In which she falls for her brother's best friend
❝When I need a friend, You're the one that I choose, We're better together, Whenever we get stars in our eyes, Synchronize❞
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"Angela, we need to talk"
This is someone else's story. I'm just a character here. But today, I get a whole chapter dedicated to me.
Hi. I'm Shawn Hunter. And my week...was ass.
As I stretched and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, my thoughts involuntarily turned to Angela. We'd been together for a while now, and while there were moments of laughter and connection, lately, doubts had begun to creep in.
Angela was incredible in so many ways, with her charm and elegance that drew people in effortlessly. But as I lay there, a nagging feeling tugged at me. It was as if I was fitting myself into a puzzle piece that didn't quite match, forcing myself to enjoy a world that wasn't really mine.
I got up, went through my usual morning routine, I couldn't help but replay the countless events we'd attended together – the upscale parties, the fancy dinners, the galas. It was always about her world, her interests. I, on the other hand, had compromised and tagged along, hoping to make her happy.
But what about my interests? The simple joys that made me happy, like weekends at the local diner, wandering through comic bookstores, or head to the arcade? Angela never seemed to share those with me. And that realization stung. A relationship is supposed to be about sharing and discovering, right?
As I sat down to eat, I couldn't shake the feeling that something needed to change. Angela was undoubtedly a part of my life, and there were genuine feelings between us, but I couldn't help but wonder if it was enough. Was it fair to keep going on like this, suppressing my own interests just to fit into her world? If this was the case now, how would it be in the longer run? Was there a longer run?
With each bite, my thoughts deepened. Maybe it was partially my fault too. We'd rushed into this relationship without truly taking the time to understand each other's likes, interests, and lives. We were so caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that we hadn't built a foundation on the things that truly mattered. She's a great girl. But how long will this thing work before our relationship becomes toxic too?
As I thought, it became clearer – I had feelings for Angela, no doubt about that. But it was time to have an honest conversation. I needed to express my concerns, my desires, and my need for a balanced relationship. It wasn't fair to either of us if I kept pretending that everything was fine.
Later that afternoon, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, I found myself standing outside Angela's door. My heart raced, but there was a newfound determination burning within me. I needed to be true to myself and to her.
Angela opened the door, a surprised smile lighting up her face. "Hey, Shawn, what're you doing here?
I took a deep breath, my voice steady. "Angela, we need to talk." Her smile faded, as she figured I might not have a very good news. "Come in" She sighed, moving aside. I entered.
"You think we rushed...?" Her eyebrows crashed together in confusion. Maybe I should add context when I speak. "Into the relationship. Everything happened so fast, Ange."
"Where's that coming from...?" She scoffed.
"It's just... I've been feeling like our lives are heading in different directions. You're all about those fancy events, the high-class parties, and the glitzy lifestyle. And that's okay, but I'm more into simple pleasures. Maybe getting messy with food at a carnival or binging a pizza in PJs-"
"We do that, Shawn" I nodded. "Yes we do. But we both never found a common ground."
"I know. I hate things you like and you hate things I like" She sighed. "It will get complicated later, Ange. You know that." I noticed that Angela's smile faded a bit as she looked into my eyes. "I've noticed that too, Shawn. It's like we're from two different worlds sometimes."
We talked a bit more. Things were easier than I thought they'd be.
Angela sighed, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "You're right. We were so focused on the honeymoon phase that we neglected to see if we truly fit together in the long run."
Shawn nodded, my expression thoughtful. "Exactly. And as much as it hurts to admit, I think it's time we break up, on good terms, before things get more complicated."
Angela's hand found its way to mine, her touch gentle, assuring me. "You're right. It's better to part ways now, before we start hating each other for the things we can't change. I'd rather be friends with you than hate you..." She pressed her lips into a thin line.
We sat in silence for a while, the weight of our decision settling in. But strangely, there was a sense of relief in the air.
I finally looked at Angela, a small smile on my lips. "You know, Angela, I don't regret our time together. We've had some amazing moments." "We did, didn't we" She chuckled. Probably into deep thought.
I sat on the bike. Sighing. I had two options. I could go to my hom- trailer and watch my Dad drink gallons of beer while my mom yells at him to go get a job. Or I could go to an actual house made of bricks and cement and not-mobile and seek comfort after my break up. Yes, we ended on good terms. Though that did not mean I didn't need comfort.
And only once face flashed in my head.
I took a deep breathe and once again, took the right turn.
She was on the couch when I got there, watching TV. The door was open. I walked in and she straightened her posture and fixed her clothes when she saw me.
Weirdo.
"Hey" I muttered, earning a bright smile from here. "You okay? You seem in a bad mood" Her eyebrows furrowed. "We broke up" Her facial muscles relaxed.
"Oh Shawn" She pulled me into a hug. "I'm sorry honey" She muttered, rubbing my back. "It's okay. We ended on good terms."
"You wanna talk about it?" I nodded. "I'd like that" I gulped. "Thanks Brookie..."
