Written And Composed

29 / better man

NOW THAT MELANNIE and Jake were back together, Char couldn't help but feel conflicted. She was happy for her best friend and her brother but she felt better when one less couple was crowding her.

It was funny how things could change drastically in just a year. When they began college, Jackson was the only one in a relationship. But at the end of the first year, Jake and Melannie fell for each other and Dylan had his romance with Saakshi. Unrequited love was worst served with constant reminders of what she was missing out on. She was happy for them but a slow bitterness swirled in her chest.

Char ached for love. One-night stands didn't help. Nor did casual dating. She couldn't help but think of Jackson every moment. Char thought keeping herself busy would get her mind off him but her recent falling out with him didn't help the case. This new situation with him bothered her. Plus, she missed him terribly.

Char kicked the shoes that Melannie had borrowed for her date dejectedly. When would she get all excited and giddy about dates and spend forever deciding on what to wear? When would she receive pretty flowers from her boyfriend? How long should she wait?

Her phone pinged. If it was the annoying secretary with the bow tie, she would personally drive there and murder him. He had already contacted her six times today. She checked the message only to double over in shock. Jackson?

Hey, can we talk?

She'd been wanting to talk to him and hide away from him at the same time. If they openly discussed what happened, it became more real. But in the end, they need to talk.

Yeah sure. Where do you want to meet?

Our spot.

Jackson and Char had established that the seventh tree next to the west wing was their spot during their first week here. Usually, they sat under it to listen to new music, read a new webtoon or watched anime together. They'd re-watch interviews and theorize about Marvel. It used to be her favourite time to chill.

Char collected the wedges and neatly tucked them between the black boots and the silver-lined heel. Stuffing her feet into her flats, she took her phone and walked out.

The weather was particularly nice that day. It wasn't too hot nor was it too cold. There was a mild breeze that made Char appreciate their decision to meet outdoors.

Jackson was already standing next to the tree. He wore a flannel shirt and light-washed black jeans. He had his glasses on. During the summer break, he switched the white frames for black ones. Personally, she preferred the white-framed glasses on him. She had lost the privilege to suggest that after they'd slept together.

The crunch of the grass made him look up at her. She waved. "Hi." The word sounded weird on her tongue because of the awkwardness that came with it. She hated it.

He smiled. "Do you want to sit?"

"Of course," she said, tucking her skirt behind and stretching her legs. He sat close to her. Their shoulders brushed.

"Char... um, I thought it was time to discuss us."

"What about us?" she asked, swallowing the pain.

"You are my best friend, Char. What happened between us that night was not something any of us planned. Things just took a course of its own. And I... wish it hadn't happened that way."

Char frowned, slowly letting go of her emotional barriers. "What do you mean?"

"I like you, Char. I like you a lot. You're beautiful and talented. You've always been the only one who understood me. When no one knew how to handle me after the breakup, you knew. You were patient with me and my god, so fucking supportive. I've given you a lot of shit when I broke down often. But you never once said anything back. For someone who has feelings for a person who's hung up on a toxic relationship, shouldn't you be yelling at me and be done with me?"