12th Feb.
I stared at the calendar, its bold numbers glaring at me like an accusatory finger. Time felt as if it were slipping away faster than I could grasp. Just yesterday, my friends had been gushing about Valentine's Day, and here I was, sulking as usual.
My gaze drifted to the phone in my hand, a sharp prick of regret stabbing my heart as I remembered our last encounter. I had been mean to them—unforgivably so. Guilt settled heavily on my chest; I couldn't shake the memory of how my words had hurt them.
It was a bad habit of mine. Whenever I was mad or hurt, I lashed out at those closest to me. A defense mechanism, perhaps—protecting myself from deeper pain by inflicting it on others. And when I lashed out, my words were lethal.
I knew I needed to make amends. I had to show them how truly sorry I was, but fear held me back. What if they didn't forgive me? What if they were done with me?
The thought of losing their trust was unbearable, yet I also understood that taking responsibility for my actions was essential. I needed to gather the courage to apologize sincerely and rebuild the relationships I had damaged.
ME: I am sorry.
I typed, my fingers trembling with each keystroke. I knew that a simple apology wouldn't be enough to heal the hurt I had caused, but it was a start. I hit send, hoping for a reply—hoping for a chance.
I tapped my legs nervously and bit my nails, anxiety swirling within me as I waited. The seconds dragged on, feeling like hours. Would they accept my apology? Had I crossed a line that was now irreparable? Only time would tell.
After seeing no immediate reaction in the group chat, I hesitated before typing again.
ME: I understand that my actions were hurtful, and I deeply regret them. There's no excuse for what I said or how I reacted. I just want you to know how truly sorry I am. Lizzy, I'm sorry for being harsh with my words, and Carrie, I'm sorry for making you feel disrespected. I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me and give me a chance to make things right.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw Carrie typing back. I held my breath, excitement and anxiety swirling within me as I awaited her response. I knew that mending our friendship would take time and effort, but I was ready to do whatever it took.
Carrie: I am dating Dave.
"..."
Okay, that was totally not what I was expecting.
Lizzy: WHAAAAAAAT!!!!!
Lizzy's reaction mirrored my own disbelief. My mind raced, struggling to process the news.
ME: Are you serious? How did this happen?
How long had it been since we last caught up?
Carrie: The same day you both decided to hurl insults at each other and leave me all alone and hurt at home.
And there it was. In that moment, I nearly forgot I was apologizing. Such was the power of gossip. But I was grateful she had redirected the conversation back to what mattered. That was just Carrie—thriving on confrontation, never afraid to hold others accountable for their actions.
She had every right to be upset, but I didn't know what to say beyond an apology. Just as I pondered my next move, another message from Carrie popped up.
Carrie: I understand that you guys were angry and frustrated, but still, I expected us to stick together no matter what. We can disagree and argue, but we shouldn't abandon each other. That's not what friends do. I thought we were better than that.
Her words washed over me like a cold wave, bringing with them a tidal wave of shame and regret. We were supposed to be better than that—friends who had each other's backs—but in that moment, we'd acted more like strangers. We were best friends, for goodness' sake!
Lizzy: I meant everything I said that night. But I should have delivered it in a more constructive way. I apologize for the hurtful words and actions.
ME: Same here...
Carrie: (eye roll) And you think I will forgive and forget it with just words?
I could almost picture her snorting while typing that, and a small smile crept onto my face, grateful to see some humor creeping back into our chat. It felt like she had already forgiven us.
Lizzy: My... I forgot how greedy you can be. Just don't ask for a channel, okay?
You see, Carrie was obsessed with this particular brand...
Carrie: How can you be so stingy?
Lizzy: Hey, I'm just trying to set some boundaries here. Sharing is caring, but let's not go overboard.
ME: I will give you a kiss. A magical kiss.
Carrie: Eeew, I have my man for that kind of thing.
Right, I almost forgot about that.
ME: You haven't told us how you two ended up together?
Lizzy: I think we should meet for coffee, and yes, my dad says hi.
She said it so casually, as if it were no big deal! How could this not be a big deal? Had I really been out of the loop for so long?
ME: We definitely should meet; how about a massage parlor? My treat.
