This is Our Forever

Better Off this Way

*Next morning*

Once the clock hit 3 a.m., I went to sleep, but Hunter and Ivy stayed up in the living room till God knows when and doing God knows what. I sat up in bed and looked at myself in my closet mirror. Well, Dakota, today is not only your best friend's 21st birthday, but also, the day you get to meet the love of your life. I smile, and then realize how much of a loser I am. I am 20 years old. A 20 year old with only 2 friends, getting excited over me meeting Oliver Sykes because I've been crushing over him for about half my life, and not only because he is drop dead gorgeous either. What are you, Dakota, 15?  I think sarcastically. 

My all-so negative thoughts become broken from Hunter and Ivy's voices. God, what time is it? It's only 8 a.m., which is odd, Ivy usually isn't awake this early, but then again, it is her birthday, so she's probably just excited. I  keep quiet so I can listen in on their conversation, and I notice that they are in Ivy's room, which is only 5 feet from mine. If there's one thing that I am, it's nosy, but I'll never admit it. 

Ivy and I live in a smallish 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo. It works out though since it's big enough and cheap enough for the two of us. The only downside is that you can hear every word that is being spoken at any volume louder than a library voice. 

"I can't believe you got us tickets to go to New Zealand, Hunter!!" I hear Ivy exclaim. "The only thing is that there's only two tickets. I know you and I are going, since you bought them, but what about Dakota?" she asks. Only two tickets? Wow, thanks for thinking of me Hunter. Hunter and I have been friends for a long time, even though it may not seem like it. We used to be really good friends, and we've been friends longer than me and Ivy, but as soon as I introduced them to each other, and they saw how beautiful one another were, it was love at first sight for them, they just can't admit it. Let's not mention that I used to be head over heels for him, but once all attention is directed towards your best friend, and you're always some sort of third wheel, my infatuation for him got up and moved away. However, he is still pretty to look at. Either way, it hurts that Hunter didn't include me in their trip.

"Well, I figured us two could just go, Dakota will be fine. She hasn't had a breakdown in almost a year. I think she can get over only us two going". Oh, ya, I'm sure I can, let me just spend a week here by myself  with no one to talk to when my two "best friends" are having the time of their lives. I think while rolling my eyes. 

"That's not the point Hunter. I'm sure she'll be fine too. I'm just afraid she'll get upset, or jealous. She's always wanted to go to New Zealand, and you know that. I also know you remember the times when it used to be just you and her". 

"Ya, but it's different now, and you know that Ivy. She's not the same anymore". She's not the same anymore. I say, repeating it in my head with a pain emerging in my chest. 

There's a small pause before Ivy responds. "I know, but I don't care. I still love her, and somewhere, you do too. Plus, it's one of the only she talks about wanting to do, and now you get me this. Of course I'm grateful, but you have to remember that she's your best friend too". I can picture Ivy's face. Her big blue eyes filled with worry, her shoulders slouched, and her mouth pursing in between words. I laugh a little, picturing her talking all mother-like. Almost like she's lecturing her child. The only difference is that she's talking about me. Funny. 

What she said is true, I've always wanted to go to New Zealand for a few reasons, 1) The Hobbit, 2) my good friend Jack lives there, and 3) it's beautiful. Hunter doesn't reply to Ivy, and I can hear them starting to get plates for breakfast. I decide to try to go back to sleep with tears welling in my eyes, but my thoughts become stronger than my tiredness. What is wrong with me? Why do people never include me? Why is my old best friend some sort of stranger now? Am I really that much of a burden? and the question that always seems to be brought up, why does it seem as if whenever someone talks about me it's because they're scared for me, nothing else, nothing healthy?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*5pm*

Ivy, Hunter, and I went through the day eating left over ice cream cake and just hanging out. Barely talking and not a word being said about the New Zealand trip. Reason being is that they don't want to make tonight awkward I guess, which, get this, Hunter knew about the whole time! Aren't my friends just the greatest?!

"Hey Dakota, you wanna start getting ready?" Ivy asks joyfully. 

"Sure," I say, giving a slight smile. 

Since Ivy and I are girls it somehow takes us 2 hours to get ready, and since we're going to Austin's house, who lives in Huntington Beach, and since her party starts at 8, we have to start getting ready now so we can get the birthday girl there early. 

"Is everything okay?" Ivy asks concerned.

"Ya, I'm just nervous about tonight is all. I'm meeting a lot of people who have helped me in my life, it's just overwhelming, y'know?" Ya, is all she responds with. Jeez, thanks for the reassurance. Hah, aren't my friends just great? 

Even though I was mostly upset about the New Zealand trip, it's sorta true that I'm nervous about tonight. Honestly, I feel like tonight will either make or break my friendship(s) with Ivy, Oli, Hunter, and everyone in between. Maybe it's for the best. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Author's Note*

Hey guys, I am back after two years! Hopefully this summer I will finish this fanfic because I feel like this one will be great! I have many more parts to come so stay tuned! Also, I'm thinking about creating a different story, except it will be some sort of diary for myself, as well as a story. Let me know what you think of the idea and if I should start it! I will have another chapter up within the next few days. Remember to comment and vote, thank you! Love you all. 

Title creds go to A Day to Remember