Finish Line

4

Allison Baker is the best friend a person could ask for. Dylan dropped me off at her place and returned home to face the wrath of Cole, I assume. The drive was silent after the adrenaline wore off. Dylan went back to being a dick and acted as if I was a bother, while he was the person to offer his help in the first place. 

Allison was quick to grab soft pajama pants and a tub of ice cream. Scott and Jemma went to get my car. Scott wanted to stop by the house and give Cole a piece of his mind, I stopped him though. I didn't want to cause any more trouble with Cole. I stayed the night on the floor of Jemma's living room. 

I woke up early that morning. It's now Saturday. Allison is asleep upstairs, Jemma and Scott have already gone off to work. I spent a majority of last night in tears. I clean up the piles of tissues surrounding me and tidy a few other things up as well. My car is parked outside of Jemma's house so I slip out the front door. I send Allison a quick text, thanking her for everything. She's such a good friend. 

Cole has been blowing up my phone. He's left me some angry voicemails, my mom has called a few times too. I've only just turned on my phone. I have a text from Max, Derek, Kendall, and Paris, asking if I need anything or if I'm okay. I let them all know that I'm fine. My mom asks if she needs to come up here and talk to Cole herself. She must be really mad because she would never talk to Cole if she didn't have to. I tell her to relax and that I call her later when I sort everything out. 

I need to talk to Cole. I need to figure out if I should stay in Seattle or go home. I need to figure out what's going on with Dylan. I need an article. There's so much to do. I don't want to do any of it. I drive aimlessly for awhile before finally deciding to go back. I wonder if he'll even be there. I mean, he flakes out all the time. Why would he be there? I wouldn't be surprised if my stuff was packed by the door when I got there. 

I pull onto the curb, in case I'll be leaving shortly after. It's 11:30 at this point. I force myself up the driveway and to the front door. I don't want to go inside. I slowly wrap my decorated fingers around the door handle and push it open with ease. Cole stands up from his previously seated position on the couch. Elena and Emma are quick to follow his actions. 

"Raimy, thank goodness you're alright," Elena is the first one to speak up. I snap my attention from Cole to her. I shoot her a fake smile before looking at Cole. He hasn't said anything. I thought he'd lash out or be mad but he just looks sad. As if he actually cares. 

I close the door quietly behind me as Sammy rushes over to me. He pulls me into a hug. "I thought you'd left for good! Thanks for sticking around,"He whispers into my shoulder. I hug him back tightly, trying to soak up the genuine care Sammy has for me. He sees me as family, he treats me like a big sister. 

"Cole," I start, "can we talk?" I don't lash out, I keep my voice low and quiet. My emotions are in check and I feel as if I can maturely talk to him without causing a scene. He only nods in response, stepping out onto the front steps. I close the door behind us, "are you gonna say anything or are we just going to stand here." 

He kicks at the pavement, before finally whispering, "I don't know what to say." I stare at him with my jaw dropped. He doesn't know what to say? He could start with an apology! I angrily cross my arms across my chest. I only now notice that Dylan's car isn't here. I wonder where he is. 

"Well for starters, you can tell me why we're here in the first place," I snap back towards his lack of response. His eyes find mine, they are filled with sorrow and almost regret. I don't give into this, I keep my head held high and lock my eyes on his. I stay strong and keep my firm and fierce attitude up. 

"I couldn't tell you. Raimy I've made a lot of mistakes. Last night being one of them. I was driven by fear. I was irrational and I know how much I hurt you. You were so important to me," His words sting in my chest. Were. I was so important to him.