A goodbye never said

Chapter 8

Celine's POV

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Aaliyah takes a step forward, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry for everything, Melissa. I didn't mean to disappear like that."

But it's too late. Melissa can't take it anymore, and her breathing turns frantic. I reach for her, trying to support her, but she's already overwhelmed.

Michael glances between the girls, his confusion turning to understanding as he realizes what's happening. He turns to Maya, his expression hardening. "You invited her just to mess with Melissa?"

Maya looks taken aback, but there's a hint of guilt in her eyes. "I thought it would be fun..."

"Fun? For who? Not for Melissa!" Michael snaps, his voice booming over the music, and I can see other party-goers looking our way. "You've got to be kidding me!"

Just then, Millie and Emily saunter over, smirking. "What's going on here?" Millie asks, feigning innocence.

Emily crosses her arms, looking between Michael and Maya. "Yeah, it sounds like someone's not having a good time."

Maya, clearly rattled, shoots them a glare. "I was just trying to lighten the mood."

"You call this fun?" Michael retorts, his frustration bubbling over. "You invited Aaliyah to upset Melissa. What kind of friend does that?"

Millie shrugs, a smirk still plastered on her face. "We thought it would be entertaining. Melissa's always been so dramatic."

Emily giggles, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, we wanted to see if she'd finally confront Aaliyah. It's about time!"

Aaliyah opens her mouth to protest, but the look in Michael's eyes says it all. She steps back, her face falling.

As the chaos unfolds, Melissa takes a deep breath, finally calming down. "I'm okay," she whispers, looking up at Michael. "Thank you."

Michael watches Aaliyah retreat into the crowd before turning back to us. "You shouldn't have to deal with this. Maya, what were you thinking?"

Maya looks regretful, but it's too late for apologies. "I just wanted everyone to have a good time."

"You just ruined her night," Michael says, his disappointment clear.

Millie chimes in, "Oh come on, it's just a party! Don't be such a buzzkill, Michael."

"Buzzkill?" Michael echoes, his eyes narrowing at Millie. "You think making Melissa relive her trauma is entertaining? You all need to grow up."

Emily rolls her eyes. "You're being dramatic. We thought it would be fun to bring Aaliyah back into the mix. Melissa can handle it."

"Clearly, she can't!" Michael snaps, his voice rising. "If you cared about her at all, you wouldn't have done this."

Maya stands between them, looking increasingly uncomfortable. "I thought maybe they could work things out..."

Michael shakes his head in disbelief. "You didn't think, did you? You only cared about your own entertainment."

Melissa, standing next to him, finally speaks up. "You could've just asked me how I felt, Maya. I didn't want her here."

Maya's expression shifts, but she quickly masks it with annoyance. "Well, maybe you should have been clearer about your feelings. I'm tired of walking on eggshells around you."

"Walking on eggshells? You've been reckless," Michael retorts, frustration spilling over. "You think this is all just a game?"

Millie scoffs. "You're just being dramatic, Michael. This isn't that serious."

Michael steps forward, his tone growing sharper. "This isn't just a minor issue, Millie. You invited Aaliyah knowing what she meant to Melissa. That's low."

"You think you're so noble, don't you?" Emily adds, crossing her arms. "But we all know you're just defending your little best friend."

Michael takes a deep breath, his jaw tightening. "This isn't about me. It's about doing the right thing. I can't stand by and watch you hurt the people I care about. Not anymore."

He turns to Melissa, his expression softening. "You deserve better, Mel'

Maya looks between them, her bravado crumbling. "Fine. If you want to leave, then go. I don't need either of you."

Michael takes a step back, his disappointment clear. "Goodbye, Maya."

As he walks away, I can't help but feel a sense of relief mixed with sadness. The music around us feels distant now, the energy of the party muted. I glance at Melissa, who seems steadier but still shaken.

"Are you okay?" I ask, stepping closer to her.

She nods slowly, her eyes following Michael as he disappears into the crowd. "I will be. It's just... a lot to process."

"You don't have to face this alone," I remind her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We're all here for you."

Melissa manages a small smile, though it doesn't reach her eyes. "I know. Thanks, Celine."

As the party continues, I can't shake the feeling that tonight has changed everything. It's painful, but it's also a chance for Melissa to reclaim her life and move forward.