𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐈 | 𝐂𝐋𝟏𝟔

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August 9th 2018

ZAHRA NICHOLS

As the sun streamed through the window, I stirred from my sleep, finding myself nestled beside Charles. It was a calm morning, with a gentle breeze whispering through the curtains. Charles spent the morning roaming around the kitchen, acting as if he was a master in culinary arts. While he was busy whipping something up, I sat on a barstool trying to get myself awake. My thoughts were interrupted when my phone rang, Emmy called me.

"What's up?"

"Hey, I'm not forcing you to be okay right away but can you come to band practice today? You probably don't remember, it's the last one, before Rory leaves."

"Oh shit I forgot, yeah I'll come, I'll be there in an hour maybe."

"It's at my house, oh and also, tomorrow's the goodbye party. Bring a bathing suit, we're going to Amara's."

"Okay Em, see you."

Rory, our lead singer, had scored a solo record deal in New York. It all so bittersweet, it's what Rory had always set her mind to, but it left us in a flux. We knew she was supposed to leave soon, I guess time flew by faster for me. While the rest of the band had been meeting daily to settle all of this, I found myself sidelined, still their manager, just doing my job from afar.

Rory's leaving was a bittersweet pill to swallow, and I knew showing up was the right thing to do. But man, the thought of seeing Aarav, made my stomach churn with anxiety. It had only been a few weeks since shit unfolded, and the wounds were still fresh. I wasn't sure if I was ready to face him yet, to confront all the messy feelings swirling around inside me. It should be a happy last day for Rory, I'm not letting my personal shit and whatever grudge I have with Aarav interfere.

"Hey Zahra," Charles's voice cracked slightly as he slid a plate of warm pancakes across the table to me. "I'm about to head over to my friend's place. You can stay here if you want," he offered, his tone tinged with concern. "Oh, it's fine. I've got plans to meet up with some friends too," I replied, my voice lacking its usual spark as I stared down at the pancakes before me.

Charles, ever perceptive, picked up on the change in my vibe. "You don't seem so excited. Something on your mind?" he inquired, genuine worry shown on his face. "It's nothing, really. Just a band thing," I sighed, memories of past heartaches flooding my mind. "Been avoiding those ever since... well, since things ended with my ex. And wouldn't you know it, he's the guitarist," I admitted, a heavy lump forming in my throat as my appetite vanished.

"He's a real huge dick, that guy. Ego the size of Texas," I vented, frustration evident in my tone. Charles nodded sympathetically, his irritation mirroring mine. Strangely, our annoyance morphed into shared laughter.

"How are you gonna handle seeing him?" Charles asked. I shrugged, "Maybe ignore him, maybe start a scene," I mused with a chuckle. Leaning in, Charles flashed a mischievous grin. "Want to make him jealous?" he proposed.

I raised an eyebrow, amused by his suggestion. "What's your plan?" I asked. "Simple. Just follow my lead, and it'll be fun," Charles assured, a twinkle of mischief dancing in his eyes. "You're a menace," I teased, pointing my fork at him.