The String, A Story Of Soulmates

Coming Home

I woke to small beeping noises coming from the alarm on my bedside table. My face lit up with excitement as I threw myself out of bed, the clothes I wore last night still on. I decided to quickly change. I walked into the bathroom with new clothes and changed into a red tank top with white and gray stars and light blue jean shorts.

I ran out of the bathroom and grabbed my bag and keys, quickly exiting the room. I walked down the hallways, and ran down the stairs, to the lobby. I didn't bother using the elevator. I put the keys on the desk and gave the money I owed for the room. I walked out of the building, just to feel the warm wind against my face. I smiled and started to run back home.

I started to jog after a little while, and then I started to walk. I started to see campus after a little while. The only sounds that I heard were the wind whipping, the birds chirping, and people talking over the strong wind.

Campus came closer, and I couldn't hold back anymore. I started to sprint as fast as I could. I went into a straightaway, ignoring the fact that my legs ached. I saw my dorm room, and my heart skipped a beat. I reached the door, out of breath, panting, my legs aching. I vigorously knocked on the door, a little code knock that we had created a few months ago. I heard mumbles through the thin wood door.

I felt the door forcefully open, pulling the air out of my lungs.

"Amanda?", Nairi said.

She smiled and wrapped her arms around me. Anahi walked up next to Nairi, and she had a small smile on her face. I felt Nairi pull me inside, and shut the door.

I pulled away, and then the room went silent. Anahi and Nairi stared into my eyes like they realized something. Had something happened while I was away? What was it?

"Uh, Amanda...", Nairi whispered.

"What?"

"I think there's something you should know."

...

I slammed my hands against the living room table.

"She did what!? ", I yelled.

"I mean, you can't be surprised, Amanda. You knew that Lucy liked Lukas.", Nairi shrugged.

"I didn't think she would kiss him! That's just... just... rude! And selfish! I told her not to do anything!", I gripped my face, starting to lose it.

"Amanda, it's okay...", Anahi said, in a calm voice.

"No, it's not! Lucy thinks that right when I leave, she can go and...", I stopped, realizing that I was starting to cry.

Both of them stared at me. I rubbed my temple, trying to calm down. I would never be able to look at Lucy the same way. I stared at the floor.

Eventually, after a few minutes of talking, I stopped crying. My tears weren't really caused by sadness, they were caused because of anger and stress. I wanted to come home to happiness, seeing my friends, seeing Lukas, everyone having a fun time at like... A restaurant, just something. I didn't really plan out what I would do if something bad happened.

"I want to talk to Lucy. Do you think she's in her apartment?", I said in a small voice to them.

"I would assume so.", Anahi said.

I stood up and walked to the door.

"I'll be back soon.", I muttered as I opened the door.

Both of them nodded. I walked out the door and steadily closed it. I sharply inhaled and slowly exhaled. I was nervous. I didn't want to speak to her after what I was just told, but I guess I had to confront her, or the problem won't really be solved.

I walked down the hall, picking up the pace of my walking after a few seconds. I eventually reached her door. I bitterly knocked. Lucy opened it shortly after. I kept a monotone expression. Lucy picked up on why I was here, and a frown grew on her face.

"I'm sorry.", She said weakly.

"Why..."

"I... I don't know."

"Why did you do it.", I said firmly.

"It was a spur of the moment thing, okay?"

"I told you not to do anything."

"I know, I just--"

"Then why did you do it?", I questioned, basically yelling.

She looked down, staring at her feet.

"Is the answer down there?", I glared at her.

She looked back up, and I could see that she was about to start crying. I kept a scowl plastered on my face.

"I just... It feels like I love him. I don't know. I know I can't take him away from you, I just want to feel happy."

I crossed my arms. I blinked slowly. I wouldn't give up, no matter what. If she started crying? So what. If she started screaming? So what.

"We're best friends, we have been for a long time. You should know better than to try and steal the one thing that I've been waiting for... for years.", I said, disappointedly.

"I know, I know, just, please understand that I needed--"

"Needed? You needed to kiss him?", I asked sternly, starting to lose my mind.

"No, I just...", She let her sentence trail off.

Did she finally realize that there was no use in trying? Did she realize that she had done something wrong?

"When did you do it?"

"I did it the day you left after we went home, I wanted to get it out of my system. I needed to...", She said meekly.

"The day I left... The... Day. I. Left? I guarantee you made him feel horrible! I bet he was traumatized by what you did!", I screamed, not even trying to be quiet.

"I'm sorry!", She cried out.

"Sorry won't cut it, Lucy!"

She shut her mouth. She looked down again, and I could see a tear fall from her face. I didn't budge. I didn't feel guilty. I felt nothing.

"Just, go back to your dorm. Think about what you've done. I'm talking to Lukas about this.", I shook my head slowly and started to walk away

I sounded like a mom.

"I'm sorry...", She whimpered. I didn't respond.

...

I reached Lukas's dorm. I stood at the door. I eventually built up the courage to knock. After a minute or so, I knocked again, louder this time. He opened the door quickly after.

"Amanda!", He cried out happily.

I smiled. It feels like I hadn't seen him in so long.

"I'm glad to see you again. I just needed to clear my thoughts.", I said calmly.

"It's okay. I was willing to wait."

I opened my arms, waiting for him to give me a hug. He moved in and hugged me. I felt happy. I let go after a few seconds, and he did the same.

"I missed you.", He said quietly.

I nodded.

"I don't want to ruin the moment or anything, but, I heard about Lucy... Uh..."

His smile faded a bit.

"Yeah..."

"I understand, don't worry.", I said.

His face kept the same expression, but he nodded.

"Can I come in?", I asked, "We have a lot to catch up on."

"Sure, go ahead.", He said.

He opened the door wider, and I stepped inside.