48 - Our Own Ghosts

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I held in my tears until I got out of the house. Luckily, Ivy was in her room while Forrest's parents were in the kitchen. I rushed out of there quickly before anyone could get in my way.

Once I was outside, my eyes began to pour out my pain. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. I couldn't believe what just happened. I didn't want to believe it at all.

I walked, furiously mournful. So many thoughts stormed through my mind, and I couldn't keep up with them. A part of me wanted to turn around, but I refused to return to Forrest if he still had feelings for someone else. It wasn't right.

I scoffed, angrily wiping away my tears. He was wondering why Audrey was still clinging on to Nolan, and yet here he was, doing the same thing she was. They were both stuck on someone they wanted to love despite getting hurt again and again.

Stupid.

Without realizing it, I already walked several blocks from Forrest's house, but I still had a long way to go until I made it home. I groaned, coming to a halt. A curse slipped out of my lips and I willed my legs to keep moving. Come on, I mentally muttered, and stop crying. God.

Only time would determine the rest of whatever was going on between us. If Forrest couldn't get over Audrey, then . . . fine. What could I do about it?

But I deeply hoped he wouldn't choose me just because Audrey was taken. I didn't know how to tell what was genuine and what wasn't. He had to convince me that he was willing to leave his past in the past; otherwise, I couldn't be his future and he couldn't be mine.

Forrest, my heart begged, please don't let me down.

Like the first time I came to this neighborhood, nobody was outside. It was late in the afternoon, and I tried not to feel anxious. Only a few cars passed by me and nothing looked suspicious so far. It wasn't smart to be walking such a long distance by myself, but there was no way I would call my grandfather to pick me up because 1) his ability to drive had deteriorated over recent years, and 2) he was probably drunk.

I attempted to subdue my worries, swearing there was nothing to be uneasy about.

That was until a light-blue vehicle appeared, strangely slowing down beside me. Immediately, my chest constricted and alarms began to shriek within my head. Oh great, I'm going to get kidnapped. Today really is my lucky day. I quickened my pace, my eyes darting around for any people - or should I say witnesses?

"June?" Wait a minute . . . I furrowed my brows and hesitantly faced the car again. It didn't occur to me that it was a Yaris. I squinted at who was in the driver's seat, confusion washing over me.

"William?" I croaked out. Unbelievable. What were the chances of ever seeing him again? Apparently pretty high.

He offered an awkward smile. "Um, are you . . . okay?"

"Of course I am," I retorted, "I'm absolutely wonderful." I always did hate whenever people asked if I was okay when I obviously didn't look okay. In the back of my mind, I knew it wasn't polite to treat him sarcastically, but I wasn't in the mood to be polite anyway.

He nodded, unsure. "Well, do you need a ride or something?"

I blinked, sniffling. "Seriously? Would you mind?"

He smiled again, a bit more genuine this time. "It wouldn't be a problem. I just left my aunt, and I'm actually heading back home now. But I can drop you off wherever you need first."

I could have sworn fate enjoyed messing around with me. I could have been getting kidnapped right now, but William was just coincidentally here to help me. Although I was terribly reluctant, I gave in and made my way to the passenger seat.

I wiped my cheeks and exhaled noisily. "Sorry," I muttered, "I'm just going through something right now."

"Wanna talk about it?" He was wearing a grey jacket today paired with denim jeans, and his hair was wet, like he just took a shower. His car smelled like pine trees - huge thanks to his car freshener, a green tree hanging from his rear-view mirror. Being reminded of Forrest, I scowled.

Normally, I would decline and keep my mouth shut, but since this was most likely the last time I was ever going to see him, I asked, "Do you think it's okay for someone to . . . still be attached to an ex while trying to have a new relationship?"

William raised his brows in surprise. "Uh, well," he stole a moment to think, "I mean, I'm not sure I would call it okay, like . . . it's not fair, being with someone who can't give up an ex. I wouldn't like it if my girlfriend was still in touch with her ex, like they already ended things so what would be the point of sticking with him?"

He blew out a sigh. "But then again, sometimes, it's not like we have a choice. There are some people who can never fully recover from someone they once loved - even if they haven't spoken to that person for years, or they completely wipe out every trace of them. Sometimes, you meet someone, and he or she might come with some ghosts, but then again, we all have our own ghosts, right? If the person is trying to move on, then I think he or she does deserve a chance at a new relationship. That way, they can make new memories instead of focusing on old ones." William stopped and let out a laugh out of embarrassment. "Wow, since when did I give such deep opinions?" he asked, mostly to himself. "Honestly, I feel like I'm just rambling and I'm already forgetting half of what I just said."

I cracked a tiny smile at that. To be truthful, I understood what William was trying to get at, and it left me feeling a lot more calm. "So . . . basically, you think I should give him a chance?"

"Well, as long as he's willing to leave his ex behind him, then yeah, definitely."

"Thanks," I said, hoping he could hear how sincere I was. "What you said is actually pretty amazing. I think he and I just need some time to figure out what we want in the end."

Minutes later, we made it to my house, and I flashed a grateful smile at him. I knew I looked like a mess, but I barely cared. "So," I cleared my throat, "I guess I won't be seeing you around anymore."

William shrugged. "I'll be visiting my aunt again sometime. Uh, I hope things work out well between you and your guy."

I opened the door. "I hope so too. If you ever need directions to a music store again, search up a map online," I joked, getting out of the car.

"Oh yeah? Well, if you're ever walking out on the streets by yourself, don't get kidnapped." His words came out lightly, but they still held some weight. I rolled my eyes and shut the door. Seconds later, I waved goodbye to the kind stranger, his car driving away from me for the second time.

I trudged towards my house, finding it crazy how I was no longer the same girl who left it this morning. My chest felt hollow and heavy at the same time.

I had a lot to think about.

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