Love In Destin ✔

48 - save your tears

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𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒌

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I'VE PARKED MY car in the garage, and I'm taking stuff out of the boot when I see a car stop in front of Mark's house. Skylar is inside, kissing Mark before he steps out and waves her goodbye. She drives off, and that's when his eyes land on me. I wave at him but he gives me a scrutinizing look, the sunlight in his face.

He's turning and about to walk inside when I call out to him, jogging across the street. I've been doing this every day now, trying to speak to him, to apologize, but he never wants to hear anything I have to say. Even if I don't gain back our friendship, I want to make sure he at least knows how much he's meant to me as a friend.

"Can we talk?"

"There's nothing more for you to say, Rick,"

"We cannot go on like this. I miss you. I miss us hanging—"

"And you wonder why?" he turns again, but I'm not letting him go.

"Mark, please, for old times' sake. Please listen to me,"

He swivels his head to the side, and I know he's listening. I've never felt like this, so heavy, so down. "Everything that's happening to me. I know I deserve it. I'm sorry that I kept things from you and I'm sorry for being such a jerk to you, especially to Maya. I was an idiot that took the bate and went along with it. I don't expect your forgiveness, but I want you to know that I really miss you, and I—"

Before I can continue, Mark grabs me and hugs me. He pats me on the back as I apologize countless times.

"It's okay,"

"I—"

"It's alright, Rick. It's just, you really hurt Maya. That's what I'm most disappointed about. You took that girl's smile from her,"

"And I'll get it back, I promise. No matter what it takes,"

"Come in, get a drink. You're a mess right now,"

I follow him inside the house. As I sit on the couch, Rex comes running toward me. "Hi, boy," I pet him as he wags his tail in excitement.

"You want a beer?"

"Not right now,"

Mark hands me a can of Coke instead, which instantly refreshes me as he puts food out for Rex. Mark swears under his breath.

"What is it?"

"There's a costume party at Maverick's house, and it starts in about an hour,"

"Since when does Maverick hold costume parties?"

"Since today. I thought you knew about this, it's been all everyone's been talking about,"

"I haven't really had time to think about parties lately,"

"We don't have to go. We can stay in, and I don't know, watch movies,"

"Everyone's invited?"

"Yeah, everyone from both schools are invited. He might be from Rydell, but you know how popular he is,"

"There's no harm in going. I could do with a little distraction. Not that I deserve it,"

"Sure. A little fun could do us good,"

"You got any costumes?"

"I'll see what I can find you in the basement,"

"I'll go get the car started!"