Bad Habit

Chapter Two

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02. Arabella

SAVANNAH THORN has always had difficult post-breakup times. As a loyal best friend, I've been there through every single occasion. Her first boyfriend was at thirteen and their 'solid' relationship lasted for three weeks before he decided he liked someone else. She bawled for a whole week. Then, two years later, she was showing off her older boyfriend, a junior from a different school. God knows how she met him, but they were together for two months–this time, she was the one to call things off.

Later in high school, we met Ethan Stuart, a happy-go-lucky guy who liked to carry around a guitar–he even taught Savannah how to play. Suffice it to say, she fell in love with him.

However, he was gay. I mean, not an out-of-the-closet gay but a very perceptible one. Everyone knew it, everyone saw it. Besides, Ethan was never the one to accept rumors about him, but this one he never bothered denying. And, since we were close friends of his, it was even easier to notice.

Therefore, I was incredibly confused when Savannah came up to me on this beautiful day and told me he'd asked her out. Happy for my friend, who had been going crazy about him for years, I just smiled and shrugged it off. Perhaps my gaydar wasn't that good.

So, we had it. A very cute-but-weird couple that seemed to be bugging everyone's mind. I didn't mind being the third wheel (of course I did, it was really annoying, but I'm just that great to endure it all) and was always there, watching as they enjoyed each other's company.

That happiness lasted for three months–that was when the gossip started spreading around; apparently, Ethan had been seen making out with a random guy at a bar and that worried Savannah a lot. At first, she brushed it off and said they were messing around, trying to start confusions.

Then, two weeks later, she finally called me, crying. It took me about 7 attempts to understand what she was saying over her sobs. When I finally figured out what she was saying, the first thing I did was hang up the phone and call Ethan. He, too, was really sad because he'd lost a great friend, but admitted that he couldn't keep the cover up any longer.

At first, to say I was mad was an understatement. I was raging. A week later, though, I was calm enough to face him without trying to kill the boy. The way he had used her during the time they were together was what infuriated me, not the fact that he was gay.

Two weeks after the breakup and she was still in the depressed phase. It was becoming contagious.

"Would you quit all that sniffling?"

We were at our dorm room, classes had just finished. She had been calm during the day, until we got back.

Savannah's bottom lip quivered. "Would you quit being annoying? I'm going through a very difficult moment of my life, all right?"

"Honey, it's been two weeks," I softened my tone. "I know you were deeply in love and all that, but it's time to move on with your life. I thought the night at Joey's had cheered you up."

"It did... I mean, I had a good time, 'till I had to get in the car a-and..."

I scooted closer to where she was sitting, grabbed her shoulders and turned her face to me. "Savannah Thorn, you listen to me. You're a very beautiful and smart and caring and special woman who shouldn't be crying over this situation. It happens, okay? You were... unfortunate this time, but you'll find someone who'll be really serious about you."

"Gah, this is so corny. But I love you, thank you," she wiped her eyes. "Shall we talk about you?"

"What about me?"

"Please," Savannah scoffed. "I may be sad, but I'm not blind. In fact, I'm way smarter than you–don't glare. Think I didn't see you talking to that bartender or whatever he was the other day?"

I chuckled. "You must be talking about Colton. I think I remember correctly. He was cool–quite charming."

"Arabella, you should totally go there more often. How long's it been since you last even kissed someone?"

At least six months. "I don't know, don't mind."

Rolling her eyes, my friend gazed at me. "We're definitely going back there tonight. Don't even bother opening your mouth to complain."

I laughed out loud.

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I let Savannah drag me to the club since it made her happy. The night at Joey's was a bit calmer since it was a Monday night. Not the best day to drink, but I made Savannah promise we'd go back early.

It was 11pm and we had been dancing for hours. I lost my friend in the middle of the crowd and decided to grab a drink.

When I got to the bar, I couldn't hide my smile as I saw Colton himself cleaning some shelves.

"Look who's been working hard."

He glanced up at me, a smile of recognition taking over his face. "Hello there, Arctic Monkeys girl. Wasn't expecting your beautiful company today."

"I mean, it is Monday. I also didn't think I'd come here tonight. But my friend–the one I told you about–was feeling better and she wanted to come back. Who am I to say no?" I shrugged.

"Right, that's good. I hope you don't come here just when your friend drags you, though," Colton smirked. "What would you like to drink, m'lady?"

"Beer's fine, thanks."

He popped open a bottle and handed it to me, chuckling as I took a sip. "Bet I can get you drunk by the end of the night."

"Bet you won't. I'm a very controlled person, mind you." I winked playfully.

"Guess we'll have to see about that..."

Laughing, I stared at him. "You just want to charm drunk Arabella."

"Ha, good one. I have better things to do, babe."

"Oh, shut up, you!"

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