Change My Mind ©

15 | Aftermath

I was absentmindedly looking out of the window when my professor's voice came to my senses whispering, "Ms. Tyler, I think it is better for you to go out first. Relax then come back when your mind is ready for our class."

"Thank you Mrs. Woods. I'll be back in 5 minutes," I whispered back.

I went out of the room then sat on a bench. Thinking how grateful I am, having a professor like her.

I am still, of course, not over with what happened last night. It feels like my mind infinitely replays the scene where I saw Courtney's hatred.

I was breathing heavily just to somehow relax when my phone rang.

Aimee calling...

Hey Aimee.

I am in the bathroom. Where are you? I saw you leaving the class.

No. Uhm. I'm out of the building and be back in a minute.

Oh. Okay. I'll meet you at the entrance then.

Call ended.

I stood and walked back to the building. I saw Aimee's stance and ran to her.

"So, what's up?" Aimee asked.

"A lot," I lazily replied.

"Why do I have this feeling that these things are not so good," she talked to herself aloud.

When I saw our classroom, I frowned and said, "Yeah. I am so worried, actually."

"Don't worry. I'll treat you lunch," she giggled to make me feel light.

An hour has passed with my mind trying to steal my attention from class to lots of worries.

Class has ended and Aimee ringed her arm to mine.

"Where do you wanna eat?" She excitedly asked.

"Anywhere you want," I answered.

"Okay. Let's eat outside," she said.

----

My favorite four-cheese burger with twisted fries was served in front of me and I have to admit, it lighten my mood.

"Thank you, Aimee. You always make me happy," I hugged her.

"I told you. You can't live without me," she sweared.

We silently battled we the burgers for half an hour before Aimee decided to ask, "Uhm. You know I hate to ask this but you promised you will tell me sooo, what happened last night?"

I sighed and said, "When the dance floor was opened and all of you went for a dance, I sat outside the hall and then Brian came. We were talking when Courtney saw us. And that's it. My fear happened. She confronted us."

"Why? If you were just talking, why would she be mad?" Aimee confusedly asked.

"She knows it long before. I don't know when and how, but she saw us together and she thought we're dating," I added.

"And all this time she acted like you were okay? Well, I guess she was really mad," she continued.

"She really is. Honestly, I don't know what to do..what to feel the moment I saw her in class earlier," I worriedly said.

We paused for a minute before Ainee said, "We had never been in this kind of issue before but I just want to remind you that I am always right beside you."

"I kno--" I was cut when my phone rang.

Brian calling...

Hello?

Uhm. I just want to know if you're, uhm well, I know you haven't recovered from what happened, but...I hope you're fine. Uhm, if it is okay with you, can we meet?

Brian, thanks for your concern. But uhm, I am sorry to tell you this over the phone, but I think it would be better if we stop seeing each other for now.

Oh, that was...unexpected. But don't worry I fully understand you. Though, I won't allow you to fix this alone. This should be finished by both of us.

Uhm. I need to go let's just talk about it later.

I'll pick you up.

No. I'll go by your house instead.

Okay, see you. Stay safe.

Call ended.

I looked at Aimee who's doubtful eyes are staring at me.

"What is that for?" I snapped her out.

"Are you sure there's nothing more between you and him?" Aimee keenly asked.

"Why are you asking?" I acted like I was irritated.

She said but I cut her, "Gotcha! You're answering my question with another question. That means you--"

"I already told you. He's just a friend to me."

"Really Gabrielle Tyler? I know you from head to toe. You can't hide from me and I know you know that," she said still not giving up.

"Enough with this, Aimee. Come on, we're gonna be late," I ended.

On our way to our classroom, we bumped into Courtney, Monique, and Lindsey on the locker area.

I was quietly opening my locker when Courtney said, "Hi. Best. Friend."

"Courtney, please, let's talk about it," I calmly asked.

"Well, I was looking for you, too, because I wanna talk to you. So, you're free after class, right?" she said.

I suddenly felt a little lighter and replied, "Yes, I am. Thank you, Courtney."

Courtney and her friends turned and left us after I said it and Aimee whispered, "I'll come with you later."

"No, Aimee. We need to talk personally. Only the two of us," I insisted.

She moved closer to me and whispered, "But what if she hurt you?" 

"I don't think she'll do that," i nodded sideways.

"I think she can," she added.

"Don't worry. If something happens, you're the first person I'll call for help," I guaranteed.

----

Class has ended and Courtney immediately grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the room.

She released me and said, "Follow me."

We went to a cafe with few people and sat facing each other.

We ordered coffee for a minute. She sipped and said, "Talk."

"Brian and I. We're just friends," I started.

She sarcastically smirked and said, "Would you stop? I am weary of that alibi, okay?"

"But that's the truth, Courtney. It's not an alibi. It started when we got to be new neighbors and another is that when we've learned that our parents were friends since high school," I explained.

She raised her brow and asked, "When did you learn that? After I told you what he did to me?"

I paused and gulped for a second and replied, "Yes."

"Then why didn't you tell me?!" She raised her voice and some people in the cafe looked at us. "Maybe, I could have understand if you told me this beforehand! Why, Gabb? I cannot understand why you should need to hide this from me. We are friends! That's the reason why it is so hard for me to believe that there is nothing between you and him."

"I'm sorry, Courtney. I am so sorry. I was led by fear, but believe me, we planned to tell you everything after the party and --" I was cut by my phone ringing on top of the coffee table.

My heart instantly rumbled like it was going to burst the moment I, and Courtney too, saw who was calling.

Brian calling...

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