Things Changed

Chapter 6

Eric's Pov:
I woke up about 9 am the next day. I looked at my phone and groaned. Today's the day I fix everything. I went to shower and picked out a simple black crewneck sweatshirt with some plain jeans. I threw on a beanie and went on my way.
I walked down the stairs of my place and looked for something to eat. I hardly ever stayed at my place, so I never really bought groceries. I kept looking and finally realized that there was nothing to eat here. I decided to see if Max was awake, so I texted him.

Eric
Yo. Are you awake? I was going to eat breakfast at home, but there isn't anything here. Can I eat at your house?

I waited a few minutes for a reply, but nothing came.
"Of course. He's definitely still asleep. Let me call him." I thought while searching for his contact.
I found it and pressed call. It rung for a minute until he finally picked up.
"mmm... Hello?" Max mumbled.
"You haven't got up?" I joked. "I was wondering if I could eat breakfast at your place?"
"mhmm... If the door isn't unlocked, call me again." He said while yawing.
"Ok. I'm on my way to your house." I laughed.
"mhmm." He said clearly falling back asleep.
The call ended and I grabbed my shoes and headed next door.
I was putting my shoes on next to my front door when I seen Maya and Jaz walk by.
"Where are they going at this time?" I wondered.
I was going to get their attention when my stomach growled distracting me from what I was doing. I leaned down to finish tying my shoelaces, but when I looked around for the girls, they were already gone.
"I guess I'll see them later then. But right now I need food." I said rubbing my stomach.
I walked next door and tried to open the door. To my surprise, it was unlocked. I walked in and was surprised to see Max in the kitchen. I could've sworn he'd still be asleep.
"You're actually awake?" I questioned looking shocked.
"Yeah. After you called I heard the girls moving around, so it woke me up." He groaned.
I laughed and started looking for something to eat. I noticed Max was cooking eggs and sausage.
"Are you cooking some for me?" I asked curiously.
"Duh. Why else would I be cooking so much food?" I asked sarcastically. "The girls aren't here, so it's just us. I know how you eat though."
I laughed. He knew me so well. He finished and we sat down to eat.
"I seen your text saying you weren't going to be able to hang out today. What happened?" He asked.
"Oh. I wasn't, and I really can't hangout today. I was just hungry and there was no food at my place." I mumbled with my mouth full.
"But what are you doing?" He asked looking at me.
"Uh." I paused. "Aria called me last night and told me to meet her at the cafe on the corner at 2 pm. I know she probably wants to get back together, but I'm going to use this as an opportunity to cut her off for real."
He just stared at me surprised. He sat there for a moment before he spoke.
"Are you sure man?" His eyes were searching for a honest answer. "Don't say that if you're just going to go back to her again."
I looked him in the eyes.
"I'm 100% sure. I can't go back to her. I'm cutting her off for good." I said boldly.
He jumped from his chair excitedly. He's been telling me to leave her alone for so long, but I never listened. It was always comfortable for me to keep going back to her. Hell, it's been four years, but now it's over. I just have to explain it to her and hope she understands it fully.
Max and I hung out until it was time for me to leave. We played video games and ate snacks. I looked down to check the time and noticed it was 1:15 pm.
"I think it's time for me to head out. I'll be back after though." I said while getting up to leave.
"Remember to do what you said bro. Don't give in to her. Make sure you end it for good. I believe in you." He smiled while giving me a thumbs up.
It was a whirlwind of emotions when I was walking to the cafe. I was so nervous that I would mess something up or even worse fall back into her traps. As I arrived I noticed Aria waiting outside. I took a deep breath and approached her.
"Uh. Hey." I say as I stood in front of her.
She immediately looked up from her phone and smiled.
"OH! Eric!!" She leaned in to give me a hug causing me to step back from her.
"I don't think we should do that." I say as I look at her disgustingly.
"Why not?" She asked. "I thought we were getting back together. That's why I invited you here today, so we can fix this."
I stared at her. I knew she'd do this. I sighed.
"Let's just go in. I've got something to discuss with you."
We walked in and went to order drinks. I got a medium mango juice and Aria got a medium americano. After we got our drinks we looked around for a place to sit. We sat down at a table by the window.
"So what did you have to say to me?" She asked taking a sip of her drink.
