𝕁𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝔽𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤// 𝔸 𝔾𝕚𝕝𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕥 𝔾𝕣𝕒𝕡𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪

Chapter 17

4 days have passed since Gilbert and I broke up.

Things were awkward at work.

Gilbert and I would avoid each other like the plague. Gilbert's been refusing to take any deliveries to ms carvers house.

There are many times I catch him staring at me, but I usually just look away.

Me and Becky had become closer friends, she was my shoulder to lean on when I needed it. She's very mellow and wise, I liked it.

Gilbert and I were both pricing new cans that just arrived today.

It was silent in the grocery shop, which is strange and eerie. Even though nobody really shopped here, there'd always be conversations between me and Gilbert.

Even Arnie could sense the tension between everyone as he silently plays with his crickets.

Mr Lamson and the lady that works on the phone were quiet as well.

I sighed. Maybe it was time I broke the ice. After all, I did say me and Gilbert could stay as friends.

I cleared my throat "hey Gilbert?" I said.

His head immediately shot up in my direction as he gulped and looked at me surprised that I'm talking to him.

"Y-yeah?" He questioned.

"Is this the right price for this?" I questioned him, handing him the can of corn.

He looked at it and checked his cans to see if it was the same.

He nodded "that's the price I have on mine".

I sighed "i feel like it should be more".

He smiles "you know how Lamson is, always giving fair prices in benefit of the customers".

I chuckled "yeah, you got that right".

The shop is silent again as me and Gilbert continue doing our jobs.

"So...how've you been?" Gilbert asks breaking the silence once again.

I smile "I've been good, you know can't complain, how've you been?".

He shrugged "I've been better".

He looks at me sadly.

"Look, Blair... I'm really-"

I cut him off "Gilbert, really, it's fine, I'm not mad and your not mad so we could be friends again".

He sighs but nonetheless offers me a smile that I know is fake "yeah yeah, I know, just friends".

I can't help but feel a pang of sadness knowing that all those times we've spend, kissing, hugging, making love, playing. joking, loving and spending time with each other are all distant memories.

I smile nonetheless "although you wouldn't be my best friend anymore, Becky is".

He smiled back "so you've finally have the spot for your best friend filled?"

"Yup, you've been replaced mr grape" I said jokingly.

He chuckled and looked down "I hope that...that's the only thing you'll be replacing me in".

I could feel my heart speed up as me and Gilbert lock eyes.

"Hey Blair?" Lamson calls out.

"Yes sir?" I say getting up and walking over to him.

"Can you watch the counter for a couple minutes before your shifts over? I've kinda got a stomach problem right now".

I nod.