Against All Odds

Chapter 17

Eve

Ever since that party where I'd been locked in my room, Mike has real really been getting on my nerves. He'd always come over my house, finding ways to spend even more time with me and it is getting boring. Honestly, after my conversation with Lucas I hadn't realised how much he annoyed me, but now I realise there's no spark left for us. After a lot of thought, I come to the conclusion that I don't love him and I'm not sure I ever did. Perhaps I just liked the idea of being in a relationship. I've decided in my mind that I'm going to break it off with him. The problem I have is how?
Michael is a proud guy and I really don't want to hurt him. The two of us should have realised that out feelings wouldn't last, especially since we met in detention after he humiliated my best mate, resulting in me punching him.
Sighing, I rub my fingers against my temples. All this boyfriend stress is giving me a headache. Reaching over to my desk, I pick up my phone and send AJ a quick text, asking him to come over as soon as he could. Of course, my brilliant best mate replies quickly, confirming he'll be over in ten minutes.
While I wait, raised voices come from next door as father and son argue again. I peak through my curtains nervously but can't see anything that's happening, although I leave my window open slightly so Lucas could escape his Dad if he needs. Sadness falls over me when I think again about his abusive life. Going to the police would be the most obvious option, but Lucas has made it clear to me that that isn't what he wants.

The two of us have had a few conversations since that evening we spent together and I'm glad to see his bruises slowly healing. There is clearly much more going on with his Dad but I respect his privacy. Especially since I haven't told him a single thing about my life. My past is something that stays in the past.

A few minutes later, AJ bursts into my room, heading straight to my CD collection.
"Max let me in, soo what do we listen to?" He holds up two CDs for me to choose from. "The Killers or Nivarna?"

"Uh, The Killers as long as it's Hot Fuss." I decide, because personally that was my favourite album they've done.

AJ agrees, putting it into my CD player which I'm extremely proud off; I got it really cheap from a car boot sale, but it creates a wonderful sound! Char got an expensive stereo system for her birthday last year and we've both agreed my speakers make a far better sound.

Jenny was a friend of mine begins playing and, after he's finished livening up the room with music, he plops down on my bed next to me, cross legged.

"So, why do you need to talk to me so badly I had to stop my very important Big Bang Theory binge?" AJ questions, reminding me of my current dilemma.

"I don't have feelings for Mike anymore." I admit, pulling my knees up to my chest.

A mixture of emotions cross across AJ's face: surprise, relief, but mainly joy.

"YES!" He fist punches the air and I find myself frowning at his reaction. "Sorry Eve, but he's a dick."

"He's not that bad." I defend my soon to be ex-boyfriend.

AJ raises his dark eyebrows and laughs.

"Harper, you've been blinded by your feelings towards him." He informs me. "That guy is a bully."

"You're so dramatic." I roll my eyes at my best mate.

"Am not." He pouts. "It's true, the past months he may have been an angel in your eyes but he's still been his old, dickish self to everyone else."

"What do you mean?" I ask, concerned that I hadn't noticed this. "I know you never saw eye to eye but I thought you got on a little better than before."