"Uh... I don't think we should get back together. If it hasn't worked out between us by now, why would it work this time?" I blurt out nervously. She paused and stared at me wide eyed.
I stuttered. "I mean I just don't think it would be smart to keep trying when it's clearly not working. I met you today to make it absolutely clear that we aren't getting back together."
"What the hell are you talking about?" She snapped.
"I'm serious Aria. I don't want to get back together." At this point I was no longer worried about her feelings because she wasn't going to listen if I say it nicely.
She reached across the table and grabbed my hands. "Please don't do this. I can change. I'll do anything. Eric, please."
She had tears in her eyes. A familiar act that used to get me every time. I knew it too well, and was absolutely sure it wouldn't work on me this time. I was about to speak up, but I heard a familiar voice. It sounded like Maya.
I turned towards the voice to see Maya standing at the counter. She was pretty. I watched as she ordered. I noticed the boy behind the counter was flirting hardcore. I hated that. I've been pushing the feelings I had for her aside for the sake of keeping the peace. I had never told anyone and honestly I don't think I've ever had a chance anyways. I watched as she flirted back and giggled at him. It hurt for sure. She had finally got her order when I heard him ask for her name and number.
"Don't give it to him. Please." I begged in my head hoping she'd somehow hear me.
I watched closely as she wrote down her name and number and turned to leave. She looked directly at me and we made eye contact. I was going to say her name, but she quickly broke eye contact and walked out the door with Jaz. I couldn't just watch her walk away without explaining about what she saw. I looked at Aria and looked at the door. I had a choice, watch the girl of my dreams leave, or stay with the girl I'm trying to remove from my life. It wasn't a hard choice. I looked at Aria and got up from my seat and sprinted out the door. I noticed Maya and Jaz hadn't made it far so I yelled their names. Thankfully they heard me and stopped. As I made it to them, I immediately started to explain.
"What ever you think you saw was not what was happening." I pleaded hoping they'd understand. They stared at me for a minute before telling me they didn't care what was happening, they just wanted to know I was ok. It hurt. I know I should've told them, but I knew they'd be upset with me and I was just trying to fix the problem myself. As I was trying to explain, Maya got a text. It was from the cafe boy.
I watched as she jumped up and down with excitement. They giggled about what to respond with, completely forgetting I was standing there. My heart shattered like glass being thrown at a wall. It felt like I had missed my chance again, but this time I'd never get another one. I was tired of standing there and was about to say something when they looked up at me.
"We gotta go. Uh, see you later." Maya said as they turned leaving me standing there. I watched as they walked away. I was too shocked to do anything. Finally I heard someone fake cough behind me.
"Shit. Aria." I thought as I turned around to face her.
"You left me sitting there for her?" She asked clearly pissed. "Let me make something clear."
She started walking closer to me. I stood there scared of what she might say. She leaned closer to my ear and whispered.
"If I can't have you all to myself, I'll hurt anyone who tries to take you from me. It's your choice."
A shiver went down my spine. She was talking about Maya.
"What do you want from me?" I asked taking a step back from her. "I'll do anything to keep you from hurting her.
Aria smiled. "I knew this would get to you. Are you scared for Maya?"
"Leave her out of this. Just tell me what you want!" I watched as she paused for a moment thinking,
"Hmm. What do I want?" She looked at me her smile dropping from her face. "You."
I stared at her.
"I want you all to myself. It's either that or Maya get's hurt."
I expected this from her, but I didn't want to put Maya in harms way.
"Fine, but if Maya get's hurt, I'll make you hurt even worse." I said while thinking of all the problems this was going to cause.
"Great! I'm glad we agree sweetheart!" She chirped. "I'll see you later."
I stood there frozen. I came here for one thing and I couldn't even succeed. I know this isn't real, but now I'm trapped.
I watched her walk away and made sure she was out of sight before I turned to go back to my home. I can't face the twins or anyone at this moment. I wanted to lock myself in my room and never come out. I didn't know what to do. I felt trapped and scared.

I need to disappear. It's what would be best for everyone.