Vivid Memories

Chapter 10

Christmas was rolling around.

I called my dad every single day of December like I was his very own Advent calendar. I missed him. I thought having only him and me for Christmas every year would make things less lonely when it would be by myself, but truth be told, I want his company.

Spending Christmas on your own... it sounds sad. Like drinking on your own.

I didn't want to ask if I could join Penny or Caitlyn for their Christmas Day celebrations. Penny was out of state (she's from Washington) and Caitlyn was having her entire family over. I told them that I'd be spending my time back in England, though I think they saw through my lies.

It was sad to see my friends off for the Christmas holidays, but we did have plans to go out after the semester. Penny said Tyler and his best friend will join us. Caitlyn asked a couple of her friends to come along and as for myself... I asked Dante. He was the only one who wasn't in our friendship group. I thought he would say no, but he agreed to it.

Pres was at mine since I was living on my own in a large space. Dante came early with a few drinks and helped me get the place ready. I noticed he changed his style up. His hair was bundled up, though his fringe was still there.

"What's with the get-up?" I asked, chuckling at his hairstyle. "Why the man-bun?"

"I've been told I look good in one," He shrugged, filling a trash bag with some paper I left out. "Do you think I look bad?"

"N-no actually," I smiled, though I knew I had a faint blush by my cheeks. "I think you look good. It suits you... though I do wish you would show your eyes..."

"It's not going to happen," He chuckled, shaking his head and waving his hands in front of me. "I... I'm not comfortable yet, showing this off."

"Since no one is here, could you... maybe tell me why you're so intent for no one knowing or seeing your eye?" I asked, sitting down on my couch. I patted a seat right next to me, suggesting for him to sit down.

"I... let's just say my appearance was all they cared about," He sat down next to me and sighed deeply. Dante laid his head back and looked at the ceiling. "Only four people in my life told me that my eyes were beautiful. You, my mother and my other two ex's."

"Yo, you had a girlfriend?!"

"Yeah, I had two actually," Dante chuckled and sat up straight. "But I know so far my mom's the only one who meant what she said. My first girlfriend... well... she said that at first, but stopped saying it after I moved. She told me... my eyes reminded her of a monster... then my second girlfriend, who I met in England, told me... my eyes were beautiful... but I wasn't. I remember her telling me... that a gift like mine, was wasted on a person like myself... Afterward, I decided to never let anyone know... because all they'll think about are my eyes, not me as a person..."

"I meant every word I said to you Dante," I smiled and patted his back. "You might not believe me, but I do. Your eyes are beautiful. As for yourself, you just need to be a bit more confident."

"You sound like my second ex," He chuckled and shook his head, probably trying to tease me. "But... I trust you, Avalon. I don't know why I just do. Something tells me... that you don't lie when it comes to these things..."

We exchanged smiles between us. Dante trusted me. I don't know why, but he just did. Despite our arguments, I know somehow, we were good friends.

"You think we need more drinks?" He asked, looking at my countertop. We had a few bottles and cans. I thought it was good enough since I told Penny to buy some and the same with Caitlyn.

"Probably not," I smiled and stood up. "Everything seems good. Thanks again for helping me clear all my junk out of the living room."

"It's all good," He smiled back before heading off to the toilet or something.

I thought about what Dante said to me. He's been hurt by two people and his former friends... yet he decides to trust me. I don't think I could ever betray his trust otherwise, he might do something he'll regret. For someone to be isolated because they look different from everyone else... that's just insane.

I heard the doorbell ring and Dante shouted that he'd get it, but I ran right past him and opened the door myself. I saw Penny and Tyler, along with a couple of his friends. They looked cute, though they had a weird vibe about them. Tyler said the curly blonde haired one was called Luca and the black-haired one with curtains was called Alex. Everyone brought drinks so that was cool. Caitlyn arrived a few minutes later with her friends Angeline and Margo who were both from the Chemistry course.

We both hugged and luckily they also brought drinks, so tonight was our night to have fun.

"Alright guys, let's get fucking wasted!" Tyler screamed out and the whole group just went for it. All except Dante and Caitlyn.

I took Dante to one side, seeing if he was okay. He looked pale and sick as if he'd seen a ghost.

"Hey... are you okay?" I asked, pressing my hand on his forehead. "You don't seem to have a temperature. What's wrong?"

"W... what's that girl's name?" He asked, pointing to Caitlyn.

"Who? Caitlyn? Caitlyn Meadows?" I asked, looking at her before redirecting my attention back to him.

"Meadows... why... why is she here?" He asked, his words somewhat trembling.

"She's one of my friends," I replied nonchalantly. "We take the same course."

"I... I wouldn't have come if I knew she was here," He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose before turning around.

"What?! Why? Do you know Cait?"

"Do I know here?!" He echoed, somewhat baffled by my question. "Ava... she's... she was my first girlfriend."

Ah.

That made sense.

Shit.