Don't Let Me Go <A Paranormal love story>(Wattpad Only)

Chapter 17

One more exam and my summer vacation commenced. Being at home without having RJ around felt different. I couldn’t help checking the window now and then. Two weeks passed by fast. The first 9 days of my summer vacation were bearable with Nisha's presence. We had long phone calls together, listened to music over the phone and even exchanged kisses through the telephone. On the 10th day, she came to my house. We sat in my backyard reading a book. She even stayed for lunch. The day after that Nisha's presence became minimal.

   At first, I thought she was busy. I called her multiple times, but she never picked up my call. At night, she sent me a text saying that she would call me the following day but she never did. Four days went by and I received no phone call. All I received was two texts: "I'll call you later." and "Sorry my dad is back in town." I couldn't help but think the worst. Maybe her dad found out and forced her to not talk to me? Or was she seeing someone else? Did I do something wrong? Was she mad that I hadn't made a move yet to kiss her? The negative thoughts only increased every day and got me anxious.

   During the weekend I made plans to meet Xander and Subashini. We selected our destination at the small snack shop close to our school. They were there before me sitting in the small shop. Suba was on a shabby stool, and Xander was on a wooden chair that had shaky legs. I waved at them and took my place opposite them on a plastic chair. "See who is here finally to see us, Mister love-struck president," Xander teased, causing Subashini to nudge him. "Ow!"

   "How are things with Nisha? You've been pretty busy?" Subashini asked with a little smirk on her face.

   "My Man is under the l-o-v-e spell," Xander added.

   I shrugged. "The usual right?" I asked instead and went to order. As I stood by the billing counter, I felt guilty-mad at myself for zoning out my best friends for some random girl. Wanting to make it up, I paid for the three egg puffs and Lassi I ordered. When I went to my seat, Suba held out the money. I shook my head. "Why da?" She asked.

   "Let's just say I'm saying sorry," I said with a guilty smile.

   Subashini opened her mouth to say something, but Xander cut in, "Mmm, I accept." and took the puff from the waiter. Subashini nudged him again. "Mickey I understand-"

   "It's okay. Let me treat you guys. I'm not taking no."

   She nodded and took the puff from the waiter. "Okay, but you still haven't answered my question," she said as she took a bite of it. I shrugged as I bent my head. I stared at the puff on my plate. I knew if I told them, Xander would  say, "I told you so." But at the same time, I had to tell them.

   "Dei, Mickey sollu da..."

   "Did you break up?"

   "Dei, shut up, or I'll hit you," Subashini warned the boy beside her, making me smile a little. She placed her hand on mine and I looked at her. "What happened, Pa?"

   "I don't know. Everything was nice at first. But suddenly she started ignoring me. Past five days, no call from her. She said her dad was in town. I tried calling. She cuts my call. I don't know what to think..." I buried my face in my hand.

   "I told you Macha girls are like that. Today they will like you. Tomorrow someone else- ouch! Why did you stamp me?"

   Subashini looked at him like she was going to kill him. "Uma wasn't your girlfriend, you fool. You can't group all women. Shut up and don't make things worse for Mickey." She then looked at me. "Maybe go to her house? Or ask your mum to call? I'm sorry to hear she is treating you like this da. I hope she contacts you soon. I'm sure she is just busy because her dad came home."

   I nodded.

   "I'll give you one advice, Macha. Best friends before girlfriends. Because best friends will never hurt each other. All those romance is for suckers. If she leaves-"

   "Don't listen to him, Mickey. She won't leave," Suba cut in.

   Xander rolled his eyes. "I'm just saying we are here for you. We love you. You still have us okay? Bros for life." He thumped his heart with his fist and pointed at me. I mimicked his action and nodded. Then we continued munching on our puffs. His words got me thinking about RJ. I felt a pang in my heart. I need to find him. I stood up and looked at them. "I have to go now. Let's watch a movie tomorrow maybe?"

   "My place then!" Xander cheered. Yes, Yes we were allowed there since his entire big family could watch over us.

   On my way home, I received a message. I pulled my mom's old button phone from my pocket that she let me use ever since I got lost. I saw a text from Nisha. I opened it immediately. Can I meet you? It's urgent. Reading those words made my heart skip a beat. I swiftly replied: Are you okay? Yes I can meet.

   Yes. Meet me at the ice cream Parlour.

   I waited almost an hour for her. I was on the verge of leaving when she finally walked in. "Hey," she waved and smiled but it wasn't her usual full face plastered bright smile I loved. This one was barely a lip curve. I knew that something was wrong. I let her sit and we ordered two ice creams. I waited for some time to pass by as I impatiently tapped my feet against the floor. I was hoping she'd say something. But she kept quiet, so I decided to just enquire "Is everything alright?"

   Right then, the waiter ca,e back with our ice creams, and she paid him. She then looked at me and smiled saying, "My treat." I nodded and took the ice cream. Once he left, she finally spoke, "I don't have a lot of time so I'll get straight to the point. I'm switching schools-"

   "What!" I almost spat my ice cream. She nodded and bent her head. I watched her stir her ice cream as kept nodding. I waited for her to continue but she didn't. "Nisha..." I impatiently called.

   She looked at me eyes full of tears. "I'm so sorry, Mickey," She whispered, wiping her cheeks while shaking her head.

   "But why?"

   "Because my parents think I'm a woman now and shouldn't be with boys, so they are changing me to an all-girls school."

   "What- then why let us date?"

   "I guess my mother felt bad that I had to switch schools. When I told her I don't want to change schools she said you had your fair share of boys and dating. It is time for you to be a good woman and stay at home. Away from boys."

   "THAT IS STUPID," I yelled making everyone look at us. I felt so angry that I didn't care. I didn't even realize I was clenching my cup of ice cream until it oozed on my hand. Nisha quickly took a tissue and wiped my hand. I pulled the tissue from her hand and wiped myself.

   "I'm sorry Mickey. I don't want to go but my dad is back and determined to send me to another school."

   I stayed silent as I continued whining my hand. I felt a growing pain in my chest. First Layla and now her... Xander was right. Women always leave... Those were my only thoughts. I left the tissue on the table and looked at her.

   "But I don't want to lose you, Mickey. You are my good friend. I'll talk to-"

   "Friend?" I chuckled sarcastically. "That's all I am?"

   "No not at all. But you know we can't date-"

   "Yes. It is fine." I nodded as I stood up.

   "Mickey wait!"

   "Have a good life, Nisha. Thank you for everything," I told her while trying to keep my calm. I walked away. Tears threatened to spill but I didn't cry. I shouldn't cry. Men don't cry. People can't see me crying. So I bit my bottom lip as I ran. I ran and ran so fast till the pain in my chest was replaced by the pounding of my heart.

   Now that I think of it, more than a heartbreak, it was rage that I felt. Frustration at myself for what I did. The pain hadn't sunk in yet. All I could think about was Xander's words "Best friends before girlfriends. Because best friends will never hurt each other." But I did! I hurt my RJ. I hurt my best friend, who has been with me for so many years, for someone I barely knew. You need to fix this I told myself. You need to make it right. And I did everything to...