West Of Ordinary | COLLEGE SEASON

S3 Ep.4: "Speakhard"

West sits at Daniel's dining room table with Avery doing homework. She's been avoiding returning Derek's calls and texts. Daniel exits his room.

Daniel: What's up, jailbirds?!
West: Chuckles Please, I'd like to forget every ounce of yesterday. My neck is still killing me from leaning on that wall for so long.
Avery: Hey are we still going to that speakeasy thing tonight?
Daniel: Mouth full of cereal Yeah, once you tell me what the hell a speakeasy even is.
West: Chuckles.

West's phone rings. She's picks it up to answer and the name "Derek" shined bright on the screen. She hesitates.

West: Muttering to herself Of all the times... guys I'll be right back.

She gets up from the table, leaving a bickering Avery and Daniel in the kitchen and walks into the bathroom. She takes a deep breath, contemplates for a moment, and then answers.

West: Sighing Derek... hey.
Derek: On the phone West? Oh, thank god. I wasn't sure you'd even pick up.

West: Looking out the window Well, I did. So, what's up?
Derek: I'm in town. For a few days. Venice was great, but... pauses I miss you, West. I just wanted to see if maybe we could talk. Catch up.

Her heart skips a beat, but she keeps her voice steady.

West: I don't know, Derek... things are different now. I'm different. You promised we'd keep in touch over the summer and then completely disappeared on me. I tried to hold on... I'm trying to hold on.
Derek: Quietly I know. But I'd really like to see you. Please, West. You know you can't stay mad at me forever. I wanna tell you all about my trip.

West hesitates, but her curiosity wins over.

West: Sighing Fine. I'll meet you.
Derek: Thank you. I'll let you know where I'm staying and I'll see you then.

She hangs up and stares at the phone in her hand. What had she just agreed to?

Benny bursts into the room, breaking her train of thought.

Benny: Yelling OH MY GOD! I just ran into Carson in the hall, and he's already suspicious of me again. I swear that guy lives to make my life a nightmare!
West: Chuckling Maybe he's just lonely.
Benny: Lonely? Girl, please. He's one passive-aggressive email away from breaking into my room and planting cameras!

West laughs, but her mind is still on the call with Derek. Benny narrows his eyes, noticing her distraction.

Benny: What's up with you? You look like you've seen a ghost.
West: Sighs Derek called.
Benny: Gasps dramatically No! Not the ex! What did he say? Don't tell me he's back in town.
West: Grimacing That's exactly what I'm telling you. He's here, and I kind of... agreed to meet him.
Benny: Throws his hands in the air Oh honey, no. This is not what we do. We don't meet with exes who dumped us and fled to another country! What happened to "new West, no regrets"?
West: Laughs I know, I know. But I have to see him, Benny. I need closure.
Benny: Groaning dramatically Closure is for people who write bad poetry on Tumblr. But fine, I'll support you. Just know, if he breaks your heart again, I'm prepared to fight him.

West hugs Benny tightly with a big smile on her face.

West: Thanks, Ben.

• • •

Later that day, West stands outside The Grind, the local coffee shop, nervously glancing around. She spots Derek, sitting at a corner table, his signature leather jacket slung over the chair. He stands up when he sees her, flashing that familiar smile that once made her stomach flip.