Long Distance

Chipotle.

[Ethan]

I didn't know how to react when I heard that Aria was actually marrying Edwards.

There was of course the sharp pain in my chest and the inability to breathe that came with it, but behind that was a feeling of finality. It felt like there was nothing left to do. This persistent effort to win over this girl wasn't enough in the end.

Did it mean I didn't care that Aria was marrying Edwards? Hell no, I was fucking dying inside. It meant that I was going to stop. I was going to stop trying so hard for such a lost cause.

Aria was getting married and there was nothing I could do to stop it at this point. Aria and I just weren't meant to be, and maybe this heartbreak was what I deserved for being such a dick to every girl I met these last four years.

Whatever the reason was, I was going to accept it. Not because I didn't love her, but because I still did. Way too much.

I was still deeply in love with Aria Mendez, and I always will be. But like people always say, if you love something, let it go.

It had been five days since I saw Aria at that restaurant, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't contemplate running after her once she walked off. The look on her face that night was one I had never witnessed. She looked annoyed, but it was a different kind of annoyed. She looked almost bothered by the fact that I was out with another girl.

At the moment, a part of me wanted to let her know that there was nothing going on between Amber and I. But the other part of me remembered that she had no reason to care. Aria wasn't in my position. She wasn't in love with me. She wasn't struggling to forget me, because I never made it into her thoughts to begin with.

So I ignored her.

I pretended that she wasn't there and decided to make the best out of that night. To my surprise, that night went great. I met Amber, and to be quite honest, I have been wanting to see her again.

She was different in so many ways. She wasn't girly and sappy, but instead she was a guarded and aware, and she kept me longing to know more.

I shake the girl from my thoughts as I stand from the kitchen island, throwing the wedding invitation into the trash bin. I couldn't even believe Aria had the nerve to send it in the first place.

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I retrieve it, hoping it's Rachel wanting to get food because I'm starving.

Instead, my eyes look upon a girl's name. The girl I had just met and already wanted to see again.

Amber: Hey :)

I didn't hesitate to reply and instantly regretted answering right away. Shit Ethan, she's gonna think you're desperate.

Me: Hey

Amber: Are you free today?

Me: Shouldn't I be the one asking you that question?

Amber: Well considering it's been 5 days and you haven't made a move, I thought I'd take matters into my own hands ;)

Me: Haha, well to answer your question, yeah I am.

Amber: How does lunch sound? Chipotle in 20?

Me: Sounds good, see ya there

I look down at my outfit, shaking my head at my missing pants. I jog up to my room, finding a pair of black jeans and tugging them on. After changing my hoodie to a plain white shirt and throwing on a jacket, I tie my shoes and head out the door.