Shattered Reflections

Chapter 27

Later that day, Fae and Sophie found themselves alone in the bathroom. They sat on the cold tile floor, leaning against the wall. Fae took out her vape and offered it to Sophie, who accepted with a sigh.

Sophie took a drag, her eyes serious. "I need to talk to you about something. I know I lost it before, and I'm really sorry about that. But honestly, I've had enough of this bullshit. You've been so caught up in Kai that it's like you've forgotten everyone else."

Fae's brow furrowed. "Sophie, come on. It's not like I'm doing it on purpose."

"Yeah, but that's just it," Sophie shot back. "You're prioritizing him over your friends, and it's not just affecting you. It's affecting us too. I was battling depression, trying to be there for you, and you didn't even notice. You were too wrapped up in your drama with him."

Fae's shoulders slumped. "I didn't know you were going through that. I'm sorry. I guess I was too caught up in my own stuff."

Sophie took another drag, clearly frustrated. "Exactly! I was trying to be there for you, but you didn't give a shit. And now, I'm finally out of that dark place, and I wanted to share that with you. But it's hard when you're so focused on a guy who clearly doesn't give a fuck about you the way your friends do."

Fae looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't realize how much I was pushing everyone away. I've been so obsessed with fixing things with Kai, I lost sight of the people who actually care about me."

Sophie exhaled slowly. "I just want things to go back to the way they were. Or at least get close to it. We all have our shit, and we should be dealing with it together, not pushing each other away."

Fae nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "You're right. I've been a mess, and I let it get in the way of everything. I'm sorry, Sophie. I should have been more aware of what was going on with you too."

Sophie softened. "I just don't want to see you get hurt over someone who doesn't deserve it. And I don't want to lose my friends because of it. We're all we've got."

Fae wiped her eyes and gave a small, grateful smile. "Thanks for telling me. I'll try to be better, I promise."

Sophie nodded, her expression relieved. "Good. Because I don't want to be angry with you anymore. Let's just work on being there for each other, okay?"

Fae agreed, feeling a mix of sadness and relief. It was clear that things needed to change, and she was ready to make that effort.

June 21, 2024

As Fae and Kai continued their strained but persistent communication, they began to make tentative plans for when Fae's exams and school commitments were over. Despite the rocky path their relationship had taken, both found themselves drawn back to each other.

One evening, Fae was sitting at her desk, buried in textbooks, when she received a text from Kai. The message was casual, but the undertone of anticipation was clear.

Kai: "Hey, how's the studying going? Ready to finally be done with exams?"

Fae smiled, her stress momentarily easing. She typed back, trying to sound upbeat.

Fae: "Hey! It's going alright, just can't wait for it to be over. I'm so ready for a break."

Kai: "Same here. We should definitely do something once you're free. I was thinking maybe we could go to that new café downtown or catch a movie. What do you think?"

Fae's heart skipped a beat. Despite everything, the thought of spending time with Kai brought a flutter of excitement.

Fae: "That sounds great! I'd love to. I've heard good things about that café. Plus, I could use a movie night to unwind."

Kai: "Awesome. We'll make it happen. I've missed hanging out with you."

Fae: "Me too. It'll be nice to catch up and have some fun. Let's plan something soon."

Kai: "For sure. Can't wait to see you."