The Secret Between Us (Unedited)

21: An Overdue Apology

    Changed - Stanaj

     It was Thursday morning, and I was woken up the exact same way as the morning before. And the morning before that--ever since we arrived in New York City.

I was wrapped around the exact pair of arms that enveloped me yesterday morning. Even though I was slowly getting use to my new temporary alarm clock, I was still just as groggy as the day before.

After slipping out of bed, I began my usual morning routine.

There was something off about this warm Thursday morning. Something odd.

Before I left my room, I looked back at my sleeping boyfriend. That's why.

Today was the day I would officially become Nicholas' girlfriend. It was the day I start showing everyone, that I, Adalyn Dominski was the girlfriend of the wonderful beautiful guy named Nicholas Acosta.

My mind was off in it's own little world while I started to prepare breakfast with the food Nic had bought last night.

"Why are you...smiling?"

I didn't even realize it myself until Kat pointed it out, a worried look etched across her face.

I turn to face her, my smile growing brighter. "Morning, Kat! I was just in the middle of making breakfast." My voice sounded unfamiliar when it reached my ears.

It sounded like...I was happy. Cheerful, even.

I could feel the inner part of me begging to drop the facade--to go back to my usual self, but I refused.

Kat was silent as she survey's me carefully. "What?"

I turned back around, a soft airy laugh leaving my lips. "I'm making breakfast. Wanna help?"

I heard her shuffle behind me, her steps fast.

A pair of small hands gripped onto my shoulders, forcing me to face her.

Her glare was stern, her lips set in a tight line. "What the hell is wrong?"

I could feel the inner wall breaking inside of me.

"Nothing? I'm jus-"

"--Adalyn, what's wrong?"

Kat had cut me off sharply, her grip only tightening.

My shoulders were iching to slump over in defeat.

"Ada," she coaxed, her eyes becoming soft and her grip loosening.

That's when I broke.

I broke apart right there in the kitchen, my whole act seeming to disappear faster than I had thought it would.

Kat immediately pulled me in for a hug, and I clung onto her like my life depended on it.

What was I doing? This was fucking pathetic.

After wiping away my tears quickly, I pull away, too ashamed to meet my best friend's gaze.

"I-I'm a fucking bitch, Katrina." My words came out blubbery and ugly. I had to take a minute to thank the lord that no one else was around to see me breakdown. I thanked God that I was lucky enough to have Katrina as my best friend.

Kat frowned slightly, searching my eyes for more of an explanation. "What do you mean?"

Taking a small step back, I cover my mouth with the sleeve of my sweater sucking in a deep breath.

"I didn't r-realize how selfish I was. I didn't realize just how self-absorbed I am until last night."

Kat looked at me, her light eyes narrowing slightly. "Self-absorbed? What do you mean?"