freedom ; haim

14.

The sun beamed through the curtains as I rubbed my eyes. The clock read 8:34am. I rolled over and realised what had happened last night wasn't a dream. I was still so angry at him ; and myself. I walked out of the room to find that Corey was no where to be seen. I looked around the couch and found a note:

'sorry for last night. I'm guessing you want some time to yourself before we see each other again. I think we both need time to figure things out.

I love you, and I hope last night didn't change anything.

Corey x'

I threw the note on the table and walked into the kitchen area , Charlotte was already awake. ''Are you okay?'' She poured me a cup of coffee , a look of concern plastered across her face. ''Yeah, well kind of. Why?'' I sipped from the mug. ''Jason and I heard you and Corey.'' She scratched the back of her neck awkwardly. ''Oh, sorry about that.'' ''Don't be, girl. But, what actually happened?'' Curiosity laced her tone and I sat down. I explained the story to her and she stood in shock. ''Well, him and Peyton were pretty serious. But, she left without an explanation. Nobody saw her , until yesterday that is. And, she looks really different now. That's why I didn't recognise her.'' She explained.

''Do you think he still has feelings for her and that's why he reacted how he did last night?'' I asked nervously. ''No way. It was his first girlfriend, but his eyes are on you now, and you only.'' Charlotte reassured me. I was about to speak when Jason came walking into the kitchen. ''Morning.'' He grunted. ''Where's Corey?'' ''I think he's gone home.'' I shrugged, trying to show a careless attitude. ''Are you two not okay?'' He asked awkwardly. ''I don't know.'' I mumbled.

I exited the kitchen and started to pack my bags. Jason, Charlotte and I made our way home. The majority of the ride was silent , but not awkward. I could tell they wanted to leave me be for a while. As we pulled up to my house , I thanked them both for inviting me along to the trip. It was a lovely weekend , minus the argument with Corey.

''Aria, is that you?'' I walked into the kitchen to find my grandma baking a cake. ''How was your weekend, sweetie!'' For some reason I couldn't quite get any words out , I began to cry. ''Oh god, come here.'' She quickly embraced me into a hug ; wiping my tears as they fell. ''I-I don't know what to do.'' I mumbled. ''Do I apologise or wait till he does.'' I managed to say. ''Explain to me what happened.'' She comforted

''Corey and I argued. He left the lake house saying he thought I needed some time but I don't need fucking time.'' I wiped my cheeks. ''Wait a couple of days to clear your mind. Don't go and see him straight away , not whilst you are still this angry. Once you've calmed down , you will say how you truly feel about the whole situation.'' She smiled. ''Okay , thanks grandma. I'm going to go take a shower and go for a walk - clear my mind.'' I hugged her tight.

After my shower, I put on some sweatpants and a jumper due to the freezing cold weather. I strolled along the streets until I reached the park. I sat on the bench and lit up a cigarette ; admiring the beautiful scenery , and how peaceful it was.

''Do you have a light?'' I heard a voice ask , causing me to jump. ''Uh, yeah.'' I mumbled , getting it out of my bag and passing it to the guy. ''Thanks.'' He lit his cigarette and handed it back - sitting beside me.

''What brings you here?'' I really wasn't expecting him to talk. ''Just clearing my mind. You?'' I exhaled the smoke. ''The same. What are you thinking about?'' I was surprised that his guy had carried on the conversation and was asking questions. ''Just about my boyfriend and stuff.'' I shrugged. ''I'm a good advice giver , if you want it. But, I understand if you don't since we met 30 seconds ago.'' He chuckled. ''We argued. He left a note saying he thinks I need some time and he said sorry. Do I wait for him to call, or do I call him myself?'' I paused before continuing. ''How do I know for sure that we are meant for each other. Do I really love him, or am I just in a cliche teenage romance that will soon come to an end?'' I huffed stubbing out the cigarette.

''Could you picture yourself with anyone else? For instance, could you picture yourself kissing someone else, being there for them, telling them you love them ; sleeping with someone else. Could you?''

I sat and thought about what he said ; letting every word sync in.

''No. All I see is him.'' I admitted. ''Well, there's your answer. Don't go to him straight away. Give him some time to think. Also, it'll show that you've been thinking, that you've properly thought about your decision. This will show him that you truly mean it.'' He nodded , standing up and brushing himself off. ''I needed that, thank you.'' I smiled ''Catch you later.'' He smiled , walking out of the park.

I walked home knowing exactly what I was going to do.