Dormant

Chapter 21

Tristian

As I hurried to my final photography class, weighed down by a hefty portfolio, my mind echoed with my mother's wise words from last week—they struck me like a thunderbolt. It finally hit that throughout my life, I let others shape my identity. My father's sudden departure, Natasha's relentless torment, and Danielle's heartless betrayal—all fueled my anger to the point of irreversible consequences.

I felt lost, drifting in a sea of uncertainty, struggling to discover my true self. I am still finding myself, and I hope to soon.

I spent countless nights with my fingers covered in paint, glue, pastel colors, etc. My camera died multiple times, I downed cups and cups of coffee, until I managed to finish my project. I went over my speech with Andy until he fell asleep, and left a giant mess in my room that won't be cleaned until the start of spring.

Things between Natasha and I are still pretty heated, but the rest of the group is oblivious to our subtle glares.

Natasha's working her fifth nine hour shift and Violet decided it would be nice to stop by and give her company.

She's on break sitting at the end of the table with a scowl on her face, ignoring my stares and attempts to get her attention. I don't even know why I'm surprised, I would do the same if I was her.

As a way to weave my way into their conversation, I mention the upcoming art gallery that takes place at the campus library this Friday.

"It might be pretty dead because the semester ends the day before, but I would really appreciate it if you guys could make it."

"Of course we can!" Monte says with a bright smile. Everyone agrees on coming to the art gallery, except for Natasha.

All heads turn in her direction as we wait for her answer.

"You guys aren't really expecting me to come, are you?" Her voice is heavy with annoyance. A few heads nod, she rolls her eyes and quickly accepts my invitation. She slips her dark brown work hat on before hurrying back to work with loud dramatic footsteps.

"What's her deal?" A.J asks quietly.

"She's been working full time all week on top of school, give her a break." Violet shrugs.

I nibble on the inside of my cheek and look in her direction.

Her eyes are developing dark circles around them, and her movements are very messy and slow. Her eyes are nearly emotionless it's scary. She looks like me during junior year.

Don't feel bad. She brought this upon herself.

Although, she's only in this position because of her abusive mother. So, not entirely her fault.

I'm trying not to feel bad, but if I do then I care about her. And I can't. I shouldn't. I won't.

But if I don't, wouldn't that make me just as bad as she used to be? If not, worse?

No no no no no. Remember how she used to make you feel.

"Tristian!"

"What?"

Violets eyes dance around the table before meeting mine once again. "Did you not hear anything we were saying?"

"No, my bad." I say in a low voice. "What were you guys saying?"

"Nat's been working so much ever since things got rocky with her mom. So, us girls wanted to treat her to a spa day to relax." Monte suggests, her bright smile lightening the mood.

I don't plan on spending a single moment with Natasha more than I have to. Especially not with the way I will ruin her this Friday.

They both stare at me in expectancy, waiting for a response. "I have plans."

"We didn't even tell you the date yet?" Violet squints her eyes.

"Well whatever day it is," I pause to pack up my belongings and throw my bag over my shoulder. "I have plans."

I flash them a tight smile and quickly leave the shop.

***

Natasha

"Yeah, she was acting weird all day. Distant, if you ask me." Monte inputs as she wraps herself tightly in a warm blanket.

It was her, me, and Violet centered on the floor of her parents' living room watching cringy chic flicks and eating junk food.

Monte and Violet mentioned Tristian's weird behavior earlier today, and I felt I had no other choice but to tell them the truth.

"She's psycho. She practically ruined our relationship...or whatever we had going on." I finish in a huff, leaning back against the couch.

Violet winces and makes eye contact with Monte. "Yikes, Nat."

I frown. "What?"

She chuckles before speaking, "Don't get me wrong, Tristian was way out of line here, but you should've told Emelet the truth from the start. I would hate to be caught in the middle of drama with someone I have feelings for, and someone they used to mess around with."

I groan in frustration. "But that's the thing, we never messed around—"

"What do you mean?" Violet interrupts me, her eyebrows furrowed.

"What?"

Monte tilts her head. "But you both told us that the first night we all had dinner together?"

My eyes widen as they wander the ground. I should've been more careful not to slip up.

"Or did you lie.."

"Listen," I start, running a hand over my hair and looking them both in the eyes. "My past with Tristian is...complicated. But definitely not romantic..or sexual."

"Geez," Violet and Monte make eye contact with each other once again and begin laughing. "Your nose is growing, Nat."

"What the hell?"

"You don't think we can tell there's something going on between the two of you?" Violet stares at me like I'm stupid, and continues in a fit of laughter before Monte chimes in.

"I mean, the sexual tension is absolutely insane despite your bickering. There's definitely a past with you two, but if you don't want to share with the class that's fine, just say so."

"Bitch." I laugh with her and let all the stress that has been consuming me go for the rest of the night.

***

another short chapter :0 sorry for being inactive for so long guys, I've officially started adulting and i absolutely hate it <3 until next time.