Carrie: Just what I need—my knots need some untying and relaxation. It's been ages since I've had a massage.
Lizzy: Don't you now have a man for that?
Lizzy teased, and I couldn't help but laugh.
ME: Yeah, just imagine those strong hands working on you...
Goosebumps tingled down my arms as memories of his hands touched my skin, kneading my shoulder... I quickly shook my head, pushing those thoughts away.
Carrie: Mhhh, that sounds tempting, but it will end up with the two of us entangled in sheets.
Lizzy: Haha, sounds like you're really missing those strong hands.
ME: Well, maybe it's best to leave the temptation behind.
My chest felt lighter seeing how smoothly things were working out, and I was grateful to have my friends back again. This time, I wouldn't let anything come between us. But then the smile faded as I remembered the other reason I'd contacted Carrie.
ME: Hey, I saw the news; are you okay?
Lizzy: I also saw it. I can't believe they used such cheap tricks on her.
I bit my lip, anxiously awaiting Carrie's response. The dots on my screen danced nervously before finally revealing her reply.
It was a forwarded message from her mom:
'I'm a tough nut to crack, so don't worry. I will take care of it and turn the storm in my favor; just wait and see the drama unfold.'
Like mother, like daughter, I thought with a smile. I knew Carrie had inherited her mom's determination and resilience. Being a famous influencer made her a target for constant scrutiny and criticism, but she thrived on the attention.
After we said our goodbyes and ensured everything was alright between us, I dropped my phone onto the bed and headed out of my room. As I approached the living room, I paused on the staircase, taking in the sight of my mother and sister laughing at something little Shantel had said. A smile spread across my face involuntarily, my heart warming at the cozy scene before me.
This was how we used to be before life took us in different directions—my sister with her marriage, me off to college, and even Ethan preparing to leave the nest soon. I felt a pang of nostalgia, missing those simpler times when we were all under one roof.
My mom radiated happiness with all her children and grandchild gathered together again, and it warmed my heart to see her smile.
"What are you doing, daydreaming on the staircase?" Mom's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
"I was just wondering if you guys would want to go to a spa for a girls' day out with me today," I said as I descended the stairs. "Lizzy and Carrie would be joining us," I added, hoping to spark some excitement.
"That would be wonderful! Especially with your sister's condition. A little relaxation would do her good," Mom exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. And that's how we found ourselves at the spa.
Seeing Lizzy and Carrie after what felt like ages, even if it was only two days, was a delight. My sister and mom were just as thrilled, and we had a blast indulging in facials, massages, and all sorts of luxurious treatments, letting our worries melt away. With laughter and chatter filling the air, it felt as if time had paused, allowing our bond to deepen.
Eventually, Mom had to take my sister home, mindful of her energy levels. This left us with the perfect opportunity to catch up on all the girly stuff we couldn't discuss in front of Mom.
"Now that we have some privacy, spill the tea," Lizzy said, her mischievous grin lighting up the sauna. We were eager to dive into the latest gossip and secrets.
"How did you two end up together?" I asked, leaning forward, excitement buzzing through me. Carrie's eyes sparkled as she began recounting her story—how she'd gone to confront Dave, expecting him to call it quits, only to discover he had feelings for her all along.
"Whoa, whoa, so you guys made out in the gym? And here I was thinking you were saving it for marriage!" I teased, chuckling.
Carrie blushed, shaking her head. "We didn't, but we were almost there! It felt like craving chocolate for ages and finally getting a taste," she explained, a dreamy smile on her face. We laughed together, relieved that their confrontation had turned out positively.
"And you, Barbie girl. How did you and your dad end up in the same space?" I asked, curious about how Lizzy transformed her relationship from enemy to friend almost overnight.
"What can I say? I took your advice—I screamed, yelled, and cried to him," Lizzy replied with a shrug. "He promised to 'try' and not 'meddle.' Let's see how it goes. At least now I'm a rich heiress again," she added, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
We both chuckled at her words, knowing she meant her dad would be picking up most of her bills now. It was heartening to see how much better she felt talking about him. Even if Lizzy never admitted it, Carrie and I knew how much she had missed her father, and seeing the glow in her eyes made me genuinely happy.
