When We Met

Fifty

|Donovan|

"Hello?"

"Cheryl?"

"What's up Mads?"

"Leanne called."

I stop walking, not because I hear Leanne's name but because I spot Leanne walking towards me.

It's surreal. Absolutely surreal. I had pretty much given up on the idea of ever being able to talk to Leanne again, nevermind actually seeing her. And surprisingly, I was comfortable with that thought made up in my mind for good. But now that I see her right in front of me, I don't know what to feel about the whole situation.

Am I happy? I don't know.

Sad? Maybe.

Disappointed? Yes, definitely.

Angry? Oh hell yes.

"I'll talk to you later, Mads." I hang up before she talks me out of it.

Leanne is looking at me, her red pixie hair throwing me off guard. Had it not been for the Instagram account Madeline once showed me, I wouldn't have been able to recognize her at all.

When we were room mates, Leanne had long raven colored hair that reached her torso in graceful waves. She used to wear ripped jeans and tank tops. But right now, she's wearing denim micro shorts and a crop top, with piercings allover her face.

I do recognize Leanne, but I honestly don't recognize my friend.

We are now standing face to face and all of the sadness, betrayal and anger come rushing back to me. And trust me, the feeling is not good.

"Cher..." She starts and I cut her off immediately.

"Don't." I say. "My friends use that nickname for me."

If my words hurt her, she does a good job of hiding her emotions.

"Yes, I deserve that." She sighs.

"I'm you didn't drop a letter to warn me of your gracious arrival." I snarl.

I don't know where this tone is coming from. I'm assuming that Maddie's hatred for what Leanne did to me has successfully rubbed off on me. Maybe that's why seeing my ex bestfriend after more than a year isn't reminding me of all the good times we once spent with each other.

"Just hear me out." She begs.

"Why would you assume that I'd be willing to listen to your side of the story when all you did was hurt me."

Something flickers in her eyes. Was it fear?

"You know?" She whispers.

"Know what?"

"About me and Jake."

What?

"What the heck are you talking about?"

I don't feel good about this. I miss Dylan.

Dylan.

Holy shit, his sister is giving birth to a baby and I just left him alone with the last guy he'd want to be with. I'm a terrible person.

"Listen. I don't have time for this. I need to be with people I care about, who actually care about me as well. I don't want to know anything about you and Jake. I won't allow you both to ruin the happiness I finally have."

I turn around and as soon as I start walking, Leanne decides to drop a major bomb.

"I was the other girl in your relationship with Jake." I stop walking midway, my heart hammering inside my chest. "But it's not what you think."