Chapter 18: Don't Want to be Alone

Mitchelle/Sunny’s POV

Getting inside Ari occupied the seat Jack sat on as I explained that he went somewhere and is not going back. Ari thanked Alex for sending her flowers and apologized for her prior behavior towards the girl. She is not really saying much to Bree. Typical Alex just coolly dismissed it off saying it was nothing and offered to show her shots on the performances. The discussion revolved around the pictures and performance. I was nodding and acting as if I was with them but the truth was, my mind was off somewhere else. I decided to do what the girl beside me was doing, downing the alcohol shot after shot like I’m used to it which is far from the truth.

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It was already dark and cold outside when I was almost carried out of the place for being buzzed out. I feel light-headed and my surrounding is spinning. I glanced at the tall girl who has her arm on my waist, hoisting me up while the other hand is holding my arm that’s draped on her shoulders. I heard something about ‘going home’, ‘Ari’ and ‘take care’.

If only Jack was with me he’ll stop me from drinking too much. He’d stop me before it even comes to this.

Too bad, he broke up with me or I broke up with him, now I had to take in too much to my own liking and alcohol-tolerance and the younger girls can’t really stop me from doing so.

“I- I don’t – want to go home.” I mumbled.

I don’t want to be alone. It would make the memory of Jack so vivid and I don’t think I’d be able to take that. I don’t want to think about it, him. I don’t want to think of the wasted years.

“But your parents would be worried, hun.” I heard her said.

“They’re – not home. I – don’t wan-na go-home.” I mustered all the energy I had to say my incoherent thoughts without really confessing what I feel.

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Third Person POV

Alex realized the older girl might not want to be left alone. She doesn’t have to say again before Alex brought her to her apartment.

Once they’ve arrived thru a cab, she carried Sunny bridal style inside. She helped her clean up when she vomited the food and alcohol her body can’t take in. Drinking lots of water alleviated her wasted state but not her aching heart. Finally, she brought her in her room, sitting her on the bed.

“What’s wrong?” Alex asked the older woman as she held her hand. The other hand on Sunny’s chin, lifting her face to look at her.

Mitchelle couldn’t take the courage to open her eyes or she might start a river of tears that would not stop from streaming for God knows how long. She wanted to be the bigger person by accepting that it wasn’t Jack’s fault that their relationship must come to an end if he is to pursue his dreams. And it is the truth, that no one wanted this to happen, yet she can’t stop herself from being hurt and mad at Jackson for choosing his dreams. Of what was supposedly ‘their dreams’.

When the older girl did not answer her nor open her eyes to look, Alex pulled her in and wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace. Sunny clutched at Alex’ shirt, trying to hold it in but miserably failed to do so.

That night, no words was said, only cries of pain reverberate in Alex’ room as her shirt got soaked in tears.

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Maria’s POV

The air is cool and it is still pretty early to go home on a beautiful night like this. Yet, I am being stubbornly dragged by a force that I realized was just Breana.

“Come on, Ari. Let’s go. Where do you live? Or who do I call? Or maybe I’ll just accompany you home.” The girl talked nonstop while trying to hail a cab.

I don’t know if she’s just worried for me or nervous around me or wanted to get rid of me ASAP.

I gave her the address to my apartment as we travelled in the cab in silence. Upon arriving, she tried to help me get inside. I grunted in response, not that I’m complaining, I just don’t know how to react to her right now.

Last time, we both snapped at each other and haven’t really talk about it. Im not really that drunk, drunk. Maybe tipsy and a bit warm inside.

“O-kay, since you’re settled I think I’ll go now.” She declared. Bree is standing by the doorway.

I remember I didn’t actually invite her inside.

Before she could turn and go I pulled her inside and closed the door. I didn’t give her time to resist my sudden reaction.

“Uhm, Ari. I need to go home.”

Like I didn’t know that.

“No.” I retort.

“No?”

“No.” I repeated firmly.

“W-Why?”

I didn’t answer.

I just moved closer to her as she backs away. Each step I make forward makes her step backward until her back came in contact with the door, leaving her no escape.

I looked at her. Her face is scrunched up in confusion but her eyes looks nervous. I realized this is the closest I have been with her, in the physical sense. I am standing in front of her or more like trapping her between myself and the door, our faces just a few inches apart.

And then…