Fool Me Once

It had been 5 1/2 months since the Incident.

I had gotten into Columbia University along with Ismael and it felt great knowing there would be someone there for me out of my group of friends. Safaa had gotten into Yale, and Mihirmah was going to Stanford. We were all ecstatic.

The hard part was leaving Lakewood High. Of course, we hated it over the years, but in a weird sentimental way we had grown attached to its walls, its floors, its scent, and most importantly, its people.

It was the last week of high school and everyone was floating around, saying goodbyes, taking final exams, happy, full of life. And although I was still smarting from the slap sent my way, the sting was beginning to become bearable.

Caroline had broken up with Yusuf 2 months prior, since she had gotten tired of convincing him to give up his virginity. It sent a little bud of hope in my chest, that at least he wasn't so far gone.

And he was ashamed. Because now that he'd seen the true colors of Caroline, he'd realized what he'd done and what he'd lost. But it was too late now. We had already gotten a taste of betrayal and didn't want to drink the whole cup.

Daneen was also getting married, about 2 weeks after school ended. She had been going through this ulta sad phase. We were there to cuddle her through it though. It made me sad that my parents were going to be on their own now. Daneen with Azaan, and me going off to college. But I'm pretty sure I heard them say they'd get to go on more dates now so they probably don't mind.

Soon, the days turned hotter, and we were at Graduation. Hair curled to perfection, gloss on for once. This was it.

We weren't just some kids anymore. We were adults, venturing into the world, trying to experience it. But we weren't alone. We had each other. And going through the turmoil of losing a friend, only brings a group closer.

And we were stronger than any distance that might try pulling us apart.

I learned a lot of things this year. I learned that it's still possible to love those who hurt you. Just because you can't get over what they'd used to be. At first, it was so painful, I couldn't look at him without crying. Every time his family came over, and every time we locked eyes, mine were full of fear and pain condensed into liquid.

And he knew.

So he eventually stopped coming and he didn't bother to contact me. It wouldn't have mattered though. Because I would never reply anyway.

Soon the hurt will fade away completely.

Soon I'd be free.

///

"You're not a bad person for the ways you tried to kill your sadness." -Unknown

A.N

I don't really write author notes, but I just wanted to say that this was the shortest chapter I've written so far, because it's a bit of bridge, like a filler chap, but a bridge onto the next part of this book. Thanks for reading.