Chapter 39: Misunderstanding

Maria’s POV

The first time we had a major misunderstanding I walked out on Bree. I guess karma really comes back around.

---Flashback---

“What happened, Sunny?” I caught up after her outside of Xerxes’ restobar. I hold her arms which made her stop in her tracks.

She looked at me like she’s looking through a transparent glass. Her lips are trying to utter words that doesn’t seem to come out.

“It’s okay…” Breana coaxed the dazed woman, rubbing onto her shoulders to bring in some warmth. “Let’s just take her home, Ari.” She turned to me.

“Okay.” We took a cab home as I messaged Jea that we’re done for the night. We bid each other our ‘goodnight’s’ and ‘goodbye’s’ as we reached our homes and with Mitchelle promising she’d tell us what happened tomorrow when she’s much sober and thinking straight. She just requested that we don’t ask her nor talk to Alex for the meantime.

The following day I came to school late that I got reprimanded by the teacher. Hangover and exhaustion got the best of me so imagine my surprise when I found the low alcohol-tolerant Mitchelle already in school after that night out. I bet she’s feeling much shittier than how I do but she’s not showing it. I scanned the room, Bree and Jea are present but I noted the absence of a certain person beside the former.

Unfortunately, classes dragged slowly that morning and I’ve been dying to talk to Sunny about what happened last night.

It was going so well and Bree and I were having fun until we had to rest for a while and then BAAM! Something happened.

Eventually, we had lunch break. I immediately dragged a whining Bree to wait for Sunny in the school gate as usual. Turns out, she arrived faster than us and she’s with Jea. We stopped before we reach the two but we are close enough to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“Give her a chance to explain herself.” Jea pleads.

“But she’s not here and if she really wants to explain herself, she’ll do so, in person and not send a messenger to do it for her.”

“She didn’t send me to talk to you. She’s just-” Jea sighed in frustration, dropping her arms on either sides.

“What?! She was drunk? She’s confused? Well, how about me?!” Sunny paused as she tries to get ahold of her emotions. “No. I’m not having this talk with you.” Sunny dismissed as she walks past Jea.

We run to catch up to her.

“Sunny! Sunny!” Breana called out as she stops.

“Wait up.” I shouted.

“Let’s go somewhere else to talk.” She mutters to us both when we catch up with her. She looks tired.

We went at the SK café. I wasn’t sure if it’s deliberate because she might be looking for Alex in this place or it’s just that Sunny doesn’t know of any other place better. I glanced at Bree. We just keep staring at each other, not wanting to be the one to break the silence and ask Sunny.

“Alex kissed me last night.” It was so sudden coming from her that I and Bree spit a bit of our drinks.

“Did-did she say why?” Bree asks.

“No. Remember, we were all just dancing when she pulled me away and then we ended up arguing because she wanted to take me home. She looked so mad and when I asked her why she’s being unreasonable. She…she just…” Sunny gulps. We already know what she meant. “then I slapped her then ran. I was shocked and I don’t know. I don’t get her.” She covered her flustered face with both of her hands.

“I’m going to kill her.” I stood up from my seat as the two women look at me.

How dare that fucking idiot. I internally said.

“Calm down, Ari. Let’s be rational.” Bree held my arm, pulling on it in an attempt to make sit down.

“Can you come out with me in a minute?” I requested as I excused us from Sunny.

We stepped out of the café.

“Really, Bree? Rational?” I challenged. It’s not like my anger is unwarranted after what we learned.

“Relax. Let’s not get our emotions get the best of us. All I’m saying is Alex might have her reasons and Sunny didn’t actually gave her the chance to explain yet.”

And she even defended her. Now I’m really angry.

“Last time I check I wasn’t the one who’s going around kissing people ‘cause I let my emotions get the best of me.” I started, using Bree’s words against her. “I do confess my feelings, properly. Why do I feel like you’re siding with her? Isn’t this clear enough to you? She’s wrong.” My voice hitched a little louder. I waved my hand to make a point.

“I know. What she did was wrong. I’m not siding with her. Maybe I just wanted to hear her side of the story.” She clarified.

“What side of the story do you want?! I’m already telling you she’s wrong, you even said it yourself but you’re still defending her? God. Bree, choose already.” The sudden uproar in my voice now is too evident and I didn’t even try to hide it.

“So, this is what it is? Huh?! You’re jealous. You want me to choose between the two of you?” Bree shakes her head.

“Should I be? Because you like her? At least I’m decent enough to be civil.” I questioned even though I know a part of this anger is coming from the fact that Breana is willing to bet on Alex even if it’ll cost our relationship just like what is happening now.

“See. This isn’t about you Ari but you’re taking it personally.” She points out, gesturing her hands on me.

“Yeah, maybe I am but I’m honest about how I feel about you. I am always unapologetically myself and I don’t disrespect people while doing so. But what about Alex? Or more importantly, what about YOU? Yeah, okay, I admit, I’m jealous and that I don’t have the right to be but do you think it’s as unreasonable as what Alex did? You didn’t say you love me too but you didn’t reject me as well. What am I exactly to you? What does that say about you, huh?! Do you take pleasure in toying my feelings? You’re that desperate and inconsiderate.” I managed to rant out loud without properly thinking that I’ll regret those words sooner or later.

‘You don’t know what you’re saying, Ari” Her words were calm but her eyes betrayed her. I know I had hurt her and I want to take it back but my pride is winning at the moment.

She went back inside and uttered something to Sunny. I followed suit but then Bree is already gathering her things after Sunny nodded at her. She went out without saying a word to me. The worse thing I did, I let her.

---End of Flashback---