𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐌 | ⁿⁱᶜʰᵒˡᵃˢ ᶜʰᵃᵛᵉᶻ

16 | old friend

Perla POV:

Pulling my phone out, I glance at the screen, expecting a message from Taby, maybe even Marco. But instead, a notification catches my eye: Nicholas Alexander Chavez liked your photo.

I stop mid-step, staring at the screen, almost convinced I'm seeing things. My mind races back to that picture, the one from the premiere, where I'd spent hours making sure everything was perfect. Why the fuck did he like it?

But still, a small, smug smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I keep walking. He was watching my account, who knows maybe even stalking it. As much as we irritate each other, it's satisfying to know he's paying attention.

But that charmin feeling vanishes as quickly as it came, replaced by the sting of his words from the premiere night. The memory of him standing backstage, talking behind my back, rushes over me.

I clench my phone tighter, the bitterness of betrayal creeping back in. Nicholas liking my photo doesn't change anything. It doesn't erase what he said, and it certainly doesn't make up for how he made me feel that night. I would never let someone hurt me again. Ever.

I slip my phone back into my pocket and keep walking, determined to shake off the thought of him. But his words still echo in my mind, cutting deeper than I'd like to admit.

Lost in my thoughts, I don't even notice the figure heading toward me until I collide straight into him.

"Oh, I'm so sorry—" I start, looking up, only to find myself face-to-face with a familiar grin.

"Perla?" he says, surprise flickering across his face. Drew Starkey. An old friend, someone who used to be my person for laughs and deep talks. We haven't spoken for months, but seeing him here, with that same easy smile, brings a rush of nostalgia.

"You?" I say, a genuine smile breaking through my stormy thoughts. "It's been forever. What are you doing here?"

"Just in town for a bit," he says, looking genuinely happy to see me. "Never thought I would bump into you, wow. Looks like fate had other plans."

We started walking together until we saw a bench and decided to sit there for a bit.
"So ... how've you been?" he asks, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

I shrug, brushing off the question. "Oh, you know, the usual. Busy, tired, and trying to keep up with everything. You know how it is."

Drew's eyes narrow a bit, unconvinced. "Come on, Perla, I know you better than that. You never go on walks. Something's up."

I give him a slight smile, trying to dodge the truth. "It's just work, Drew. Nothing exciting or worth talking about."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "I don't believe you. We haven't talked in ages, and I can already tell something's on your mind."

I sigh, but he just keeps giving me that expectant look, waiting patiently for me to cave. Drew has always had a way of getting me to talk, even when I don't want to.

Finally, I let out a long breath. "Fine. There's... someone, and they hurt me. I found out they were talking behind my back, saying things that just... hurt. It's been eating at me, but I don't want to give them the satisfaction of knowing they got to me." I say it quickly, not making it sound like I cared too much.

Drew's expression softens, and he nods slowly. "Sounds tough. Have you confronted them? Explained how you feel?"

"No," I say firmly, shaking my head. "I don't even want to give him the satisfaction of knowing it affected me. The last thing I need is for him to think he's gotten under my skin."

Drew stops, turning to face me fully. "Look, I get wanting to keep your walls up. But sometimes, these things can't be ignored forever. Maybe you two need to talk it out. He might not even realize how much he hurt you. Or, maybe it's better to clear the air than let this drag on."

I chew on his words, feeling the weight of them settle in. "It's just... it feels like a betrayal, you know? And I will never allow betrayal in my life again. Not after-"

Drew gives me a small, understanding smile. "I get it, Perla. But you're strong, and you deserve to have peace of mind. Maybe he's not worth it, or maybe he's as clueless as they come. But the longer you hold onto this, the more it's going to eat at you."

''I hate that you are always right'', I said while rolling my eyes playfully.
I hesitate, my gaze drifting down to the sidewalk. Then, almost without thinking, I ask, "Drew... do you think I'm difficult?"

He looks at me, surprised. "Difficult?
No. You're not difficult, Perla. You're driven. And there's a big difference. The people who really know you ... and I mean really know you, see that. You're strong, and you stand up for yourself. That is not being difficult."

His words sink in slowly, but they feel like a balm, soothing the ache that's been hurting at me since that night at the premiere. "Thanks, Drew," I say softly, meaning it. "I didn't realize how much I needed to hear that."

He grins, nudging my shoulder lightly. "Anytime. And for the record, you're one of the best people I know. Don't let some idiot who doesn't appreciate that get in your head."

''A guy in my head? I thought you knew me!'', I sarcastically exclaimed while pretending it hurt me.

In reality there definitely was a guy on my mind.

__________

little special guest!!! i love drew and i really hope you do too ✊🏼🥹