Distress

Seventeen

AVERY

The sight in front of me lasted like how a storm supposed to leave you in destruction. But I know I'm not in the place to complain and question everything that happens at the mere moment of time. I know I have to ask.. sooner or later but right now, I'm in the midst of confusion draining in the depths of my mind.

"Tara..."

That single word left Cam's still gaped mouth, as the sensation still lingers onto him. He must be dazed, and so subtle as he muttered the woman's name.

"Well, I guess I took you in a surprise Cam." Tara smiles mischievously as she tuck her hair beside her ear. She's so delicate but when you take a glimpse onto her playful eyes.. you may not be convinced of her sudden sweetness.

Cameron stayed still, breathes in a rapid pace and that one where he is contemplating everything what is happening. How could I even tell? Well maybe I am that good at telling what people has in their eyes. Guilt.

Cam looked like as if he's lost in the space. He became fragile all of a sudden and that vulnerability seemed to really concern me.

What are they? Were they a thing?

But I know there's something hidden by their connection. I can feel it.

"Yeah, you did." Cam shifted his attention towards me and his eyes flickered a sense like he wanted to spill it out but I know he's restraining himself.

As much as possible, I am ignoring Tara's burning stare against mine. I don't want to look at her as much as she is eyeing me right now.

"I.." Tara started, her soft voice makes me think she isn't like Blaire or something, "-I'm sorry I can't help myself."

"Can I talk to you, like, privately?" Tara claims at Cameron as Cameron looked at me whether I should let him or not. His eyes beg for assurance and with that, I hesitantly nodded.

I know you might be thinking I'm a huge fool for letting them talk without me or for who knows what they'll talk about. I'll tell you what, I'm not in that position to stand between them anymore. Besides, I must take this cue to leave, 'cause I didn't bring myself here in the first place. In fact, I was restraining him from bringing me here. Fool me.

I look at them as they leave the coffee shop up to the parking lot and their figures are completely vanished in my sight. I sigh, is this how the world treat me when I finally feel bliss?

I sit back, unable to do anything. I quietly tap on the table and emptied the remaining latte I have.

I look at my watch, 4:15. I should be back by now, and making Claude wait is a huge mistake. I left her without telling her anything! Crap!

I hurriedly catch up at the door, leaving Cameron and Tara completely 'cause I don't give a fuck anymore. I heard the cute waiter say goodbye as I turn back around and did a gesture to make it feel like I appreciate it somehow.

My mind circles everything whatever I might think. It's uncontrollable at the moment and unconsciously, I find myself glancing at the parking lot. I stop at my tracks to search for them, my eyes wandering in every spot.

But they're not in there anymore.

What else can I do? Like I've said, it's not my place anyway.

I return from walking and unfortunately, someone bumped into me. Real hard. And that caused me to stumble back, but thankfully, he caught me with his firm arm.

"Shit. I'm sorry." I regain my balance, and can't help but almost trip backwards causing him to catch me again.

I silently giggle, "Sorry I have noodle legs." I finally stood up, and when I look up at him-

Damn. He was the guy living from our old flat!

"You gotta work on running babe." He chuckles, little dimples showing on each side of his face.

"Yeah I guess.." I hesitantly exclaims, still rubbing the wrinkles formed on my shirt.

"You are quite familiar though, have I seen you somewhere?" He rubs the back of his head and beads of sweat cascade down his forehead. I smiled, I had too much overwhelm in this day and now I think I am living where you are surrounded by princes and adonis.

"Yeah.. I was the one who passed by your house." I almost thanked myself for not shaking.

He chuckles, but almost immediately frowned, "you're not with that guy who dumped you are ya?"

I shake my head.

"Good, I thought you were. And it's been visibly awkward that we're talking senseless not knowing each other's names." Oh snap.

"Avery." I gratefully say.

He smiles, "call me Chase."

"Well, so our first meeting wasn't so awkward Mr. Chase." I chuckle, completely forgetting the whole situation back there.

I never of thought this day that has gotten worse can completely end with just another social life. And as much as my life is bumpy right now, it's at least I have people whom I enjoy accompanying with.