The Music or the Misery (Book 2)

It's Hard To Say 'I Do' When 'I Don't'

                    

Later that night, after I got home from the coffee shop, Riddly calls, telling me about her journey home and how great her day is going. That's why she notices my less than enthusiastic replies.

"Violet, you usually at least try and seem excited. Is something wrong?" she asks and I pull the phone away from my ear, so that I can sigh in frustration. I don't know why I'm friends with someone so perceptive, it was a terrible move for me.

"No, nothing is wrong. It's been a long day but I'm having a great time with my father. I think he's glad to have me back" I tell her, diverting the conversation from her question. I don't want to think about what happened today because I'm still suffering from the after effects. I hate that part of me enjoyed being near Patrick.

"I'm glad to hear it. I miss you though, I don't have anyone to talk to apart from my parents. All the friends I used to have in high school have pretty much disappeared into thin air" she says and I'm surprised at her seemingly down mood.

"I miss you too but I'm in the same boat. I only have my father to talk to, maybe we should have gone away with Sophie and Ollie. I think they're enjoying their beach get away in Mexico with the rest of the students" I say but when I think about it, I'm still glad I came home. Getting drunk on the beach isn't my idea of fun.

"Um, no thanks, that would not have been fun. I don't like getting sand between my toes" she laughs, disgusted.

"Well, yeah there is that" I reply quietly.

"Are you sure you're okay?" she asks.

"Yeah of course. I have to go but enjoy the rest of the break, I'll see you soon" I say abruptly, purposely ending the conversation before she can do anymore digging.

"See you soon" she says before hanging up, just in time for my father to walk through the door.

***

In the last few days of the break, I work religiously trying to get my report done. If I wasn't doing that, I was with my father, making sure I had no time to think. If I stopped for a second, I thought about the meeting in the coffee shop and my mind spun, so I avoided it.

I kept avoiding it as I said goodbye to my father, squeezing him tight and trying not to feel too sad that I was leaving again. In fact, I was able to avoid it as I travelled back to Cambridge, on Saturday morning. Everything was fine, right up until I walked back into my dorm room.

The only problem was, I found Riddly there and as soon as she sees me, she crosses her arms and gives me a stern look.

"What happened when you were gone?" She asks suspiciously before I even put my bag down. She doesn't know a thing but she latches onto any mood change within seconds. I wish I had that ability.

"What are you talking about? I had a nice holiday" I tell her acting natural. If natural means evading her scrutinizing gaze.

"Yeah, I think you did actually! On the phone you sounded different. Like you had something on your mind" She continues, while my mouth opens to say something that will stop her questions. I don't get a chance as the dorm room opens and Sophie charges in looking flustered.

"I'm here! What's the emergency?" She asks, while I look at Riddly confused.

"I called Sophie" she says, stating the obvious.

"Why? There's no emergency" I tell her and watch Sophie collapse on the bed.

"Yes there is! I don't know what to be exact, because right now you look as bad as ever but I know something was different" she explains, while I frown at her words. I also try not to seem offended. I shouldn't be surprised; my friends tell me frequently that I need to cheer up. It's true, the small tingle of relief I felt when I was around Patrick has disappeared now, leaving me worse than ever. Still, she couldn't know I felt anything because I wasn't exactly happy on the phone with her, I was troubled... I still am.