The Breakup Planner

16

"Why did you make up that story?" He asked.

"Why did you make up that story?" I countered.

"Stop making everything so difficult!" He snapped.

"I'm being difficult? Who told our parents that we were dating? Was it me? No! It was you."

"They're going to ask about it anyway since we're going to be together a lot. So, why keep giving reasons when we can just say that we're dating so there'd be no questions asked?"

"Together? A lot? Are you crazy? I can barely breathe properly in the same room as you. Heck! I can't even at least relax and appreciate the car because I'm with you!" I snapped back.

"You are going to, whether you like it or not. You owe me." He said.

"I told you already that I owe you nothing." I said.

As he got into the University, he looked at me. He looked broken for a second but he hid it again behind his strong facade, "Yes, you do."

I tried to think about the situation maturely and in an open minded way. Maybe- just maybe, this is his way of dealing with his heartache.

"What do I owe you?" I asked calmly. He looked at me surprised. Yes, I can be nice if I wanted to.

"A date on Caper's night and closure."

"Closure?!" I shrieked. "It's not me who can give you that, Caleb. It's your ex who you should be asking that from."

"You helped us break up." He said bitterly.

"Was it really my fault?" I asked. "She wouldn't have asked for the plan if she really didn't want to."

He parked the car in front of the dorm, "Let's go." He said.

I sighed as I took off the seatbelt and out of his car. I wore my bag and went in the building, my phone rang and it was a blocked number.

"Hello?" I greeted after I accepted the call.

"Hi, Poppy. It's me." Someone said on the phone.

"Who? I'm sorry but I'm afraid I don't recognize your voice." I said truthfully.

The guy on the other end chuckled, "It hasn't been that long since we broke up and you don't remember my voice anymore. Should I be sad or should I be surprised that you moved on so quickly?"

"Noah! Oh gosh, hi." I said.

Caleb looked at me with his brows furrowed. He walked towards me.

"What do you need?" I asked.

"Well, you see... I feel really bad and thought that I at least owed you a decent apology in person. When are you free?"

"You don't have to apologize." I said and jogged towards the elevator to get past Caleb. "Sorry, coming through." I said as I slid past 10 persons who just got out the elevator. I walked in and I pressed the button to close and just as it almost closed, I could see Caleb trying to get through the people that just got out of the elevator. It closed successfully and I could sigh in relief, "What were you saying?" I asked again.

"When are you free so I could at least talk to you in person?" He asked sweetly. I could imagine him smiling at the thought of me out of breath and flustered- but it wouldn't be me who he'd be smiling at.

"Um, I... it's been a pretty hectic week. I'm not really sure." I said as I could feel my chest hurt and throat choked up.

"I'm sure that there's a day where you can squeeze me in some time. Even for just fifteen minutes, it won't take long. I promise." He said.

I could feel tears building up, "Um-" I was afraid of what would happen when we meet in person, I don't trust myself with that kind of pressure.

"I know you hate me, Poppy. It's going to be really hard since I was your first boyfriend." He said. "I deserve your hatred- I really do. I owe you an explanation, I at least owe you that face to face."

I could feel my lips tremble and tears fall, "Um-"

The double doors of the elevator stopped at the second floor and opened to reveal Caleb who had his arms crossed. His glare turned into a soft pity look that I didn't appreciate.

"I- I don't think I'm available this week. Maybe next week." I said trying hard to talk.

"Are you alright?"

"I actually got hurt earlier and the stinging sensation is making it hard to talk." I said as the tears violently fell down my face.

"I hope you're fine. Physically and emotionally, Poppy. I still care, I will always care and love you."

I rest my head on the wall of the elevator, "You don't mean that." I said as I couldn't help but frown.

"I do, I mean it. Just... at least make time for me 15 minutes to at least 30 minutes to meet me." He insisted.

"I can't this week. Next week, then. When do you want?"

"Is Friday a good day next week?"

"Yeah, sure." I said as I pumped my chest with my fist while looking up the ceiling to make me stop from crying. "Ahh, it hurts so much. Sorry, Noah. I have to go and attend this... wound."

"Of course! Take care of yourself and be careful next time."

"Okay." I said and ended the call.

"I'm actually surprised how you can act so naturally." Caleb said.

"Was that a compliment to make me feel better? Because I'm telling you now that it's not working." I said.

He walked and stopped in front of me he held my shoulder with both of his hands and patted it. I could feel the tears fall still and it did.

I looked down on the floor of the elevator then I felt strong arms around me and pulled me unto his chest. "I know how it feels." He said.

As much as I wanted to deny it... it felt good to have his arms wrapped around me. I didn't know if it was just the moment or if it's just because I was really emotional but it was the first time I thought that Caleb wasn't really that bad, he was just misunderstood.