"Oh, right. I've been making dresses for you, my dearies, for Valentine's Eve." Carrie said it with a mischievous smile, clearly enjoying the moment.
"What! You never said anything about making us dresses!" Lizzy exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.
"I thought it would be a fun surprise for both of you," Carrie replied, her grin growing wider. We exchanged excited glances, the anticipation bubbling between us. I couldn't wait to see what my dress looked like.
To commemorate Valentine's Day, the school was hosting a grand evening party—red carpet style, where we'd dress our best, show off our styles, and dance the night away. It felt like the perfect opportunity to feel glamorous and create unforgettable memories. With Carrie's thoughtful gesture, we knew our dresses would be unique, making the event even more special.
"Since you've made our outfits, how about a little shopping for the shoes? It's on me, but no Chanel, okay? Go easy on my pocket," I offered, winking playfully.
"Stingy," she snickered, rolling her eyes dramatically, but the laughter in her voice told me she appreciated the gesture.
"Hey, I have to save my money for emergencies," I retorted, pretending to be serious.
Lizzy chimed in, "Like your emergency shoe fund? I mean, we need to find the perfect shoes to match our fabulous dresses!"
Carrie laughed, "Alright, alright, I'll keep it within budget. But just you wait until you see the dresses! You're both going to look stunning."
With our excitement bubbling over, we started planning our shopping trip. The thought of pairing the dresses with the perfect shoes made everything feel even more thrilling. It was shaping up to be an unforgettable night, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for these moments with my friends.
"Let's make it a full girls' day out! After shopping, we can grab some lunch," I suggested.
"Count me in! I could use a good burger after all this dress talk," Lizzy replied, her enthusiasm contagious.
As we chatted about the event and our plans, I realized how lucky I was to have such amazing friends by my side. We were ready to tackle Valentine's Eve together, and I was looking forward to all the laughter and memories we were about to create.
...
"What do you think about these?" Carrie asked, slipping her feet into block heels in a vibrant shade of gray that sparkled with every glint of light. The strap wrapped around her ankle, adding a touch of elegance to the shoes.
"They're so you, Carrie!" Lizzy exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with admiration. The combination of Carrie and glitter was always a match made in heaven.
Meanwhile, Lizzy opted for a pair of classic black pumps, knowing they would never go out of style. As for me? Well, I wasn't ready to reveal my choice just yet. To tease me, Carrie decided to try on a pair of Chanel heels, an act that nearly made me swoon.
Carrie had an uncanny ability to find the most expensive items in any store. Not that I couldn't afford them—my parents had just set strict limits on my credit to curb any tendencies to overspend.
"Are you going to show us the dresses yet?" I asked, my impatience bubbling over. Carrie smirked mischievously. "Patience, my dear. The dresses are the grand finale of our shopping spree."
With a playful sway, she headed toward the accessories section, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I couldn't help but wonder what extravagant pieces she had in mind this time. The accessories were delicately arranged on velvet-lined shelves, each item whispering its own story, begging to be worn and admired.
I traced my fingers over the intricate details of a sparkling necklace, my heart racing with delight. I couldn't wait to see how I would style it with the dresses she had yet to reveal.
...
Sitting in the cozy corner of the restaurant, I stirred my chocolate milkshake, watching Carrie and Lizzy sip their drinks in silence. The festive atmosphere around us felt distant, a sharp contrast to the lonely ache in my chest. "I'm so jealous of you two with your Valentine's dates. Here I am, just a singleton tagging along," I said, trying to mask my pout.
Carrie and Lizzy exchanged knowing glances, clearly reluctant to break the quiet. It was as if they thought I couldn't read between the lines of their thoughts.
"You know, you could just ask," I said, breaking the tension. "I promised to be open about my feelings with you two, remember?"
After a moment, Carrie finally spoke. "We paid Nick a visit today, so we have some idea about what went down. But we want to hear it from you." My heart stuttered at the mention of his name, a mix of surprise and dread washing over me.
How could he still affect me after all this time? I took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words, but Lizzy interjected.
"With a baseball bat."
