To New Beginnings. Sequel -(On Hold)

Chapter 12

Just a little something for keeping you waiting...

Candice

I rushed through my apartment door, unsure if I could fully contain myself any longer. Kicking the door shut with the heel of my foot, I tossed my belongings onto the long hallway table, along with my keys.

Oh, My, God! What should I do? Should I tell Rey? Or maybe not, since she was going through a tough time. The questions tortured me to no ends.

Am I overreacting?

Hell no! Not after I just ran into the guy who was my first love and took my virginity, officially. Nevertheless, I was the one who, more than likely crushed his heart and left him to revel in the tiny little pieces.

Ok, maybe you're overreacting just a little. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

What if he hates me and I wasn't hallucinating that look in his eyes? What-

"Hey sweets. When did you get home?" Shit! How long was I standing here?

"Um, I, uh... Just walked in." That wasn't entirely a lie. "I am really exhausted and just needed a second to recuperate." Ok, maybe I'm dodging the subject; at least for the sake of Rey's blood pressure.

"Ohok, how was your day?" She shrugged at my weird greeting and went to loop her arm into mine. "I cooked dinner." She threw in a toothy smile and I became mush with all the happiness she was projecting.

"Oh Rey, you didn't have to do that. I'm just fine with-"

"With what? Take out? When's the last time you had a cooked meal?" She gave me the third degree once we made it to the kitchen.

"I, Cook. Not as often as I would like, but, food is food, right?" I grimaced under her sharp stare. She gave me a displeased look, followed by a heavy eye roll.

"Wrong!" She assisted me to my island and sat me down on a barstool. "I'm not here for the excuses sweetums. A proper meal is what you need and besides, it's the only way I could think of to thank you, for being such a good friend to me, at my worst."

"Awww Rey Rey, I wish there was more I could do to help."

"And you can!" She perked up with glee and I eyed her questionably.

"How so?"

"By sitting your stubborn ass down and having a home-cooked meal with your bestie." She didn't wait for my response and instead, spun around to the stove where she had several pots prepped with food.

"Did you cook a buffet? Why so many?" I gestured to the pan and three pots on the stove.

"Probably! But at least it will last you till the weekend." She replied, her back still facing me.

"Well, let me go wash up and I'll be right back to try your mysterious meal."

"You go do that!" She lifted a hand waving me off, whilst she stirred away with her free hand.

I managed to make it to my bedroom, feeling relief from the tension in my neck. I was thankful to be alone for a moment, in order to gather my thoughts. It didn't help that I felt extremely horrible for keeping Rey out the fold, but it was only temporary until I could get my bearings on how I feel. Then again, I honestly didn't know what I should feel, apart from angst! Still, in deep thought, I went to my dresser to search for some lounge clothes.

After fishing my cell from my pocket, I placed it on the charger near my bed on the nightstand. I attached the cord quickly, impatiently waiting for the screen to light up and indicate that it was receiving power. 

6:55 pm.

The clock's visibility glowed in bold white at the top center of the screen and my notifications rolled in, one after the other on the bottom section. A mixture of text and emails. I ignored them altogether and proceeded to freshen up. I felt solace after washing off the stressful parts of my day. Initially, I was only going to wind down but my thoughts ran wild of Nathan and I couldn't help but feel a sudden rift in my heart; therefore, the shower was warranted.

I contemplated what I should have done... It's just an old flame, Candice... I tried to downplay it, though deep down inside, I knew it was more than what I was ready to admit.

He was my only real love for a long time, even after my departure.

The dating scene was hard enough, but now to throw an old scar, that I had presumed to be erased, into the mix, was nothing short of universe cursing me out.

"Candy, what's the holdup? Your dinner is getting cold." Though Rey's banging on my bedroom door startled me, her perfect timing called for rejoicing, seeing that I was keen on have him deleted from my brain.

"I'm coming!" I shouted back...

Dinner was implicitly quiet and the two of us could barely make eye contact. I was dying to unleash what was swimming around in my head, but I also wasn't ready to unload it onto Rey. I caught her clinking her fork to her plate and dryly swirling her food around the white surface with a cold expression.

"You want to talk about it, hun?" I pointedly offered.

"How do you know, there's something to talk about?"

"Because you're my best friend and I've known you before you could walk." I lifted my fork to emphasize my statement, with a piece of chicken hanging off the end.

"Ok, fair point but, it's nothing." I gave her a serious glare. "Really, it isn't."  I remained quiet, my expression was unmoved. However, it only made Rey stared back, replicating my expression. We stayed like this for a brief moment, before bursting into heavy laughter, causing me almost choking on a piece of meat that I was working o.

"Alright. I won't try to pry anymore. You can talk when you're ready." I worked through my coughing to manage a teasing smile.

"Thanks, my love." Rey slid her hand across the table to grip mines. "But in all honesty, I actually wanted to talk to you over ice cream and a movie. Maybe cry a little!"

"Oh, of course, girl! You know I'm here to hold you down whenever you need it." I reassured her, dropping my fork down to lay my other hand over hers.

"I gotchu!"

-
A/N: I'm still being gradual with the chapters for this book, but I also felt like you guys deserved something!
A little filler, but I hope you enjoyed it!  ❤❤❤