Shattered Reflections

Chapter 20

March 10, 2024

For the next week, Fae tried to talk to Kai over text, but things just weren't the same. Their conversations felt strained and awkward, like they were walking on eggshells. The connection they once shared seemed to have faded, leaving behind a hollow silence. Fae felt a growing sense of frustration and sadness as each day passed.

Eventually, they went no contact. Four long weeks stretched on with no messages, no calls, and no attempts to reconnect. Fae tried to distract herself with school, friends, and family, but Kai was always in the back of her mind.

During those four weeks, she heard through the grapevine that Nelly and Kai had become friends again. It stung to hear that, but Fae tried to focus on herself and her own healing. 

However, the news that followed was unexpected: Nelly and Kai had stopped being friends, unfollowed each other on social media, and completely cut ties.

One day, Fae decided to break the no-contact rule. She missed Kai and wanted to try to rebuild their friendship. Gathering her courage, she sent him a message.

"Hey, Kai. How have you been? I miss talking to you."

Hours passed with no response. Days passed, still nothing. Fae's heart sank. She checked her phone constantly, hoping for a reply, but it never came. 4 days pass, still no reply. Fae felt a lump in her throat and a pit in her stomach. She couldn't understand why he was ignoring her.

Desperation took over, and she decided to delete the message, erasing any evidence of her reaching out. It felt like a small, bitter defeat.

That evening, she met up with her friends, trying to keep her spirits high. They could sense her distress and tried to cheer her up.

"Fae, maybe it's for the best, He is a known whore, they leave eventually, and you got attached." Sophie said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "You need to focus on yourself now."

"Yeah, and it's not your fault he led you on." Ally added. "Forget about him. You deserve better."

Fae nodded, trying to believe their words. "Thanks, guys. I just... I don't know. I thought we had something real."

Maddy chimed in, "Sometimes people just aren't meant to stay in our lives, no matter how much we want them to. He was an asshole anyway"

Fiona offered a small smile. "You'll get through this, Fae. We're with you every step of the way."

As the weeks went by, Fae slowly started to find her footing again. She threw herself into her hobbies, spent more time with her friends, and focused on her schoolwork. The ache in her heart didn't disappear overnight, but it began to dull, becoming a manageable part of her daily life.

WAIT, SPIN BACK I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THE MOST IMPORTANT PART.

March 19, 2024

When Fae and Kai went no contact, two weeks later, she decided she needed a distraction, someone who could take her mind off things. She asked her friend Dan to set her up with one of his friends. Dan was more than happy to help and introduced her to Tommy.

March-April, 2024

Tommy was everything Fae thought she wanted. He was sweet, attentive, and treated her with the utmost respect. They had a lot in common, from their taste in music to their love of books and outdoor adventures. Fae felt an immediate connection with him, and for a while, it seemed like she had found her perfect match.

Their dates were always fun and filled with laughter. Tommy would plan thoughtful activities, like picnics in the park or stargazing on clear nights. He made her feel special and cared for, something she had craved for so long.