All That's Left

Chapter 24 | Vania

Present
2023
Seventeen years old

I stared at the text from Daniel on my phone, which confirmed our plans for the evening. I had agreed to hang out with him somewhat reluctantly, hoping that it might take my mind of everything that had happened. 

With a deep sigh, I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door, trying to muster up some enthusiasm for the outing. 

Daniel was waiting outside in his car, a broad smile on his face. "Ready for an adventure?" he asked as I slid into the passenger seat.

"Yeah, sure," I replied, forcing a smile onto my face. Daniel didn't deserved my bad mood. 

I was determined to give this a chance, to see if maybe, just maybe, things could start to feel normal again.

We drove through town and stopped at the small deli to grab some dinner. The conversation between us was light, filled with small talk and occasional laughter, and I found myself relaxing a little bit. I was surprised to find that Daniel had a way of making me forget about my problems, even if only for a little while.

Daniel dorve us to the lake just outside of town, a quiet spot that rarely saw any visitors. Memories of Dorian and I hanging out here threatened to replay through my mind, but I shoved them away.

When we arrived at the lake, the sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden glow over the water. Daniel parked his car, and we walked down to the wooden dock, where he spread out a picnic blanket and layed out our dinner. 

"I've always loved this place," I said, taking in the serene surroundings.

"It really is beautiful."

We sat down on the picnic blanket, digging into our food and talking about everything and nothing. For a moment, I felt like I could breathe again, the weight of my worries lifting just a little. We watched the sun set over the lake, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange, reflecting on the still water.

I didn't know how long we sat there, but eventually, the sky grew dark and the night animals woke up. Daniel gathered up our food containers and deposited them in his car. When he walked back towards me, he began pulling his shirt over his head.

"What are you doing?"

He grinned mischievously. "Going for a swim. Care to join me?"

I hesitated, my initial instinct being to decline his offer. But then I thought about everything that had happened, and how I've been holding myself back from trying to move on. Maybe it was time to let go, just for a little while, atleast. 

"Okay," I said as I got to my feet. 

With a laugh, Daniel ran, leapt off the dock and dove into the water, the water splashing around him. 

I walked up to his car and removed my outer layers, and placing them on the passenger seat just like Daniel did, leaving me standing in just my underwear. I felt uncomfortable, but I was going to get nowhere if I didn't dare to step outside of my comfort zone every once and a while. 

I took off running, following Daniel into the lake. The cold water sent a shock through my system, but it felt exhilarating at the same time. Daniel and I swam around and splashed each other with water like we were little kids, our laughter echoing over the water, the worries of the world momentarily forgotten.

As we floated around in the water, Daniel drifted closer towards me. I felt a mix of anticipation and unease as he leaned in towards me, his intentions clear. But as his lips neared mine, I pulled back in the water, the moment fading into the night.

"Daniel, I can't do this," I said, moving backwards in the water, away from him. "I'm sorry."

Daniel look frustrated, his smile fading. "I thought you and Dorian weren't hanging out anymore."

"We're not, but that has nothing to do with this, Daniel," I replied. 

Daniel sighed, running a hand through his wet hair. "Whatever," he muttered, swimming back to the dock. He climbed out and walked to his car. He pulled on his clothes over his wet ones without another word and drove off, leaving me alone in the water. 

I watched him go, a sadness settling in my chest. Why did things always go south so quickly?

I had tried to have fun, tired to move on, but it seemed that nothing in my life was working out. The water felt colder now, the loneliness wrapping around me like a shroud.

Climbing out of the lake, I realized with a sinking heart that my clothes were still in Daniel's car. I was left standing in just my underwear, shivering in the nightly chill. I grabbed the piccin blanket and wrapped it around myself, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

I picked up my phone, my fingers trembling as I scrolled through my contact list. I didn't want to call Max. He had been so excited for me about this, and I didn't want to shatter his hopes.

He had been one of the few bright spots in my life recently, always cheering me on, believing that things could get better. Calling him now would feel like admitting defeat.

 After too many long moment of hesitation, I found Dorian's number. My thumb hovered over the screen, my mind racing with doubts and fears. Taking a deep, shaky breath, I pressed the call button.

"Vania?" Dorian's voice came through the line, sounding worried. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry to do this right now, but can you come get me, please?" I asked, my voice small. I hated how weak I sounded, but I couldn't help it. "I'm at the lake."

There was a pause, a clicking of cutlery, then Dorian's voice was back on the line. "I'll be there in a few minutes. Hang tight, okay?"

"Okay," I replied, tears prickling at my eyes.

As I sat on the dock, wrapped in the blanket and waiting for Dorian, I felt a mix of emotions flowing through me. I had tired to move on and have some fun for once, but it seemed that my past and my present was constantly colliding, leaving me feeling lost and hopeless. 

The cool night air brushed against my damp skin, and I shivered, not just from the cold, but from the realization that nothing in my life seemed to go right anymore, and it all started when Lucas came into my life. 

The lake was quiet, the water still and dark under the moonlight. I could hear the soft rustling of leaves in the trees and the distant call of an owl. The peacefulness of the surroundings contrasted sharply with the racing thoughts in my head. I thought about how different things used to be, how carefree and happy I was before I ruined everything. Memories of simpler times with Dorian and Dad flooded my mind, making my current situation feel even more unbearable. 

I stared at my reflection in the water, distorted and fragmented by the gentle ripples. I wondered if I would ever feel complete again, if I would ever find my way back to the person I used to be.

I closed my eyes, the tears finally spilling over. I didn't want to be here, alone and exposed. I wanted to feel safe, to be with someone who understood me. Someone who knew my pain and didn't judge me for it. Dorian had always been that person, and despite everything that had happened, what I did, he still was. Calling him had been instinctual, a desperate plea for the comfort only he could provide.

When Dorian's car finally pulled up, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. He got out, his expression a mix of concern, confusion, and determination. Without a word, he stalked towards me and wrapped me in his arms, holding me tightly against his chest. The warmth of his embrace melted some of the ice that had formed around my heart, and I clung to him, letting the tears flow freely.