Four by Forever

Chapter 14: Crossing Boundaries

Maria’s POV

“Actually I still have something on my mind I want to ask you Bree.” I said while packing my things up as our hanging out comes to an end. The older girl hummed in response, not looking up from the canvass she’s still painting on, her hands gliding across it.

“Since you admitted to have taken an interest on Alex then does that mean you’re…gay? Or are you bisexual or …” I left the question hanging.

Her moving hands stopped from brushing across the canvass. She looked up to me but hastily averted her gaze.

“I – I don’t know. I’m not sure if it’s just her or I’m attracted to women but I’ve been attracted to men as well. I’m not really sure.” She confessed.

I assured her. “It’s okay. You’ll figure it out.”

And I really hope so.

I wanted her to feel sure of what she feels because I’m pretty sure myself that I like her and I don’t want to get caught up with someone show is unsure or has some leftover feelings but being her friend comes first. I wanted to be by her side however she wants me as long as she is happy and she trusts me as a friend. I have to be contented with that for now.

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Alex’ POV

It was the day before the school fest and it seems to be as bust as the actual day would be. The school even had to cut our classes to accommodate preparations and I couldn’t be more grateful that I got time on my hands. Club members are in their own worlds, Mitchelle, Breana, Selena and the other cheerleader which appear to be Bree’s new friend that I haven’t got the chance to know yet.

Since most of them are busy, I decided to head to the school cafeteria and grab them snacks. I went to the school gym and located them on the left wing, Sunny with a guitar cradled on her arms. Bree on her side.

“Hey! How are you guys holding up?” I greeted them, smiling from ear to ear. 

They both looked up but with different expressions on their face. Sunny is happy to see me but Bree was more hesitant. They both smiled back, the former more warmly than that of the other.

“Hi Alex. We were just rehearsing a duet.” Sunny informed me as she puts down the guitar.

“Duet?” My puzzled expression must be so transparent when I turned to Bree. I know she’s been avoiding me but I can’t let things be like that.

“Geeez, you don’t have to be surprised.” Bree sounded a bit offended while Sunny just stared at us.

It was unexpected for Bree ot accept being in the spotlight for once. She used to not want attention directed at her that she’d rather be ignored.” “No, it’s not like that. I just - ” My rumbling was cut off with a high pitched voice.

“Hi my Breepup! Hello Sunny and new girl. How’s final rehearsals?” The cheerleader joined in, draping her arms around the two women I’m talking to.

“Oh, we’re great. Everything’s ready and Bree is awesome that I’m sure she’ll surprise the audience tomorrow.” Sunny replied, hooking her arms on the back of the cheerleader.

They look close. And ‘Breepup’ Really? I feel so left out of place, I should say something.

“Hello, I’m Alex. I didn’t actually get your name.” I directed at the bob-haired brunette. 

“I’m Maria Han but I go by Ari. Don’t forget it.” She winked. Her long manicured-finger pointed at me. She exudes a sassy aura. 

Remembering my reason for coming, I brought out the drinks and handed a sports drink to Bree and the banana milk to Sunny. They both thanked me and said that I shouldn’t have bothered. I was left with one sports drink that I was supposed to hand to Selena but Ari grabbed it from me.

“And I guess this is for me, right?” She is so straight-forward and rather assuming. 

“Yeah, cool.” I just shrugged it off. I don’t want to embarrass her on the first meeting. “So, what are you singing for the duet?” I directed at the two bandmates to resume our topic.

“You know what, if you’re that interested you shouldn’t miss the performance tomorrow. Right Bree?” It was Ari who answered again.

Why does she need to butt in?

It’s not like Sunny or Bree can’t answer for themselves. By the way, Sunny appears to be as confused as I am at the cheerleader and I saw Bree elbow her.

“Yep, you should come tomorrow. You’ll cheer for us, right?” Sunny looks expectantly at me.

“Of course. I’m your number one fan.” I grinned at her.

Jackson cleared his throat as an announcement of his presence. He put his arms around his girlfriend’s waist. I felt a little pang of jealousy at the gesture.

“Oh, Jack!” Sunny acknowledges her boyfriend with a shy smile. She looks at him with such tenderness.

“Hi guys, Come on babe, it’s time for our duet now.” He greeted with a nod and ushered Sunny up the stage followed by Bree. I was left with Ari and her unusual behavior towards me.

“Did we start on the wrong foot? Why does it feel like you…” I faltered, finding the right words to use so as not to offend her.

“Like I hate you?” She finished the question for me, arching her right brow.

“No. That’s a strong word. It feels like you don’t like me but not hate me at the same time. Just this strong amount of dislike to me emanating from you. Did I do something wrong?” I asked.

“Yes, you did something wrong. Big time. Not to me.” She answered right away like she had rehearsed the conversation before. I was stunned by her audacity but I get what she’s trying to tell me.

“Oh.” I am unsure of how much she knows between me and Bree.

“Look, I know you want to patch things up but let her do it in her own terms and try not to just pop up every time you want to. It’s not like you gave her time to adjust to your absence so don’t expect her to do otherwise.” She turned away.

Now that’s overbearing and crossing over the line. Yet, I couldn’t really hate Maria if I wanted to. I know where it is coming from and I couldn’t really blame her. It was all on me.

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Breana’s POV

The encounter with Alex was uncalled for but it was Ari that surprised me. After my confession with Ari, I messaged Alex telling her I wanted to make up but I’d rather do it after we were all done with the school fest performances. She accepted it and promised to make it up to me which explains her action in the gym. Seeing Ari and Alex’ serious expressions while conversing when we went to stage gave me a hunch on what they could be talking about. It could only be about me. Alex’ subtle glances tell me so. I decided to confront Ari.

“Ari, why’d you have to do that?” I inquired when practice was over.

“I just gave her a piece of my mind, that’s all.” She shrugged nonchalantly.

“And may I know why? The butting in between conversations? The talk after we left?” It was all too obvious.

“Bree, I just don’t like it. What if you end up forgiving and then you’ll get hurt again?” She tried reasoning out but I still know that was out of line when she talked to Alex like she was the one in my position.

“I know you mean well but I can handle myself Ari. I’m not the same fragile girl I used to be.” I tried to be calm. I know she is listening despite keeping her eyes on her phone.

“You can’t stop me from worrying. I’m your friend. It’s just natural for me to protect you.” She pursues, not backing down. It’s making me feel more annoyed that she doesn’t even want to apologized and keeps on insisting she is right when clearly she’s not.

“Just stop! I’m not a kid anymore. It’s not up to you to decide things like that.” My tone sounded a little harsh but I couldn’t keep the annoyance from surfacing now. 

She suddenly looked up at me, startled at my reaction. I just don’t want to be sheltered like a bubble that would easily pop with a single touch or prick.

That was the kind of person I’m trying to let go.

“Then don’t come running to me with your sob stories next time.” Ari uttered with finality as she walks out on me.

Ugh. What now?