Toxic Truth

27

ZELLA

I miss Liam.

I miss him everyday, every time, everywhere. I miss him all the time.

I can't stop thinking about us together, our moments. He's on my mind all the time. How he smiles, how he looks focused when he's working, how his touch used to feel.

Everyday, I come to a realisation that we're over, I broke up with him. He's not in my life anymore and I need to move on.

And everyday this realisation breaks a piece of my heart and I'm tired of everything all over again.

Which is why I'm tired today too. At my exhibition. The same exhibition I've been dreading and waiting for since months.

Now I don't feel an ounce of anxiety or excitement. I don't feel anything. Or maybe I just feel sadness.

Liam was supposed to be here today. We were supposed to do this together. He was supposed to calm me down.

What's the point of panicking if he won't be here to calm me?

My parents come back to stand next to me after checking all my paintings.

"We're so proud of you Zella," My mom hugs me. When she pulls back she has tears in her eyes which automatically tears me up too. "You're amazing."

"Thank you mom," I mumble and wipe the corner of my eyes.

Next, my dad wraps me in a bear hug next and whispers against my head. "I can never be not proud of you. I've been blessed with the best daughter."

"I'm blessed with the best parents," I say against his chest. And it's true. I do have the best and most supportive parents. I don't know what I would've done without them.

They supported me through my career choices, comforted me through my break ups, advised me on things I needed advice on.

"Crying today is really not on my bingo card," Natalia says from where she's standing next to me, and I pull away from the hug with a laugh.

"Thank you guys for being here, truly." I tell her and Sydney. They're the reason I had the strength to continue with the exhibition.

"You really think we would miss it? You didn't even have to ask us to come." Sydney rolls her eyes, looking offended that I thanked them for being here.

A high pitched voice from behind makes me turn around.

"Zella Walter, the woman that you are!"

Sage and Matteo are standing together, both of them holding what seems like a gift and the former is still gaping at me.

"You guys came!" I cry out in happiness.

"Of course we did! Who would want to miss these masterpieces?" She says and hugs me.

Matteo hugs me next and tugs my shoulder in comfort. "Good job Zella."

"Thank you," I smile, feeling shy and awkward all of a sudden.

They greet my parents, Nat and Sydney next, while I go around to greet the other guests and converse with others.