(Spin-off of Imaginary, more so specifically it's second book, Severity)
Cleo Vexer, a problematic teenage girl, is the sensation of your average pessimist and mediocre criminal. Still having to survive the rest of her senior year bitter and lonely...
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I wipe the damp towel in a circular motion onto the new table.
After Winsley had practically peer pressured me into redecorating the office, I finally did. There was a new table rather than an old fold up one, the walls were painted a pretty emerald, and I had hung up a pretty satin fabric to replace the curtain. At least the place no longer reminded me of a big shower.
It's past hours and I'm happy that I get to work longer since the summer has come along. More people have come in, and surprisingly, some wanted to hear a couple of my stories. Caslon was a great addition, and lucky for him, I learned that turning anger to peace was better than embracing it. I'm so proud of who I've become because of him, no more revenge tales.
There's a knock on the door. I frown a little. Sil had already left and Winsley always knocks three times not four.
"Come in!" I call as I continue to polish up the office.
The door cracks open slightly. "Hey."
My head snaps up when I hear her voice. I quickly walk over and wrap my arms around her tightly.
"Riley," I exhale; surprised. "What are you doing here."
"I don't have much time before Caslon suspects something, but I've been dying to tell you the truth." Riley explains, there's a urgency in her voice.
"What are you talking about?" I ask confusedly. "What truth?"
"It's a little private so I'm not going to tell you directly, but I found this." Riley pulls out a couple pieces of paper from her bag. Printed on it were pictures blown up to fit the entire page. "I found Caslon's journal and there's some things I think you deserve to know."
My eyes widen as she presses the papers into my hands. The words are fairly legible, written in black ink.
"Riley this isn't right," I start. "This is an invasion of his privacy. I can't read this-"
"Yes you can and you will." She presses pleadingly. "You deserve to know his side of the story, what he did. I'm sorry in advance for what you're about to read - for what Caslon did - but I couldn't let this slip by. It's a little late anyways; September was a while ago."
Riley quickly hugs me before fleeing to the door. Right as she's about to leave, her arm hooks the door frame and her head crooks back to me. "I missed you, Cleo. Take care."
The door closes and I'm left with the papers sitting in my grasp. For a moment, I feel as though I can't move. I'm trying hard not to break. Though eventually, I shuffle my feet to a seat and stare down at the pages.
Journal Entry #48 Sept. 22nd
Vex is simply the most interesting human being there is. Of course she's no given angel, and she's proven so tonight. Family dinner was an absolute mess that's for sure; Cleo definitely has practiced the art of making a scene. Everyone was left with her impression in the back of their minds, about what she said. Mom and Dad were muttering under their breath when she left. They hated her. How perfect.
Journal Entry #51 Sept. 27th
I actually got her to agree to go on a date with me. With Cleo's stubbornness, I didn't think she'd say yes any time soon. And when I dropped Riley off earlier today, I told Mom and Dad. Let's just say they weren't happy. Vex couldn't be a more perfect escape; it all aligned with her. Dad hasn't been wanting to do any training lately. At this moment, life couldn't be better.
Journal Entry #63 Oct. 18
I feel like I'm losing her. We can't stop arguing and it just boils my blood. I'm not sure how much longer I can carry this little plan of mine. I care about her, but lately, Vex has just been hard to keep up with. For one, I know she's not eating much. And then there's the fact that she's always an arm's length. I'm going to tell her I love her soon. Even if I don't mean it by then, I can't let her go. It's just to much to lose, it's my future. It's getting late and
"He was using me." I whisper. Out of all things, I never thought that this would be what it was. "He was using me, and was going to tell me he loves me, just because he knew I could be his ticket out."
A peaceful look blooms on my face. I could never forgive Caslon for what I know now. If he'd ask for our friendship back, there'd be no space in my heart for me to say yes.
At least it's over. Very.
As I sat down on the couch of my apartment, I don't know what I was waiting for. I guess for myself to cry. The papers were still held in my hands and I still stared at them every few seconds.
I was waiting for the waterworks, for me to feel heartbroken. For me to finally stop being calm and shatter.
A part of me thought that I had loved Caslon during the time we'd spent, at least just a little. And I felt like I should be disappointed that he'll never love me.
I had an empty pair of shoes in my heart, and my entire life I just wanted someone to fill them. He said himself that he wanted to be that person, unless that was all apart of his manipulation.
But I guess the realization never dawned on me until now, the reason why we will never be together in our eternities.
