Countdown Romance

Chapter 7: I am a Horrible Person

I sit in my car with my head against the steering wheel. I'm trying to figure out my dilemma, but it's not going anywhere. It's exactly how my life is going. Nowhere. I didn't have the radio on, but the rapid beating of my heart was loud enough.

I can't tell. I can't tell anyone. The words endlessly run through my head.

How am I not supposed to tell anyone that I met my soulmate?!

I sigh. I am conflicted within myself, and I have a party to return to. A party that was supposed to be for me and my soulmate.

Well, they just get me. Shouldn't that be enough?

I slowly step out of my car, and try to fake a smile. I checked how "happy" I looked in my faint reflection on the window. It was okay, but I knew it wouldn't fool everyone, maybe the majority. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I open the gate to Faith's backyard. Most people are dancing to the catchy song, a few were getting drinks, and Faith busied herself by talking to a few friends. However, one pair of eyes were set on me. Freddie.

He raises his eyebrows at me. I shoot him a look to not ask questions. I didn't need him to be smart tonight. I casually walk over to the refreshment table where Freddie rests. He is exactly where he was when I left to go meet my soulmate.

A small pit of guilt forms in my stomach. I shouldn't have left him without an explanation. Although, I feel he knows exactly why I rushed off.

I come and stand beside him hoping for conversation. His face stays blank. I try to think of something to say, but I can't. Freddie continues not to look at me. I start to get worried.

"So where's your soulmate?" Freddie mutters deeply. I look down. It would've been so much easier if Freddie was my soulmate. Then, I wouldn't be in this mess. Maybe having a soulmate isn't meant to be easy.

I tried to think of an answer. My soulmate told me not to tell anyone, but could I lie to Freddie? Or Faith for that matter. Yes. I will lie. It was a horrible decision, but I need to trust my soulmate this is for a good reason.

I scrunch my face. "I don't know." Atleast that part was true. My soulmate could be anywhere at this point. "I didn't meet him."

I feel Freddie tense. He quickly looks up at me. A deep frown is carved into his face.

His words are careful and full of guilt. "You don't have a soulmate." It wasn't a question but a statement. He believed me within the second I said it.

Freddie is silent for a few seconds. His brows are pulled together in concentration and his eyes thoughtful.

"We're getting you out of here," he finally states,"I'm taking you home. We'll have Faith tell everyone you got sick."

I gaped at him in awe. When did I earn a friend like him? Oh yeah, I didn't.

I glance around the party. I wouldn't miss it a bit. I never liked social gatherings in the first place, especially when they're focused on me.

Freddie and I walk out to his car. I hop in the passenger seat and he turns the ignition.

"I'm going to inform Faith about the situation."

He starts to head back, but I stop him. "Wait! I should tell her. Have her come out here please." I should be the one who lies to Faith. She deserves to at least hear it firsthand. Actually, she deserves the truth, but I don't think anyone was getting that soon.

Freddie nods and walks back into the party, but quickly returns with Faith by his side. She looks worried. I wonder what Freddie let on to get her to come.

I almost roll down my window, but Faith opens the door before I get the chance.

"What's going on? Why are you leaving? You have to meet your soulmate!" Faith starts her frantic freak out.

I bite my lip in thought. Faith tapped her foot struggling to be patient. I look down at my wrist and realize I left my watch back on the street. I simply hold up my wrist that used to hold my watch, so Faith can see.

"Where's your watch? You are only supposed to take it off after you meet your soulmate-" Faith gasps. "Did you meet him?!"

A sad smile meets my lips. "No." I squeeze my eyes shut. I don't want to lie. "I-I didn't meet him. The watch went off, but there... was no one there."

I look up at Faith, but quickly regret it.

I am a horrible human being.

Her eyes are filled with tears. A few are spilling out onto her pale cheeks. For a second, I think it is pity forming her tears but no. Her eyes are far from the look of pity, but what I believe to be guilt.

Why is she guilty?

She quickly pulls me into a hug. "I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have-have made you have this party. It-it was a horrible-horrible idea..." She barely get the words out over her sobs.

Despicable. I was an absolutely despicable human being. I made my kind and caring friend feel guilty and sad, because I am selfish and a liar.

Good going, me.

"This isn't your fault, Faith." I tried to comfort her. She pulls back out of the hug and wipes her eyes. It was a good thing she wore waterproof mascara.

"Okay, okay..." Faith starts trying to pull back her composure," Atleast you got presents. You get them all to yourself too." She gives me a small smile.

I wish there was a way she would know this isn't her fault. It was her lousy bestfriend who told a stupid lie's fault. I don't know why I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth. I just... couldn't.

Faith ran back into the party leaving Freddie and I very awkwardly waiting. Soon, Faith stumbled out struggling to carry some boxes in pretty wrapping, and more than a few cards. The boxes were precariously stacked, and Faith looked like her arms might fall off from carrying the load.

Freddie rushed over to grab a few boxes off the top to make Faith's job easier.

"Thanks," Faith sighed. They deposited the gifts into the back seat of Freddie's car. I looked back to see them stacked. Shiny bows decorated a few of the boxes. Others greeted you with a delicate pattern on the wrapping. The cards were nothing out of the ordinary. Simple envelopes sealed shut, but you never know. One might contain a nice gift card.

Excitement rose up in me. Atleast I recieved presents from this party.

And you lied to your friends...

I sighed. Freddie hopped into the driver seat. He looked at me with a pained expression.

"Hey, don't be sad. My offer still stands. Faith and I are here for you." He lifts up my chin and gives me a smile. I try to smile back.

I gained a few things from tonight.

One, I am a horrible friend, and I don't deserve Freddie or Faith.

Two, I will not be taking Freddie up on his offer anytime soon. I already have a soulmate.

Three, presents. I have a lot of presents to unwrap. Atleast I gained something good. Besides, you know, a soulmate.

AN: This was a few words longer! Allie has gotten herself into the start if some trouble, hasn't she? I'm really excited to continue writing this story.

I'm sorry this chapter took so long to get published. I had some writer's block on this chapter, and the chapter was longer in general.

I hope y'all like this chapter. Tell me what you think in the comments. The support means a lot to me.

And please leave a vote for this chapter. (-:

Thank you so much!! :-D