Against All Odds

Chapter 9

"I did feel good watching all those things getting burned, getting engulf by the fire and turning into ashes." I admit, wrapping my arms around my folded legs.

Yeah.

The bonfire was held yesterday and I burned all of the things that Josh gave to me. All of it. I dump them into a box and threw it all into the fire. Even the board I made for him ended up burning. But, it stings when that particular thing caught fire. I mean, I worked hard to design it and all my effort are to no avail.

But I found a new revelation. Apparently, those things take up about a quarter of my luggage. The clothes he bought for me, jewelry and so much more. I also permanently deleted all of our pictures we took together in my phone and laptop. I can't lie, I feel so much better. I feel light on the shoulders.

But it still hurts whenever I see them cuddling with each other in public. Making out and stuff. Seriously? Get a room!

On the other hand, having Josh with Nicky does have it perks. Nicky's less annoying and she doesn't call people names anymore. I guess she's too occupied with my ex-boyfriend.

"Okay, since that's done... you need to meet new people. Boys, to be exact." Bree enthuse, excited.

Is she for real?

I flash her a weary look.

"Bree, I'm not fully over it. Yeah, I don't break down upon recalling it anymore. But, I'm still having a hard time trusting boys after what he did to me. I don't want to get heartbroken again. Nor do I want to get close to them. "  

"What about Zack?" she ask, her eyes wide with curiosity, her tone almost challenging me to go back on my words.

"Oh, well, except him. He's my rock." I state, a playful smirk playing about my lips as I nudge him on the ribs.

"Ow!" he cried, mock hurt.

"This is really unhealthy, Madison. You need to take risk. Yeah, we get hurt in the process. But that's what life's all about! Come on, Madison,  Zack can't be the only guy you trust, right?" Bree scoffs, a tinge of irritation playing about on her tone.

Is someone jealous?

But what she said about taking risk is true, I guess.

"He is. He kept his word when he said he would be there when I needed him." I smile, meaningfully at Zack, recalling every moment he served his purpose.

Zack flashed me a meaningful grin.

Bree cleared her throat, grabbing our attention.

"Well, that's gonna change, Madison 'cause I set you up with a friend of mine."

"What? Why would you do that, Bree?" I state, slightly annoyed.

"Come on, Madison. Just put yourself back  in the picture. Flirt a bit. Play around them."

She talks about boys as if they're toys...

"Wow, this is just moving just a tad bit too fast, Bree. I mean, I'm not in a rush to get a new boyfriend. In fact, I'm starting to like this being single thing. It's just me, myself and I."

A flash of anger was evident in Bree's face, judging by her harden features. But she soon regain her composure and shrug it all off.

"Sorry, Bree." I apologize, feeling guilty and hoping that she's understand.

"So I guess I've gotta postpone it on another day." she states, slightly frustrated as she pinch the bridge of her nose.

"Yeah,.." I wring my hands together, feeling a bit awkward.