Two Worlds Collided (Ace Merrill)

Difficulty

The next three days are difficult, to say the least.

First is my siblings. My sister constantly has her boyfriend over, and it just reminds me of Ace. I try to avoid them, but it's impossible to steer totally clear of them.

Second is my mother's pregnancy. She's almost four months along now, meaning we don't have much time to get everything ready for the baby. My dad, who just came for the rest of his stuff, is no help on the matter.

Then my little brother, who always wants to do things like go to the comic book store. I took him once, but it reminded me too much of Ace. I omitted the other times he asked, and Noah took him instead.

Finally, Ace. I haven't seen him around, and it's probably for the best. My heart aches every moment that I'm awake.

Lisa is upset that I'm not her friend anymore. But she said that Ace had told her he was getting involved with me. She said she wouldn't have done it normally, but she was too caught up in the moment. She needed him too bad, apparently. How could I still be friends with her after something like that? It may be petty, but I don't care. She hurt me.

My mom keeps asking questions about what I've been doing. She's worried about me, I know, but I can't help but feel despondent. She has it worse, though, so I put on a cheery demeanor for her.

My mom comes in as I'm gathering everything Ace left in my room. It isn't a lot, fortunately.

"How are you feeling, honey?"

I sniffle, looking at the stack of John's things.

"Fine. I'll be okay." I turn around and look at her. She's giving me a small smile. "How are you holding up?"

She shrugs.

"Same as you, I suppose."

I hug her. The contact feels nice, and neither of us pull away until Elizabeth comes in.

"Hey, El. Noah and I are going to Irby's, and he's taking his friend. We were wondering if you wanted to go..."

I force a laugh. "Are you already trying to set me up with someone else?"

She shrugs.

"You don't have to look at it like that. Just come have some fun."

I consider it. My mom is giving me a pleading look, though, so I just agree. It'll remind me a lot of Ace, and it'll hurt, but I'll survive.

"Alright. Let me get ready."

I get dressed and brush my hair, not bothering with makeup or anything. I put on shoes and leave with Elizabeth.

"We're meeting him there," she tells me. It isn't too far away, so we decide to walk. It's warm out, but it's nice in a way that surprises me.

After a short walk where she talks all about her boyfriend and his friend, we arrive. I read the sign, and already my mind is going places I don't want it to.

"Ready?" Elizabeth asks.

I take a deep breath. I have to do this.

"Ready," I say.