The Difference

Chapter 19

           Corbin Avearey – Monte Carlo – Sunshine College.

“Hey love.” Dakota walked to me and we kissed.

“Hey.” My voice was hoarse.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, concerned.

“Shirley and I had a massive fight and she asked that we take a break.”

“You must be kidding.”

“I’m not.”

“What was the fight about?’

“I don’t know if I should tell you.” 

“C’mon. How much harm would it cause?”

“A lot.” I knew how much of harm the reason for our fight would cause since I’d already witnessed it first hand.

“Alright. I won’t force you. When the time is right you can tell me.” She said. Changing the topic she asked of prom.

“Prom is a year away. Why are you preparing for it now?” I asked.

“I don’t know. I just feel we should prepare for it now.” She said with a distant look in her eyes, smiling.

“Babe, you sometimes worry about things too much. Let’s cross the bridge when we get there.”

“Okay. Okay. So what song are we singing today?” We had this thing of singing songs every time we met since we didn't have to rehearse anymore.

“Today's for the ladies.”

“Let’s do Without Me by Halsey. Hope you know it.” She asked with a wicked grin.

“Are you daring me?”

“I sure am.” Without instruments we sang our hearts out. When we were done, we sat on the stage floor and held hands. 

“Imagine the talent show. The place full to capacity. The stage lights on and we singing to each other. 

“Everything’s gonna be perfect.” My mind was in the same place as her.

“We need to tell someone about us.” She said with a serious tone.

“Yeah. I’m tired of keeping us a secret. I wanted to tell Shirley but since she’s mad at me that’s a no go area.”

“Don’t worry. She’d come around soon.” She assured me.

“I hope so.”. My phone rung.

“It’s time.” Dakota said and we both got up to leave.

“I’ll see you on Friday and if by then Shirley and you haven’t made up m we’d have to wait.” I said once we got out. She took the route on the left to her office and I took the route to the right to the car park towards my car. I entered and was about to start the ignition when a voice said, “You know for someone whose best friend asked him to go on a break you look quite happy.”

I turned to see Shirley in the passenger seat, relaxed.

“How the hell did you enter my car and how long have you been seated here?” I asked, startled.

“I know how to pick locks especially when it’s my best friend’s car and I’ve been here since the end of school.” 

"Okay??” I questioned.

“I came to ask if I could get my best friend back. I realized that he wasn’t at fault and I had no right to be mad at him. I’m very sorry.” She ended with tears.

“I’m also sorry from keeping this from you knowing it was at the expense of our friendship.” I held her hands. We looked into each others eyes and we hugged.

“You know, I thought you’d gotten a new best friend.” She said when we released each other.

“And who could that be?” I asked, surprised.

“Marian.” I smiled at her.

“You know she’s my ex girlfriend and besides she just told me she’s dating Zayn’s brother, Calvin.” At the mention of Zayn’s name, her facial expressions changed.

“I’m sorry. I forgot.” I apologized.

“Don’t be.” She said with a sad smile. “So when are you going to also find your special someone?” she asked changing the topic.

“Well, I have. You’d meet her soon enough.”

“Oh my God. When did you plan to tell me?”.

“I wanted to be sure before I said anything.”

“So you are sure now that she’s the one?” she asked, concerned.

“Yeah I am.” I said, smiling. She definitely is the one.

“So would I like her?”

“You’d love her.” I started the car and drove out of the school. Both our phones pinged. Shirley pulled hers out. I also took mine out.

“Whose yours from?” she asked.

“Zayn. Whose yours from?”

“Andy. What does yours say?”

“That there’d be a family meeting at the Walliams’ family house on Saturday at noon and I should make sure I’d be there as it’s very urgent.”

“Mine also says the same thing. I wonder what’s it’s about.”

“Well, we’d know on Saturday.” We were almost at her house. When we got there, I saw Dakota sitting in patio. She was holding a glass of champagne and looked like she had nothing to worry about. She looked so pretty, it made me happy that we were together. I parked the car and we both got down. The slamming of the car doors made Dakota turn to look at us. She beckoned at us.

“I think she’s calling us,” Shirley said and held my hand. We walked into the hall to the patio.

“Hey dear.” She said and hugged Shirley.

“Hey.” Shirley said hugging her back.

“You good?”

“Great. You?””

“Awesome.” They released each other.

“Hey there, Corbin.” Dakota said to me.

“Hi.”

“Hope everything’s fine?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“Our last rehearsal would be this Friday. I believe you’re ready for the talent show and I think you should get some rest before the day.” I didn’t know how to react to this news.

“Oh ok, sure.” That’s all I could say.

“Good. See you on Friday then.”

“Candy, Corbin’s gotta get home.” Shirley said to Dakota.

“Sure. Don’t let me keep you. Oh, by the way, did you get the message?”

“Yeah, we did.” I replied.

“Well, see you on Saturday too.” With that, Shirley and I walked back down to my car.

“Alright, see you tomorrow.” She said.

“See you.” I entered the car and drove home with a very depressed thought.