. She pouted her lips and wiped her imaginary tears. "We are the best of friends. We have a mutual admiration and insecurities club!"

I held Avery's hand and made us stand in front of our bedroom mirror. We clasped our hands and looked at images. Then, we started scrunching and making funny faces. Finally, after a few minutes of face contorting and pouting, we faced each other and shouted.

"We are beautiful, smart, and strong women!"

***

As expected, summer didn't stay too long. Before we knew it, the last week of our vacation arrived. Art's birthday was approaching, making me feel over the edge in anticipation. Avery tried helping by asking Art hint questions here and there, but Art, as always, was tight-lipped.

He only smiled at our best friend whenever asked what the best or most memorable gift a girlfriend could give a boyfriend.

Sometimes Art would give Avery teasing answers like, "Ave, find a boyfriend first before you think of the best gift you can give him."

Then they will end up fighting, and Avery threatens Art's life.

We filled our summer with new and happy memories to cherish. Of course, the intimate birthday dinner we prepared for Art could be added. But the surprise of the century was when Avery decided she couldn't join us on our day to drive back to Connecticut, and her dad would drive her back the next day.

Apparently, she woke up sick and couldn't make it for the long drive. But when we were about to leave her house, my best friend pulled me to the bathroom.

"This is my gift to Art. I'm allowing you guys to be alone in the apartment tonight," Avery whispered.

"OMG, Ave! Are you crazy?"

Avery started unbuttoning my blouse. "I need to make sure you're wearing the lace. You might not have the time to change."

I slapped her hand softly and grinned. "Stop it! We're not doing anything. Not in our apartment." I whispered back.

"Yeah, really!" She rolled her eyes at me. "Don't be stubborn, and just thank me."

I was biting my lip when we got out of the bathroom. I couldn't help but wonder how my best friend's mind could work that way. Then, when she waved us goodbye and mouthed good luck to me, I couldn't help but shake my head in a silent laugh.

Art and I's alone time back to Connecticut was quite a drive. He would kiss my hand now and then, but he never let go whenever we looked at each other during stops.

When we reached the apartment, I felt like my heart had stopped. Everything Avery reminded me of started whispering to my ears. Add it to Art's unusual grinning face.

Once inside the apartment, Art helped by cleaning while I prepared our early dinner. After dinner, we watched a movie before he headed to his dorm. But when it was his time to leave, we both turned silent.

As luck would have it, we simultaneously talked when we faced each other.

"Do you want to stay for the night?" I asked.

"Do you want me to stay for the night?" Art asked.

***