"Wait, you confronted Nick with a baseball bat?" I exclaimed, disbelief lacing my voice. A memory from earlier that day flared to life, and anxiety coiled in my stomach.
"Don't worry; we didn't actually use it," Carrie reassured me, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
"We just wanted him to know we meant business," Lizzy added, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You should have seen his face when we gave him a good scare." I couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh, relief flooding me that they hadn't gone too far. It would have weighed heavily on my conscience if they'd turned violent.
We had a system for categorizing exes: first, the ones we didn't care about; second, the jerks who ignited our vengeful sides; and third, the ones who still held a piece of our hearts, prompting us to handle the breakup with grace.
Nick, despite the pain he caused, belonged in that third category—always special, always lingering.
"So, what did you deduce from your talk with him?" I asked, seeking their insight. Honestly, I was at a crossroads, torn between the urge to move on and the flickering hope that maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for us.
Now that the anger had faded, I found myself wondering if things might have been different had I given him a chance to explain.
"He's a jack," Lizzy said without missing a beat. My heart sank. "But he deserves a listening ear," she added, softening her statement.
I paused, taken aback by her words.
"What Lizzy means is that it wouldn't hurt to hear his side of the story. We're not defending him; what he did is absolutely not okay. But it might bring you some closure or at least a better understanding of the situation," Carrie said, sighing as she searched for the right words.
"I'm still rooting for you two," Lizzy chimed in, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. "It's worth considering, right? How can you let a gentleman like that slip away without a proper explanation?"
"He was indeed a gentleman that night," I replied, leaning back in my chair with a teasing smile, enjoying the suspense I'd created. Their expressions shifted from confusion to realization as they leaned in, eager for more.
"There's something you're not telling us," Lizzy stated, her tone more of a challenge than a question.
"Spit it out!" Carrie extended her hand toward me, her excitement palpable. I chuckled, reveling in the moment. "Alright, alright," I said, leaning in closer. "But promise me you won't be loud once I tell you. We're in a public place, after all."
Two minutes into my story, I was already blushing from their loud squeals and shrieks. Their uncontrollable excitement filled the air, drawing curious glances from nearby tables. It felt exhilarating to share this with them, and my mind kept wandering back to that night.
"I take it back. How can he be a gentleman when he practically devoured you?" Lizzy snorted, causing me to reach across the table to cover her mouth. "Can't you keep it down?" I whispered, my cheeks burning.
"Oh ho ho! My little darling is all grown up now. You should call him right away," Carrie teased, winking mischievously. The thought of calling him made my heart race. The anticipation of hearing his voice after what felt like an eternity was almost overwhelming. But—
"Why should I be the one seeking him out when he's the one who wronged me?" I retorted, taking a sip of my drink.
"And how do you expect him to reach you when you've blocked all of us?" Carrie huffed, leaning back in her chair. I knew she would hold that against me for a long time.
"Seriously, what are we—high schoolers?" Lizzy added, rolling her eyes.
"So what if I blocked him? Did he email me? Did he try to find my house? Did he send a pigeon with a note? No? There are plenty of ways to contact someone aside from using a phone, you know."
Dumpfounded yet impressed by my passionate defense, my friends raised their glasses in agreement. We laughed and clinked our glasses together, and in that moment, I felt a warmth spreading through me. I missed this.
We later went to Carrie's studio and picked up my dress. To say the dresses were beautiful was an understatement. They were simply gorgeous. Coming back home, I was accompanied by my two besties, who claimed to have missed my papa and naughty brother.
I loved the relationship between my friends and family. It was simply heartwarming. Now, this felt like a satisfying 12th day of Valentine. Family and friends.
Letting out a contented sigh, I made my way to my room, where Carrie and Lizzy claimed to have a gift for me. Curiosity sparked within me as I wondered what surprise awaited. Opening the door, I was greeted with nothing. Maybe they hid it in the drawer? But there was also nothing. Frowning, I decided to get back to the living room when a strange noise stopped me. It was coming from the window.
Curiosity piqued, and I cautiously approached the window and pulled back the curtains, wondering if a tree had broken its branch. Just when I opened the curtain, my heart stopped.
He was here.