Chapter 4: The Confrontation
1127 Words
A week was gone, and fast, with me and Nate successfully ignoring each other's existence. Which I was fine with, really. He already felt like any other fuckboi to me, not the best friend I knew and had.
I'd become acquaintances with few of my classmates, which, considering my past experiences, was a surprise. I hope the good terms last.
Rosie had already invited me over to her house by the weekend and I internally felt so happy and proud of myself. A friend. I actually made a friend.
My mum wasn't going to be around at home because of a comic author's con she went to and I wasn't going to be expecting her until late at night so yeah, the house all to myself for few hours.
So much peace.
I could take all the time I wanted to myself, and that included going to check out the thrift store that's a little distance from school. I had a glance sometime and their display looked so vintage and I needed new outfits so, I'll check if I can get some things.
Once I got it, it thankfully wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. I guess kids these days, or in this city at least don't thrift a lot. Their miss out.
"Hello, welcome to Judy's Oldies." A girl at the counter on the far end welcomed me and after noticing the disconcerting shop name, the other thing I noticed was how he didn't look much older than me. And a large red tattoo on the side of her neck. I couldn't figure out the shape though.
"Um thank." I felt awkward, shuffling in. "Particularly fancy some pair of jeans."
"Particularly fancy". Who uses those word combination, Sarah?
Thankfully, girlie wasn't too concerned with my ancient mix of words and directed me to a section by her left. I quickly moved there after dropping my backpack where she could see it.
Soon enough, I was engrossed in the window shopping before the purchase and someone even moved to other sections. Maybe I'll get this yellow shorts, it's pretty.
Just as I was contemplating whether to add an oversized T-shirt to my purchases, I heard someone come in. However I didn't pay any attention, until they spoke.
"What's good, Cara?"
"Mmh, hungry."
Just my rotten luck. Of all place. Of all days. Of all–
Of course I had to run into Nate.
Universe, my life isn't a soap opera, please stop with these dramatic coincidences.
And he didn't look like he was leaving anytime soon with the way I heard he and tattoo girl (Cara, I deduced) talking. Nope, he wasn't.
So unless I wanted to bask in the corner until eyebrows raise, I was going to head out into the open. Taking a deep breath, I gathered my selects and walked to the counter, trying so hard to not make eye contact with the boy in the dark blue sweat shirt.
"These please." I said as normally as I could, placing the pile on the counter.
I could feel Nate's gaze on me, but he didn't make a move, nothing and I think my ego got hurt a little. Well, so that's how it's gonna be. No apology, no interaction. Nothing.
I felt more of an i***t as he talked on with Cara (even dared to laugh at a joke!) while I just stood there awkwardly, staring at an unwrapped piece of gum on the floor.
I hate him so much, ugh.
Thankfully, Cara finished calculating and packing my buy soon enough and I paid, muttered a little thanks and left so hurriedly.
I don't even know why but I felt so embarrassed. I really was the only person affected by this whole best friend, ex bet friend deal. Maybe I was even beefing with myself while Nate lived his best life. He probably ignored me without a sweat broken.
I'm so stupid.
"Sarah!"
I froze momentarily when I heard Nate call out but my slightly satisfied decided to ignore him and let him continue the chase.
"Sarah, just wait a minute." He was right behind me, and soon, I felt his hand on my shoulder. Sour faced, I turned to him.
"What?"
And that was when I noticed him holding my bag pack.
Being the i***t I was, I left it back at the shop.
Could my life get anymore embarrassing?
"You still use this?" Nate smiled, dimples popping on his cheeks. That smile... "It still in good shape. You keep things well, Sarah."
One of the thing I'd loved about the Nate I knew back then was his smile. It always had the power to light up a room, no matter what. It was one of my favorite things in the world, which left along with its owner.
I looked down at the bag pack. Right... We'd gotten it together at our first sneak out to a mall the next town over. I'd gotten grounded because we didn't make it back in the time we thought we would, Nate had his computer seized by his dad and couldn't game for a month.
So much memories... it hurts.
"Right." I replied resignedly, taking the bag from him. "Thanks."
I turned and started walking again, a subconscious thought reminding me I had no idea where I was going and the nearest bus stop was behind but I paid no mind.
There was a frustrated sigh and I heard Nate groan, his word coming out annoyed. "Come on Sarah, are we really going to go on like this?"
Now that brought back the fire in me but I held it in.
Don't give him the satisfaction of seeing just how much you're affected. Don't, Sarah, don't.
I took a deep breath then turned back to him. "Like what?"
He took a step closer. "Are you really okay with whatever's happening between us right now?"
"You tell me." I glared, hand forming a fist around the bags I was holding.
Nate sighed, threading his fingers through his hair and looking away slightly at the people passing by. We were stark in the middle of the side walk having our little banter but I didn't care.
"Let me drive you home. At least, let's talk." He offered but I was still reeling from embarrassment and a hundred other feelings I didn't know how it related to Nate so I said nothing and turned. I kept walking, slinging my bag pack on one shoulder.
You're just being so petty right now.
Remember he was grieving then, at least hear me out.
I hated it when my mind suddenly abandoned my feelings and became reasonable. I stopped.
When I turned back however, Nate was no longer there.
- Writer
