Am I Too Late?

Getting Ready

I look at my reflection in the mirror, happy with my outfit choice for the party. Black converse sneakers, skinny jeans, and a black tank top with a black see thru skull long sleeve shirt over top. Can't forget my necklace with a ring on the chain as my simple accessory. My style isn't what it used to be, who knows if Chloe would even like my style now. Although her style has changed drastically too I suppose.

I walk out the door and head down to Kate's room. I knock on the door, waiting for her to answer.

"Hey Max! I'm glad you decided to come with me, it'll be fun. You look good by the way."

"Thanks you look nice yourself, trying to impress some cute boy tonight?" I ask teasingly.

Kate blushes as she replies, "No, I'm just going to have fun and relax."

"Oh Max, one thing before we go. Sometimes Rachel and Chloe show up at these parties... I didn't want you to go and be blindsided if they make an appearance." Kate tells me, nervously rubbing her neck.

"If you don't want to go because of that I understand, but I hope you still do so we can hang out."

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I smile towards her and nod, "Thanks for letting me know, I appreciate it. I'm still going to go, I can't let them ruin my time here. Besides it's my own fault anyways that things between me and Chloe are the way they are."

Kate throws her arms around me and gives me a hug. She pulls away and goes to feed her bunny.

"I hope you don't mind that we wait for Alyssa so we all can go to the party together do you? She should be coming anytime now."

"No I don't mind, it's fine."

I walk over to her couch and take a seat, relaxing back. I spot one of her books on the table in front of me.

"Do you mind if I look at your book while we wait?"

"No go right ahead. I didn't know you enjoyed poetry Max. You can borrow the book if you'd like. That way we can maybe talk about it at one of our tea sessions."

"I just love all literature but poetry is so raw and real, I get lost in it." Kate rambles on.

I grab the book looking at the title, I Love You, and I Never Mean to Hurt Your Feelings a collection of poems. Why does it seem like everything around me ends up relating to how I'm feeling inside.

"I'd like that and think I will come borrow it after the party tonight so I can read it."

I skim through it briefly, one poem title catching my attention. I Hope You Can Forgive Me for Hurting You by Julie Anne Gridley. Well if that isn't a thought that's been in my head for a while now. I let myself skim down to read it.

What I have to say is simple:

I'm sorry.

I know sometimes

I can be insensitive,

And I do things without thinking.

But I would never

intentionally hurt you,

and my heart is heavy

knowing I have been

the source of pain for someone

who means so much to me.

I hope somehow you'll forgive me,

and that we can go on from here,

stronger than before,

to enjoy the love we share.

I hope one day you can forgive me Chloe. I close the book as I hear Kate opening the door for Alyssa. I smile towards them, standing up to greet her.

"Everyone ready?" Kate asks us both before linking our arms as we walk out the dorm.

The three of us make small talk as we make our way to the pool where Nathan and Victoria are holding the party at. You can tell it's already started by the loud music that is already playing before we even make it to the doors.

I stare at the doors and think to myself, here's to having a good time and trying to forget about life's problems at least for one night.