The Story of Us

Prologue

"Oh, look! That's a big one"

Brad pointed at the newly launched fireworks, which exploded into smaller ones. The night sky was beautifully lit by the dozens of booming fireworks, coming from all around the city. Just like last year's New Year's Eve, Brad, I and several of our friends had a BBQ on his home. It was the perfect spot for fireworks watching as it was located on the hill, with a perfectly unobstructed view to the city below. We were leaning against the railing balcony, with a glass of whisky on our hands. The others were still fighting with the grill, while Brad and I just went straight to the alcohol.

"I can't believe it is a new year already." Brad commented, while still gazing at the fireworks. "Time flies so fast. It's insane."

"That it does," I replied with a chuckled. "Gosh, what a year."

Brad laughed immediately. If there was a person who knew the turbulences of my life in great details, he was my go-to guy. We had been friends since the first year of college. That guy stayed through thick and thin and beyond, listening to every crazy things I stupidly pulled and patience enough to repeat the same advices. 2016 had been a particularly insane year for me. Like most of the craziest adventures, it started with a song, which was created by my former flame as a response to the novel which I sent on Christmas. I had been having an on-off relationship with her for five years and it ended that night. Five years and the bridged burnt into ashes just like that. Over the year, I had been trying to pick up the pieces of my broken heart. Unfortunately, I didn't do it right. I dived back into the mad world of dating with blind eyes and I did not stop until I truly fed up with the madness.

"A new year, another year of a search of one true love?" He asked with a sly smirk.

"Oh, God. No," I shook my head with a shudder. "Please, have mercy. No more drama."

Brad laughed and clinked his glass against mine. "Glad to see you get back on your feet again, buddy."

"Thanks, bro." I smiled fondly at him. "I think I should just focus on myself next year, you know? I have been such a mess lately."

"Well, that is what I've been trying to do every year," he answered cheekily.

I nudged him with my elbow, laughing. "And look where it got you. Single, again."

"Well, you said it yourself, that I wouldn't last for more than six months with her."

"I was only looking out for you, bro," I winked. "Because we both have a thing for problematic girls."

Brad looked at me, like he was trying to figure me out. I replied his gaze with my own questioning look. I knew that look, which usually meant that he was trying to find the right way to say something that I would not like. Brad was the kind of person who would say things the way they were, but he would find the best way to say it. We had the different approach to see the world, yet we could understand each other rather well. That was one of the reasons why we were each other's best advisor.

"Don't waste your time on people who doesn't care for you, J. If they are meant to be in your life, they will stay. It is just as simple as that."

I sighed. He was right, of course. He already said this to me for probably the fifteenth time, starting from the first time I told him about my five years almost-relationship. I knew why I couldn't ever drill his advice into my thick head. I loved the chase too much to stop. Live a life worth writing down for. It seemed like I treated my life like it was a movie and I tried to write the script where none of the actors were mine to direct.

"I know, I know," I took a sip, watching another firework went off. "It was just, I always want the ones who do not intend to keep me around, you know?"

"You fall too hard, too fast," he chuckled. "That is your main problem."

"True," I agreed with a wry smile. "Can't help it. You know, once a person said that a writer is the sum of their experience. I think I have been setting up myself for a heartbreak, since it is the time when I am inspired the most."

Brad mulled about it for a moment. "You don't have to choose between your dream and your happiness. Not all writers led an unhappy life, right?"

"Maybe," I shrugged. "But how could I write an amazing story if I do not go out there and live my life to the fullest?"

"There is a thin line between being adventurous and just plainly reckless. Find the line, buddy. For God's sake, find it."