Stained Recovery

Like a fifth grader || Chapter 26

They said when you have money, life can be easy.

I think it's the other way around -- money comes with responsibility, it comes with fame, and it comes with hardships.

As soon as Ariana posted in her Instagram account, millions of notifications popped into my screen -- she literally broke the internet and made people go crazy over her new relationship.

Though she made us public, she still haven't posted a picture of me, showing my face. All of the photos in the online articles and news papers were taken by paparazzi.

My mom and dad called me last night to check and see how I was doing with this whole ordeal. Ariana has been less upset and was now back to her bubbly and playful self. While I was glad to see her laughing freely with our friends, I couldn't help but think that she's now in big trouble with management.

She had a very interesting call from Scooter yesterday afternoon when the news broke. He was rather pissed that Ariana deliberately ignored his instructions and did what she wanted. Scooter was a good guy and he does his job well, but he has to know his limits.

He can't really control Ariana's personal life anymore. Not when I'm involved. To say that Ariana was not so kindly telling him to fuck off made my day was an understatement.

My inner musings were interrupted when a glass of Pineapple juice was placed on the table in front of me. My brows furrowed -- I didn't order anything. My question was answered when I looked at the person who placed the drink.

It was Crystal. Fuck. I need to get away from her.

The flashbacks of Ariana almost clawing her eyes out the other day resurfaced. I didn't want a repeat of that, Jesus -- I could still feel Ari's fist on my jaw.

I was about to stand but she held my shoulder, shoving me back on my seat before seating on the seat across mine.

This won't be a good sight for Ariana. My hormonal and very moody girlfriend will definitely be upset when she sees us here.

"Cleo, don't worry -- I won't bite. I just want to talk to you." She said in a very friendly tone.

My frown deepened. "Well, I don't want to talk to you, Crystal. I made it really clear before, and I'm going to tell you again, stay away from me."

What she did to me before was really fucked up. I don't think I'll be forgiving her soon.

"Look, I just really want to apologize. I know what happened was really... upsetting and I know it was my fault... I just hope you could forgive me." She said with her eyes downcast.

Now, you might think that she was really sincere -- but I know this woman. She was manipulative and I don't want to be subjected to another incident.

"I won't. So just stop and move on. Please don't talk to me like we're old friends, because you stopped being my friend when you did what you did." I hissed bitterly before standing and walking out of the lounge.

I walked further into the beach, trying to calm my breathing. I was having a rather nice day until Crystal decided to destroy my peace and quiet. As I felt the sand on my toes, I tried to revel with the warmth of the afternoon sun.

She was lucky that Ari wasn't around and was too tired from our activities this morning.

My phone rang, yet again — interrupting my peace. Why couldn't I get a few minutes?!

I saw my mom's contact header, calling me through FaceTime audio. Fuck — this must be important since she called me during vacation. She was adamant to let me enjoy this trip and not bring any work with me.