Seconds turned into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days, days into weeks…
Hyacinth couldn't help but think about Lana. Each time she tried calling or texting her, she would cringe at the thought of it. As much as she tried so hard to hate her, she found herself betraying her emotions.
***
"How could she even do this to me? I thought she felt the same way, but I guess I was wrong".
"Perhaps you could talk to her about your feelings, and how her actions affect you. I personally think that she feels the same way as you do, but the complexities of her love life is interfering with what you both could've possibly had."
"What are you trying to say? That I understand her, and give her some space?"
"No, all I'm trying to say is that you give her the benefit of the doubt, and still speak to her regarding the issue. If space is all she requires then so be it, and do yourself the favor of keeping your distance. Keep busy like she never existed. I mean, as you were before all of this drama came into fruition."
"I guess you're right, Hyacinth. It was really nice talking to you. I needed this. Thank you"
Hyacinth finished soliloquizing. It's been all she's been up to ever since the last incident with Lana. She would place a second chair in front of her, utter a line of thought, quickly switch her sitting position to respond with another line of thoughts. This way, it made her feel like she was conversing with a real person.
Manic, one would think, but to her it was therapeutic and satisfying.
Tonight, though, as she went from her bedroom to the bathroom, an instant of frustration broke through her. She couldn't pretend anymore. She didn't want words or apologies. She wanted Lana back, free of whatever grip Kim had on her.
***
Later, she realized that she couldn't resist anymore. So, she found herself outside Lana's apartment, her heart beating so fast as she raised her hand to knock. But before she could, the door swung open, and Lana stood there, with her face pale and eyes slightly swollen.
They stared at each other, neither of them moving…
"Hyacinth, I… I wasn't expecting you." She said, wearing a look of surprise.
"Why would you? Is this a bad time? Or should I come back when Kim isn't around?"
Lana flinched, looking away.
"This isn't fair, Hyacinth."
"Fair?" Hyacinth repeated, "What about what's fair to me? I thought we were—" She cut herself off, not wanting to sound desperate. "I thought we were something real."
"It was real," Lana said, finally meeting her eyes. "It still is."
"Then why did I see you with her? Why do you keep pushing me away while you…" Hyacinth's voice broke, the words tumbling out before she could stop them.
Lana reached out to touch her, then hesitated.
"There's a lot you don't understand."
Hyacinth took a deep breath, struggling to keep her composure.
"Then help me understand."
Lana bit her lip, glancing around as if searching for words that would make sense. But then a buzz interrupted them. Lana pulled her phone from her pocket, looking at the screen.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, stepping back. "I have to go. We'll talk later."
And just like that, she shut the door, leaving Hyacinth standing alone, fuming. She watched the door for a moment, then turned, storming away.
As the days continued to go by, she began to do her own digging. She couldn't just sit back and let this mysterious woman who had appeared from Lana's past ruin what they'd had, or we're beginning to have. She asked around, subtly at first, then more direct. Finally, she found out something shocking— Kim was not only close to Lana during college, but had once been involved in a toxic, obsessive relationship with her. Apparently, Kim had a reputation for reappearing and stirring up old flames, never able to fully let go.
Driven by this new discovery, she felt empowered. Kim's hold on Lana wasn't some heartfelt connection, it was manipulation. And she wouldn't stand by and let it happen.
On Friday night, she attended a party that Lana had mentioned weeks ago. She hadn't planned to go before, but now, she needed to see Lana somewhere public, where Kim's influence wouldn't be lurking.
She scanned the crowd and finally spotted her standing with a group of friends. Lana's face lit up when she saw her, and they locked eyes. For a moment, the rest of the room melted away. But then her face faltered, and Hyacinth realized why.
Kim had entered, standing beside her with a smug.
She approached them, forcing herself to stay calm.
"Lana," she greeted smoothly, though her eyes fell briefly on Kim.
"Hyacinth… you're here."
"Yes, I am. Surprised?"
Kim watched them both and laughed.
"It's cute, really, how you think you can just come back and pick up where you left off," she said.
"Actually, Kim, I believe it's you who has a habit of reappearing where you're not wanted."
"Lana and I have a long history," she replied. "Something I don't expect you to understand."
"History doesn't give you the right to manipulate someone's feelings," she shot back.
Lana, caught in the middle, looked at them with eyes wide.
"Please, stop… this isn't helping."
But the tension had already escalated. Without thinking, Hyacinth reached out, taking Lana's hand in hers.
"Lana, you don't owe anyone anything, least of all someone who can't let go of the past."
"This isn't over, Hyacinth."
Kim stormed off, leaving Lana standing there, visibly shaken. Hyacinth, realizing she'd crossed a line, loosened her grip.
"I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make things worse."
"No, you didn't. You… you made me realize something. I can't keep running back to what's comfortable, or what I think I owe someone. I need to stop letting Kim control my life."
"So… does that mean you're ready to choose?"
Lana nodded, taking a deep breath.
"Yes. I choose us. I choose what we could have, Hyacinth. But only if you're willing to start fresh, to let go of all this chaos."
She smiled, feeling a wave of relief.
"I've wanted nothing more than a new beginning with you."
They hugged, holding onto each other tightly, as if letting go would undo everything they'd just fought for.
But as they left the party together, Hyacinth noticed Kim watching them from across the room, her eyes were dark and filled with unspoken threats. There was no doubt in her mind that Kim wasn't going to let them move on that easily…