Best Part

PART 2

HER POV

"Emily Van Wyk." I sighed as I listened to my parents' long lecture. They keep reminding me what to do, what to eat, and what I shouldn't do.

"Don't forget that, Emily." I nodded. As I stepped outside, I saw Gwyn's bored expression.

"This girl is always in a hurry."

"How long was your parents' sermon this time? It seems longer than usual." I just smiled.

I know they only do it because they care and love me.

"Just let them be, I'm used to it. Besides, it's for my own good. All I have to do is listen and obey them. Parents know what's best for their kids." Gwyn looked at me and started clapping slowly.

"You know, Emily? You're so kind. Have you ever disobeyed your parents? I swear, look at you! Since we were kids until now that we're in college... you're still the same obedient girl." I zipped my bag and got on my bike.

"That's what happens when you're raised properly."

"So, are you saying my Mom and Dad didn't raise me well?" I just shook my head. Gwyn is always slow to catch on.

"What are your plans for today, Emily? I think we'll have a half-day class." As I pedaled, I couldn't help but think. What could I do?

"I'll just go home early."

"Ugh, you're so boring. Why don't you try going out?"

"Nope, I can't... I didn't ask for my parents' permission."

"Oh my freaking goose, Emily! You still ask for permission?! You're 21 years old! Hear me? You're 21! You should enjoy life instead of... oh my gosh! I can't believe this is still happening!" I just laughed at her reaction.

"What can I do?"

Yes, I know I'm old enough. But my parents still treat me like their baby girl. I just obey them because I was raised to believe that parents are always right.

"I don't know what to do with you, Emily! I can't believe this. That's why you don't have a love life!" We arrived at the campus and parked our bikes.

"I still don't have time for love, Gwyn. I'm young. I want to explore the world first before tying myself down to a man I'll be with until my hair turns white." I tied my shoelaces before continuing to walk.

Gwyn followed me, arms crossed and pouting.

What is she expecting me to say?

That I'll break all my parents' rules just for one guy?

Hell no! Never in my freaking life.

"You won't be able to say that, Emily. If love hits you? It'll hit you like a nine-wheeler truck. I'm telling you, I swear. In an unexpected place and time? You'll meet the man you'll be ready to take risks for." I just shook my head. That won't happen.

I still have a lot of dreams for myself and for my family.

"Gwyn, we're still young."

"Young?! I'm 21! I should be a fine woman! I already want to have a family, geez!" I don't know what Gwyn's plans are for her life. She's already thinking about family planning.

She always tells me she wants to have a baby and a husband at this young age. I don't even know what job she'll get or if she's even decided yet.

"Find a job first! Get married when you have a stable job and have achieved your dreams in life."

The door opened for us.

"Well, I can find a job and fulfill my dreams with my boyfriend. I can do both at the same time! I can dream big while being in a relationship. It's easy! Time management is the key, Emily. Besides, I know my priorities. I'm very, very careful in making decisions." She boasted. Why would I change her plans in life? It's her life.

"You, Emily? Don't you want someone to support you while you chase your dreams? Don't you want someone to be there for you, supporting everything you do? Someone who will be proud of your achievements?" I smirked at her question.

"You know, Gwyn. I don't need someone to be proud of me. I need to make myself proud. That's what matters most." I closed my locker and handed her the envelope I borrowed the other day.

"See you later, Gwyn!"

"BYE honey, I love you." I'm always the third wheel when it comes to Gwyn and James.

It's awkward being with them because I know that when I'm around, they can't kiss each other freely.

"Bye." I waved goodbye to her boyfriend. I quickly pulled Gwyn to sit under a tree.

"James always leaves early, Gwyn. Why is he always in a hurry?" We both watched James walk away.

"I don't know either, he always says he has something to do." I heard her sigh.

"Gwyn, trust him. I know James is a good man. You two have been together for three years, so there's no need to worry, okay? Don't be too paranoid."

Just as we were about to stand up, we heard someone talking behind the tree.

"James? With another guy?"

"Yeah, they even live in the same house."

"So, he's cheating on Gwyn?"

"Obviously."

"James likes guys?"

"Maybe he prefers swords over—"

Gwyn's eyes widened, and she suddenly charged at them with our thick books.

"Gwyn, don't hit them with that, or you'll get called to the guidance counselor! Graduation is near!" She handed me her books and poured water on the two girls' dresses.

"Stop gossiping about my boyfriend and start minding your own business! Not only are your words annoying, but you're also ruining someone's reputation! Just because you saw him with another guy, you started making up fake stories! Why don't you just become writers? You're so good at making up stories!" She slowly walked closer to them and grabbed their hair.

"I don't usually fight gossipers, but since it's just the two of you, why not? You both look like Ariana Grande, just the cheap version!"

"Gwyn! Gwyn... calm down! Please, will you?!" She let go of the two girls, and they quickly ran away.

"How can I fucking calm down now?! Emily, my boyfriend is cheating on me! And the worst part... he's cheating with a guy!"

I closed my eyes and rubbed her back. I can't take this anymore.

"We're not even sure yet. Don't believe in fake news, okay?"

Then, I found myself following Gwyn to the hospital. She was fuming. She had been crying the entire way.

"Why are we at the hospital?!"

"Eric said James is here."

We entered the hospital. I kept following Gwyn. When we reached the third floor, her eyes widened as she charged at James.

"You bastard! Fuck you, James! If you were going to cheat, why a guy?! You're embarrassing! You... you're a bastard! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!" She kept punching him while James took every hit.

"How... how could you do this to me? H-How?! I did my best to be your girlfriend!" He stopped her from speaking by kissing her.

Gross. I closed my eyes.

"Calm down, Gwyn. I'm not cheating on you. I won't. Even if I had the chance, I still wouldn't. That would be the biggest mistake of my life, okay?"

"Liar! I heard from the girls at campus that you live with a man you're dating!"

"Fucking gossips! My brother and I live next door to each other, Gwyn. He's been struggling, and he needs me, love. He needs me. When I was suffering, he was there. Now it's time for me to return the favor."

I looked at the man lying in bed. His long auburn hair caught my attention.

This is what depression does.

And I have no idea why, but he seems... painfully familiar.

4o