UNBREAKABLE ↠ BRANDON ARREAGA

THIRTY-TWO - THE ONE WHO BONDS WITH AN UNLIKELY ALLY

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word count: [2788]

I hiccupped trying to control my tears because I really shouldn't be crying.

My phone started ringing, and I already knew it was Hazel. She was probably calling to see how it went. I didn't have the heart to tell her that it didn't go as planned or the way she and I both hoped it would go. I didn't want to tell her that the first time I truly fell in love, it didn't work out and I was just about to give up on it.

I didn't want to pick up her call, but I knew that it was just a matter of time before I had to answer her questions. I drew in another deep breath before picking up the call.

"Hello," I said, trying to sound normal but my voice cracked. I shut my eyes, knowing that I would have to disclose what was going on sooner than I wanted to. "We broke up." I decided to not beat around the bush.

"What," she cleared her throat, "what happened?" Now, this was different. She didn't sound as strong as she normally did.

"You knew this was coming."

"But I was hoping I was wrong. You know I didn't want this for you, Eliana."

"I know, but it's also because you didn't even believe in love before Eli. You were always so skeptical about it." I paused, feeling my throat becoming slightly dry. "You were the one that always had an eye open about this. I didn't want to be like that because love is something that should be freeing. It shouldn't be something I should worry about. Would it hurt less if I were to be like that?"

"That's just the type of person you are," she said softly. "You don't have to change."

"But should I? I don't want to get hurt anymore. I feel like I can't breathe," I cried. My hand went straight to my throat as I tried to catch my breath.

"It's okay to be selfless. It's okay to give people the benefit of the doubt. Don't let him take that away from you," she urged, confidently. "Being skeptical about love doesn't guarantee that you don't get hurt. Being scared of love almost cost me Eli. I was too scared to even be in a relationship with him at first, but now I see things differently. I'm more open and that gives me more options." Her voice was soothing. It was something that felt normal and nice. I could feel myself calming down. "Don't allow this situation to close you off from the world. Who you are is beautiful. Don't take that away—the chance to get to know you—from everyone else."

I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the wall. "What do I do now?"

"Just calm down. Take a breather. Count to three. Try to hold it together," she encouraged. "I will fly down to you, then we'll figure it out together. Know that you're not alone."

"You - you don't have to," I stuttered.

"Don't even try to convince me otherwise," she said, stern. "I'm not leaving you alone in LA. I will come to you, and we'll figure out what to do from there."