Someday, Who Knows?

Chapter 28: Oh, Charlie

Ellie was in her room, surrounded by cardboard boxes and scattered things. Her room, once a cozy space full of memories, was now a messy mix of half-packed items. She carefully folded a shirt and put it in the box marked "clothes" when her finger accidentally touched the sharp edge of her scissors. A quick pain shot through her hand, and she winced, realizing she had cut herself.

"Great," she muttered, holding her bleeding finger. She rifled through her drawers, searching for a band-aid but found none. "Guess I have to make a quick run to the store."

Grabbing her bike, Ellie rode toward the nearby convenience store. The wind brushed against her face, reminding her of the place she would soon leave. After parking her bike, she walked into the store and looked for the first aid section.

"Band-aids, band-aids," she murmured to herself, finally spotting them on a lower shelf. She picked up a box and headed to the counter. As she turned the corner, her heart skipped a beat.

There, by the entrance, stood Mae. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything felt frozen. Mae's surprise changed to a softer look. She smiled at Ellie, a smile full of unspoken feelings and regrets.

"Ellie," Mae said softly. "It's been a while."

Ellie nodded. "Yeah, it has."

"Do you have a minute? Maybe we could talk?" Mae suggested, her eyes pleading.

Ellie hesitated. She hadn't expected to see Mae, much less talk to her. The memories of their fallout, the rumors Mae had spread, and the pain of their broken friendship flashed through her mind. But then she remembered she was leaving soon. Maybe it was time to clear the air.

"Okay," Ellie agreed, her voice cautious.

They found a bench near the park next to the store and sat down. The early evening air was cool, and the sounds of kids playing and birds chirping filled the quiet between them.

Mae took a deep breath, nervously fiddling with the hem of her shirt. "Ellie, I wanted to say I'm sorry. I know I've said it before, but I mean it this time. I see now how much I acted like a brat, and my jealousy and insecurities ruined our friendship."

Ellie listened, her face careful. She wanted to trust Mae, but the hurt still felt fresh.

"I was so selfish," Mae continued, her voice shaking. "I didn't see how special our friendship was, and I messed it up. I spread those rumors because I felt left out and hurt, but it was wrong. I hurt you and our friendship. I've regretted it ever since."

Ellie watched Mae, noticing the sincerity in her eyes. She remembered the good times they had before everything fell apart. Mae's true regret was clear, but Ellie stayed cautious.

"I'm moving away," Ellie finally said. "I don't know if I will ever come back, and I also don't know if you are sincere with this apology," she added.

Mae's eyes filled with tears. "I do mean it, Ellie. I'm so sorry for everything. I wish I could take it back, but all I can do now is ask for your forgiveness and hope we can find some peace."

Ellie took a deep breath, her heart heavy. She looked at Mae, "Mae, you hurt me," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I don't know if things will ever be the same between us, but I don't want to leave with any regrets either."

Mae nodded, wiping away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. "I understand, that's all I ever wanted," she replied, her voice soft and filled with remorse. "Thank you for listening to me, Ellie. I know I don't deserve it, but it means a lot."

Ellie reached out and took Mae's hand. "I forgive you, Mae. It won't erase what happened, but maybe it can help us both move on."

Mae's face broke into a relieved smile, and she squeezed Ellie's hand. "Thank you, Ellie. That means more than you know."