"What Are You Waiting For?" || ORIGINAL STORY.

Chapter Fifty-Five.

Darren's POV.

Just as the night came, I got into Anika's cabin to confront her.

Luckily, her cabin mate was away at the campfire, so I had her alone.

I found Anika sitting on her bed, going through some notes.

She looked up at me and gave a smile, "Babe?"

I closed the door behind me and crossed my arms, my expression serious. "We need to talk."

Her smile faded, replaced with a look of concern, "Is something wrong?"

I exhaled deeply, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, there is. It's about how you treat Tanya."

Her face immediately schooled into a cold expression, "What about it?"

I walked further into the room, my jaw clenching in irritation. "Stop being so damn rude to her. She doesn't deserve it, and it needs to stop. Now."

She rolled her eyes, feigning nonchalance, "Who cares? She's just some annoying little girl. She's nothing special."

My annoyance flared, and my voice turned sharp, "She's not 'nothing'. She's my friend, and more importantly, someone I care about. And she does not deserve being treated like crap, especially not by you."

Anika huffed in irritation, "God, why do you even care so much about her? She's nothing but a nuisance."

Oh, I swear to God.

My hands balled into fists, "And you? What exactly are you? You're nothing but a cold-hearted, selfish girl who thinks she's better than everyone else. You treat people like crap and don't even care about anyone but yourself."

I didn't let her finish, instead, I continued.

"You just want attention all the time, you can't handle it if the spotlight is on anyone but you. You're insecure and jealous and you think it makes you look cool to be rude when in fact it just shows your immaturity. You can't handle anything that doesn't go your way or any situation you don't have control over."

I clenched my jaw, "And the worst thing is, you don't even see how pathetic you are. You just go around acting all possessive and controlling, as if you own me and that you're better than everyone, but let me tell you what? You're not. You're just like the rest of them, if not worse. So, for the love of God, stop being a bitch to Tanya, and start growing up."

Anika's expression had gone from irritation to anger, but there was also a hint of hurt in her eyes.

I knew my words had stung, but I couldn't bring myself to feel remorse. She needed to hear this.

"You don't get to tell me what to do," she snapped back, her voice cold. "And you don't know me as well as you think you do. You're just too blinded by your precious little friend to see the truth."

My patience was wearing thin, "And what truth? That you're a selfish, heartless, jealous girl who thinks the world revolves around her? That you can't handle not being the centre of attention for five minutes? Is that the truth you want me to see, Anika?"

"You're one to talk," she shot back, "You're just like me, Darren. You're just as cold and heartless, even if you pretend otherwise. You use people just like I do, don't deny it."

"Is that what you think? That I'm just like you?" I raised an eyebrow, "Well, let me tell you something, I'm nothing like you. I care about people. I have friends and relationships that I cherish, and I would never use or manipulate anyone for my own gain. It's not in my nature."