𝐼𝑛𝑘 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡

Chapter 16: The Past Has Returned

Meeting a bunch of new people at once.

Wow, just my favorite thing to do after a long day of work. I promised Heather I'd do this though and I never back down on a promise with her.

I step out into the parking garage and head to my car. As I do so though, I feel eyes on me. Again.

I've tried ignoring the sensation for awhile since it's became apart of my life but it's hard. Every time I'm out by myself I feel like I'm being watched. I can't tell if it's guilt that's making me feel this way or someone is actually watching me....or I'm just going crazy. I hope it's not the latter.

I open the door to my car and get in driving as quick as I can away from the uncomfortable feeling that is looming. This feeling better disperse when I arrive at the restaurant. I can't stand this mixed with having to meet new faces.

Heather says these people are nice but, that's the thing with friends. They are nice to you. Just because they are nice to you does not mean they are going to be nice to other friends, especially ones they may see as a threat....like a long time best friend.

-

I take a deep breath before stepping out of my car and onto the sidewalk illuminated by the restaurants purple glowing lights.

I look in the window and catch the yellow of one of Heathers outfits. And the people I'm supposed to meet. They look nice enough...

You know what's not nice though, the feeling that someone is still staring at me!

Whoever this is, if it's someone, they better be gone when I enter that damn building.

I take a couple steps and arrive at the front doors which I walk through before going to the table which will either make or break some shit.

"Is that Ronnieeeeee?!?! Oh my god welcome!"

She practically jumps out of the booth and hugs me so tight I can barely breath. This makes me feel safe though. Finally, some comfort. This hug feels like it's blocking me from the silent watcher.

"Hi Ms.Sunshine," I say with a smile as she pulls away, "got a spot for me?"

"Of course! Right next to me, wouldn't want you anywhere but near my side."

She then takes my arm and pulls me toward the booth before allowing me to sit. I set my purse next to me and she slides in the booth end to cap it off.

Okay, Heather is on my right but I'd like to know who's on my left.

"Okay everyone this is my person, Veronica. Veronica these are my wonderful friends." She gestures toward them with a swoop of her hand across the table.

"It's nice to meet you all." I nod my head and give a polite smile as I take in the people in front of me.

"Nice to meet y'a too Veronica. I'm Kurt and this is my fiance Ram and uh the woman next to Ram is Cindy and that woman next to y'a is Sasha."

"Wait, Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeney? Holy shit! I haven't seen you guys in forever! Your engaged now?!"

In highschool everyone always suspected they had a thing but no one ever truly voiced it since they were the star football players of the school and people were scared they'd make them mad if they said anything and blah blah blah.

"Yeah, we got engaged a year ago. We figured after all those years of dating we'd make it even more official I guess."

"Aw im happy for y'a two! I called this in highschool just letting y'know." I say in a whisper as I nudge Heather.