Confessions of a Third Wheel

Chapter 21: To Being Best Friends

I was staring at the mirror in front of me making sure that my outfit was the best. I was wearing denim shorts and an off-shoulder white top with lace. I wore my Adidas Superstars which had black and white colors. My outfit today was monochromatic. I brushed my curly brownish-black hair. I didn't really put any makeup. Just some powder and mascara to bring out my hazelnut eyes.

The reason behind me dolling up today is because I'm meeting up with Peter today. I received a text last night from him agreeing to meet up. I only saw it this morning since I was very tired last night.

I looked one last time at myself and picked up my purse before leaving. I was climbing down the wooden stairs when I heard the door open. It was Dad. He looked tired and was still wearing his police uniform. I looked at the kitchen counter and the Big Mac we bought him last night was still there uneaten.

"Hey, Dad. You didn't come home last night?" I asked hugging him.

"Nope. There was some trouble down at the station." He said while a yawn escaped his mouth.

"You better get some sleep. I'm having breakfast with Peter and I think the twins are getting ready to head back to uni."

"Okay, thanks for filling me in. I'll talk to the twins on when they'll come home for Christmas."

I smiled at my Dad who went up the stairs sleepily, then left.

It was hot today compared to the usual temperature. Luckily, I wore shorts and not sweat pants. I was walking past the bakery when I saw a familiar blonde walking out holding a bag of roti.

"Hey! I didn't know you lived around here." It was Ian speaking in his to-die-for accent.

"I didn't know you did either." I smiled.

"Where you headin' mate? Wanna grab some donuts or something?" He asked.

"Actually, I'm meeting someone for breakfast. Maybe next time." I replied.

"How about lunch? I know an amazing place that serves shrimp."

"Shrimp?" I laughed.

"Yeah. They serve it in buckets and you have to eat it with your hands."

"Okay...", I replied with a giggle, "Maybe dinner? I'll meet you there at seven."

"Fine by me." He says clearly happy that I agreed to have dinner with him.

"See you then!" I waved goodbye and continued to walk to the cafe where I was suppose to meet Peter.

The cafe had a cozy ambiance. It had wooden chairs and tables with candles in the middle. There were vintage Polaroids hanging o the wall. Classic books were stacked on a shelf. This was definitely my kind of place.

I spotted Peter sitting alone in a table for two near the corner. He was writing something on the paper placemat. I bet he was drawing some random object. He tends to draw when he's nervous. I know, it's a bit weird.

I sat down and dropped my bag on the floor beside my chair.

"Hi, thanks for meeting me." Peter greets. He had usual smile on.

"No problem. So, about me and Connor-" I tried explaining.

"It's fine." He said still smiling. What?!?! I didn't get him. How could he be not mad at me.

He further elaborated, " I was thinking about what happened an I realized I don't love you anymore. Yes, you were my first love, but I think I've gotten over you."

I don't know what washed over me, but I wasn't angry. I was sitting here being told that the guy I've been crushing on for almost my whole life has gotten over me and yet I was cool with it. I was for some reason relieved by it.

"So..." He looked at me who paused and hanged for a moment taking all this in.

"Thank you. I mean, it was great being with you, but I guess I too have gotten over you. I was so used to having a crush on you that it became part of my routine and that made me think that I still liked you even if I have gotten over you."

"I know exactly what you mean." He laughed.

"Friends?"

"No. Best friends." He replied with a cheeky smile.

"I'm glad this is all over. This whole drama and mess has been driving me crazy. With you and Connor, and Pep! It's just been too much." I sighed.

"Well, I hope you mend things with Connor and Pepper."

We looked at each other happily even if we just broke up. It is not the usual reaction to a break up, but I like this better. We were both happier not being together. Being together just brought tears, unnecessary heart break, and basically drama. We were better off as friends.

We missed the days that we would play volleyball at his yard during weekends. Those times we would watch three seasons of some TV show. We missed the happy days when we were together and I'm glad they're finally coming back.

We continued to talk over our breakfast for about another hour. He had coffee and some waffles while I had tea and pancakes.

Peter also talked about that Movie Under the Stars he was planning. He wanted to hold it at the football stadium and rent a movie which will be projected. He'll get sponsors like clubs or guilds who'll manage the booths and thirty percent of their profit will go to their club and seventy will go to charity. He hasn't decided yet what charity though.

"What movie will you be screening?" I asked.

"I don't know. We've set up a poll and the top contenders are She's The Man and 10 Things I Hate About You." He replied.

"Really?!?! Rom-coms are leading."

"I know right? And both are based on Shakespeare."

"Oh my gosh! Yes!"

We both laughed at this coincidence and continued to talk about what other movies would be great. He told me that the volleyball team has to start planning for our fundraiser. I think he was indirectly telling me to start coming up with ideas since I am volleyball captain.

I heard Peter sigh,"I miss this. You know, just hanging out."

I looked back at him reminiscing all the fun we had as best friends, "I do too."

He raised his mug half-filled with black coffee and says, "to being best friends."

I did the same and said, "to being best friends."

This day started out really great, but I think it will become better. I still have my dinner with Ian.

A/N: IMPORTANTTT!!! READ!!!Hiiiiiii!!!! It's been quite a while. I know. I've been really busy with school lately and that's my priority. Also, I want to clarify things. Zoe's twin brothers, Zach and Zayn, were supposedly younger than Zoe based on the first parts of this story. But I've decided to change that. They are older than Zoe that's why they go to uni. Please don't get confused.

What do you think about Peter and Zoe's breakup?

Team Ian? Anyone?

Please vote, share, and COMMENT!!! I really want to know your opinion on things.

Love ya'
<3 B