Vivid Memories

Chapter 27

I woke up.

That was it.

I woke up.

I wanted to fall back to sleep, but I had classes later into the afternoon, so I had to get out of bed.

What time was it?

Oh, only eleven...

Should have gone back to sleep.

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"Are you okay, Ava?" Penny asked after our biology lecture, with tones of concern. "You're usually... more energetic than this..."

I explained everything that happened that night. God, I feel so pathetic. I wish I knew better.

"Never knew Dante was that devious..." Penny shrugged before patting my back. "Ava, you'll get over it. I know you will. You're a strong independent woman who don't need no man."

"Thanks, Penny, but despite your best efforts, I just feel like shit," Everything felt so heavy. From getting my bag to getting out of my chair to just... walking. "I... Just want to go home."

"Girl, you and me just need to get a tub of ice cream," I saw her calling someone. It was Tyler and she ordered him to get a tub of ice cream for me. "There you go. Come on, girl. Come back to my place. I can help you out."

So after all our lectures that day, I went with Penny back to her place. Dante tried to talk to me during our breaks, but Penny and Tyler intercepted so he couldn't get near me. I know we didn't date. Yeah, that's a given. But for the guy you liked to just use you for his own benefit... it just fucking sucked to know you meant nothing or at least close to nothing to that person.

Penny and I just did nothing but watch movies and for me to tell her everything again and again and again. About what happened, about how I felt, about Dante and just how upset I was.

God, everything felt so melodramatic, but I couldn't help it.

Penny was such a great friend. All I could hear her say was that I'd get over it and give useful advice. She told me Tyler wasn't her first boyfriend and there was a trail of rejection and heartbreaks. It was a cheesy line, but she said Time heals all wounds. Whether time was an actual person or just used as a metaphor, all I wanted was this to blow over.

I'm not normally this emotionally invested in people.

I try to avoid that.

But out of all the people... Fucking Dante LaVine...

Hazel and Caitlyn can have him. They're all as bad as each other.

"I'm sorry Penny, for being such an emotional mess," I sighed and shook my head, resting it on her shoulder. "I look so pathetic don't I?"

"Ava, don't apologize for something you can't help but feel," She stroked my hair, trying to reassure me. "You're only human. Everyone feels this kind of pain at least once in their life."

Mayuri, if you're ever looking down, thanks for sending Penny my way. I needed a good friend like her like you were to me when you were here. I miss you so much.

Two tubes of strawberry ice cream later and we were stuffed. We planned to do more things together, with Tyler in case the guy who will not be named ever comes near us. Sure, I'll be technically third-wheeling these guys for a while, but it doesn't matter if I'm around. Those two will still kiss and fuck regardless of my presence, for as long as they have a locked bedroom all to themselves.

After a while, Dante just stopped coming near me or trying to message me. He stopped texting me, trying to call me, everything. I was glad.

Throughout the entirety of February, Penny, Tyler and I continued to exercise more often. Caitlyn and I, after telling her things were done between me and Dante, reconciled with one another. She did keep telling me she will try to get her chances with Dante, but I had no care about that name anymore. I wish him all the best and for any of the girls he dates. They'll need it.

I even went to a few of the Martial Arts events which I haven't really been too. It was fun watching fights and supporting my team. I had a chance to try it. I wasn't too good yet, but I think I did well for a beginner, winning the beginner's scene in our local tournament. I had good seniors teaching me their techniques.

March was rolling in and we had our coursework due in. Submitting coursework on the date that it's due in always felt great. Man, I feel so liberated from everything. I told Penny I was going home early to celebrate. I had nothing better to do honestly and I know she wanted some more alone time with Tyler.

As I was walking home, I thought about my life. I thought about all the decisions I've made. I've made a lot of bad ones, but I have made a lot of great ones.

I'm not perfect, but I'd like to be.

But I guess perfection is in the eye of the beholder.

Someone in the future will find me perfect, even when I feel like I'm not.

But that can wait. I have my whole life ahead of me.