~18~

!not checked for errors!

"The winter festival is coming up me and Nick were thinking about going, are you going to join?" Scarlett asked as we walked onto campus heading towards our lockers.

" of course. I would never miss it" I replied making Scarlett give me a small smile.

"Great I'll pick you up Friday evening" she said as I shut my locker—- the warning bell ringing, signaling we had 5 more minutes before we were marked tardy.

Me and Scarlett went our separate ways, since both our classes were on opposite ends of the hallway.

I walked into class heading towards my usual spot, Nick was already sitting there his books laid on the desk neatly.

A few minutes later, a mid aged man walked in and introduced himself to the class.

"My name is Anthony walker and I'll be your fill in sub for Ms dakotas class" he said with a welcoming smile.

A student towards the front flew up—- to which he nodded for them to ask their question.

"Where is Ms Dakota at?" The girl asked I started listening into their conversation more, because I wanted to know as well— she usually would've told me if she wasn't gonna be here.

"I have no clue, I was just asked to supervise this class today" he shrugged. I tuned them out as I pulled my phone out to text Avery and see where she was.

*******

It was nearing the end of the day now and I still have yet to receive a response from Avery—- which isn't like her.

I decided I would leave it alone for now, I walked towards the other end of the corridor in search for Scarlett.

"Hey girl, what's wrong?" Scarlett asked as her arm hooked around mines pulling me towards the exit.

" nothing- I mean I'm probably just overthinking" I shrugged. " what happened Bella?" Scarlett asked again.

" Avery hasn't texted me all day and that's she usually doesn't do that, but I'm probably overthinking it" I said as we continued our walk towards our usual coffee shop.

" it's okay to overthink about that, I'm sure she does that all the time about you. She probably got busy with Calista or something I'm sure she will text you back later" Scarlett replied making me nod, my worries slightly going away.

Me and Scarlett stepped into the oasis together and she walked up to the counter ordering both our drinks—- she paid for them this time since I did last time.

After waiting a while she got both our drinks from the counter before we made our way towards my apartment.

"Do you want to stay the night and have movie night—- we haven't had a sleepover in a while" I offered making her instantly nod.

"Girl yes , it's been ages" she replied making us both chuckle a little.

"I've missed this, we need to start hanging out more" Scarlett said after the movie ended, we were on our 5th one.

It was getting late and we still had classes tomorrow.

" I agree, I'm gonna head to bed now though" I said making her nod and she got up and headed towards the guest room, which was practically hers—- most of her stuff was in there.

I turned the tv off, heading towards my bed and I turned the lamp off before grabbing my phone to scroll through social media for a little.

Avery still hasn't answered me, I opened our messages to see if she had at least seen it and to my surprise she did.

I felt my eyes start to tear up a bit, I quickly wiped them stopping the tears from coming out—- I wasn't going to let her affect me this much.

I turned over pulling my blanket overtop me— letting my eyes rest as I let sleep consume my body.

*******

Finally Friday arrived, I decided against going to my classes today—- mostly to avoid Avery.

Scarlett and Nick have been texting all morning about this winter festival, they're way too excited in my opinion.

It was getting closer to the time Scarlett said she was going to pick me up at.

I was looking through my closet when I found the perfect outfit—- maybe not ideal for the winter but I should be fine.

I found my denim black skirt and a thick white sweater. I walked towards my dresser before pulling out some black tights for underneath my skirt and I paired all of that with some black heeled boots.

Since I didn't go to classes today I spent my time straightening my hair. I pulled my front strands back into a half up half down and I clipped a white bow onto it.

I put a little bit of blush and lipgloss on, just in time because then I heard a knock on my door.

I sprayed some perfume on my way out, once I pulled the door open I was instantly met with Scarlett and Nick.

" are you ready" Nick asked excitedly. " yes let's go" I smiled back as I shut the door behind me, making sure to lock it.

We all got into Scarlett's car and she typed in the address— the place was about 25 minutes away.

I zoned out as I looked out the window the faint hum of the Christmas music playing on the radio was all that I could hear.

*****

" this is beautiful" I mumble as we walked through the entrance, there were a bunch of Christmas lights and it was decorated so nicely.

" it really is" I heard Scarlett say from beside me, there were many stations set up with different activities.

"Where should we start" Scarlett asked as she turned to face us, her hands shoved into her black coat.

"You always go to the food first" Nicholas said making me and Scarlett both laugh—-after we slowly made our way towards the food stations.

We found a station that had something that we all would eat and we all took our turns ordering.

Scarlett ended up getting a corn dog and sprite, Nick got chicken tenders and sweet tea and I got some fries and a cold lemonade.

We made our way towards the center where there were a bunch of tables set up.

My eyes trailed around looking at everyone who were enjoying their time with family and friends.

My breath slightly hitched when my eyes trailed over Avery. Her focus was on this lady who was next to her they had seemed to be laughing at something.

Calista was standing in front of them playing with another little girl. I looked away pulling my attention to my best friends in front of me.

We all took our time eating, occasionally taking about classes or something random.

After we all finished, we threw away our trays before heading towards the next activity.

As we were walking through the crowd I felt a body run into my leg and they wrapped their arms around me.

My eyebrow slightly raised before I looked down to see dark curly hair.

"Abella I've missed you" Calista cheered excitedly as I bent down to her level.

"I've missed you too, where's your mommy" I questioned making her shrug. " I don't know she was with ivy" Calista replied.

I sighed before turning towards my friends who were paying me and Calista no attention.

" I'm going to help her find her mom, I'll be back" I told Scarlett who nodded with a slight smirk on her face.

I started walking towards the crowd , a small hand connecting with mine as she tried not to lose me.

We were walking for a few minutes then I felt Calistas hand leave mines before she started running away from me.

"Mommy" Calista cheered and she ran up to her mother, i walked away from them because I wasn't sure if Avery even wanted to talk to me.

I could feel her heavy gaze on me as I pushed my way through the crowd and back towards Scarlett.

*******

Sorry I know I have been doing horrible with updating! It took me a while to write this chapter but the rest should start to be uploaded more frequently, love you guys and thank you for your patience and understanding🫶.