Save Me

2. Forgotten

(Phoenix's POV)

I carefully pull my soft curly ringlets into a high ponytail, deciding to opt out of makeup for the evening. I glance in the mirror, quickly applying my Summer Friday's lip balm, rubbing my lips together before tossing it into my bag. My phone buzzes; it's my best friend Anastasia. I swipe across the screen to answer her call.

"Hey, Stassie. What's up?"

"Hi babe! Okay, so please don't hate me."

I sigh, bracing myself for whatever is next.

"Why would I hate you?"

"Well, I kind of got invited to this super cool influencer party and I feel like it would be a mistake not to go. You won't miss me, right?"

I sigh heavily. Since Anastasia has started trying to make it big on social media, she's developed a bad habit of bailing on me at the last minute when "better" opportunities come up. I can't believe I thought this time would be different.

"Well, of course I'll miss you, Stassie. We've been going to the fair together every year since we were kids. It's our tradition. I feel like lately you've just forgotten I even exist. I was excited to catch up."

I admit sadly. Anastasia sighs, shuffling around nervously on the other end of the phone.

"I'm sorry, P. Being an influencer is really important to me."

"You can't take one night off to spend time with your best friend? I haven't seen you since January. It's November, Stassie.

Anastasia hesitates, going quiet.

"You know what? It's fine. Ditch our plans for your event. Yet again. I hope you get to be a big star one day since that's all you care about."

I say in an aggravated tone before abruptly ending the call and rolling my eyes.

I grab my bag, slinging it over my body and slipping my phone into the side pocket. I walk out of my bedroom and into the entryway, sitting on the bench to pull on my sneakers. I'm going to the fair and I'm going to have a fun night. Even if I have to spend it alone. I exit my apartment and head for the elevator, stepping out into the first floor lobby.

"Miss Maples! How are you this evening?"

The concierge of my building greets me warmly. I smile as I approach his desk.

"Hi Daniel, I'm okay. How are you?"

I ask, a hint of sadness in my tone. He picks up on it immediately furrowing his brow as he leans forward, resting his elbows on the front desk.

"Uh oh. What's wrong? I thought you were excited about the fair tonight. Did something happen?"

"Guess."

"Anastasia bail again?"

I nod sadly, shifting my weight around on my feet anxiously as I twirl my ponytail between two fingers.

"She got invited to an influencer party and said it would be a mistake for her not to go. But what about ditching your  best friend and the plans you committed to for a bunch of people you don't know? All because they have a lot of followers. Is that not a mistake?"

Daniel shakes his head sadly.

"It is a mistake. She'll learn that soon enough. But she can learn it without you."

"What do you mean without me?"

"I mean, when she realizes she fumbled her best and truest friend for a bunch of fake clout chasers and comes crawling back complaining about how miserable her new life is — don't let her. You're a prize, and you deserve to be treated as such. I've watched from a distance since January as this girl has ripped your heart apart piece by piece. A little less life in your eyes every time you walk back through those lobby doors. I won't stand for it anymore."

Daniel says firmly.

"I know I need to let her go. It's just so hard. We've been friends since grade school. She's all I have."

Daniel nods understandingly.

"I get it. Believe me, I do. But one thing I've learned in life is this — you can't take hold of all the good the universe has for you, if you're unwilling to let go of the bad. Fresh and salt water can't flow from the same spring, remember? You have to pick one."

I sigh sadly, knowing he's right.

"I can tell you from experience that cutting out the poison is the only way to thrive. We as humans need healthy and nurturing relationships to prosper. Just like plants need fresh water to grow."

I nod, fully taking in his words.

"You're right. As of right now, I'm washing my hands of Anastasia and her mess. I don't want to keep living like this. I've wasted nearly a whole year waiting around for her to decide I'm worth spending time around. I'm done. I deserve so much better. Thanks Daniel, you always know just what to say."

Daniel smiles, looking satisfied.

"You're welcome. Now go let loose and enjoy the fair. You might even make a new friend while you're at it."

I laugh as he pulls me into a tight hug before sending me off and out the door.

"Have a good evening, Miss Maples!"

The doorman says politely, holding open the large entry door so I can walk through it.

"See ya, Archie!"

I say as one of the valets pulls up with my car. I thank him and I slide into the front seat before turning around and slipping a twenty-dollar bill into his hand. He smiles warmly at me.

"Thank you very much, Miss Maples. Have a good night."

"You're welcome, see you soon."

It is going to be a good night. I'm sure of it.