Parting Ways

Parting Ways - Chapter Three

Chapter Three

(Dedicated to Bigchick7 for being awesome. It was because of her that I actually sat down to write this chapter. Thanks a bunch!)

“Are you trying to drown yourself in your own pool of tears or what?” Someone murmured beside me. Apparently, I was too occupied in the gutter of self-pity to notice anyone else beside me. Does that make me sound egotistical? I guess so.

       I unlocked my head from my knees and looked up, wiping my tears. I tried to look through my blurred vision, in an attempt to make out who the person standing next to me was, even though I had a feeling in my heart. As soon as my eyes adjusted to the surrounding and noticed the black-haired boy, I let out a squeal.

       “What the hell are you doing here, Luke?” I tried to sound bold but my voice betrayed me. Maybe I had finally come to a point where even my voice didn’t want to do anything with me. Maybe even my senses understood how much of a douche I was as a person. Maybe I was already alone.

       “What do you think, eh?” His brown eyes challenged me. Just like the old times.

       A gust of wind blew past me. The gentle sway of the tree brought back sweet memories. Memories of a life I’d never be a part of…again. The soft criss-crossing and rustling of the leaves rooted up a fresh layer of tears. I think it was good, somehow, to know that when I’d have nobody, I’d at least have these tears to keep me company. To provide me solace in times of need.

       But for now, the simple act of crying made me lackadaisical. I had no energy left in me to fight again, even if the fight was for my own welfare. I was weak and totally exhausted. Everything that happened back at the party managed to extract whatever little amount of hope or courage I had in me.

      I tried to stand up but my knees felt like Jell-O, wobbly and light. Had it not been for Luke’s skill and strong arms I’m sure my ass would have been happily partying with the mud and grass.

       As soon as Luke’s hand connected with my body, I gave up; I gave myself to him. Just for this once, I promised to myself. “Whoa there, Emma, are you alright?”

       “I’m not sure.”

       “Why is your body so cold?” He asked touching my bare arms.

       “Because I’m a freaking piece of vanilla ice-cream!” I deadpanned. I used to joke around every time when I hadn’t found out about my condition. But right now, even thinking about something humorous blocked my mind. I had to make efforts to chide this one in, so that Luke wouldn’t think something was actually wrong. Wouldn’t it look quite suspicious if I suddenly changed my personality?

       “I thought you hated vanilla.” He had his face crunched into confusion.  Really now?

       Oh God! I couldn't believe I was having this discussion with him at this ungodly hour. “Not more than I hate you at the moment Luke.” I glared at him through my feisty eyes.

       It was then that he noticed I was cold and probably needed someone’s help “Oh, right, yeah…I’m sorry.”

       I was expecting him to take off his coat or jacket and hand it to me, like they show in the movies but the only problem was that this wasn’t a movie. And the only materials that he could have offered me were his denim jeans or his blue-checked shirt – and I wasn’t in a mood for either of them.

       I was still shuddering and Luke was still standing there like an idiot that he was. After a few seconds, he looked at me and clapped his hand on his forehead. “Come with me.” He grabbed my hand and took me to the other side of the parking lot.