Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Ariana
I checked out of the hotel at nine a.m., climbed into the cab, and headed to the bank to close my account. I’d been up all night thinking and planning for my new life. I always liked New York, so I figured that would be the best place to start over, take the bar exam, become a licensed attorney, and hopefully get a job at a top-notch law firm. In the meantime, I’d have to find something else for income until I got my license. I booked a flight from Boston to New Jersey in case they started looking for me. Once I was in New Jersey, I would hail a cab to New York City.
As the plane started down the runway and lifted into the air, I looked out the window, and a tear fell from my eye as I silently said goodbye to the memories that I would lock away safely, never to be released. I sipped on a glass of wine and looked at the people who sat around me, wondering if they would betray the people they loved the way my family did to me.
I entered the 160 East 22nd Street building and took the elevator up to apartment 20B. Lifting the mat, I found the key that Olivia had promised she’d leave and slid it into the lock. I opened the door and stepped inside. Eggshell-colored walls, black leather furniture, a square glass coffee table, a small kitchen, and a round table that seated four greeted me. Their apartment was cute and very well-decorated. Walking over to the TV stand, I picked up a side-by-side picture of us. On the left were the two of us from our kindergarten graduation, and on the right was our high school graduation. That was the happiest day of our lives and probably the drunkest we’d ever gotten. As I set it back in its place, I heard the door open, and when I turned my head, Olivia stepped inside. I swallowed hard as she set down her purse and held out her arms to me.
I stood there for a moment, nervous and wondering if I’d made the right decision to come here. Then I thought about my family, and I knew Olivia was the only one who would understand.
“I’m so happy you’re here,” she spoke as we hugged.
“It’s good to see you, Olivia.” The tears started to stream down my face.
We stayed in an embrace for what seemed like forever, neither one of us wanting to let the other go.
“You’re home early,” I spoke.
“My boss let me leave. Let me look at you.” She broke our embrace and placed her hands on each side of my head. “You’re just as beautiful as you were four years ago.”
“So are you. You cut your hair.” I smiled as I sniffled.
“Yeah. I needed a more grown-up look.” She laughed.
Olivia was a beautiful girl. Her once long blonde hair that had flowed down her back was now cut into a style that sat above her shoulders with long wispy layers. She stood five-foot-five with green eyes and a size two body. People always thought she was way younger than she was, so I understood her reason for the hairstyle change.
“What happened, Ari?” she asked.
“You’re never going to believe what I’m about to tell you.”
“Go sit down on the couch, and I’ll grab the wine from the fridge.”
It was good to see her again. Even after everything that happened between us, I never stopped missing her. A part of me hated her, but the other part loved her. I had four years to overcome the fact that Harry chose her over me, and I did. I should have reached out at some point, but I had said some horrible things to her. Things I didn’t think she’d ever forgive me for.
She brought the bottle of wine over to the couch, and I told her everything as she sat there in utter shock.
“I—I—don’t know what to say. I can’t believe this, Ari. Oh my God.” She reached over and took hold of both my hands. “Do they know you left?”
“I’m sure they do by now.”
“They haven’t tried to contact you?”
“Before I left Boston, I wiped my phone and dumped it in the dumpster at the hotel I stayed at last night. I was going to go and get a new one before you came home.”
“Have you figured out what you’ll do?” she asked.
“Somewhat. I’m staying in New York and want to take the bar exam here.”
“Really?” A wide smile graced her face. “That’s wonderful. Well, you can stay here for as long as you need to.”
“Thanks. Tomorrow, I need to start looking for a job.”
“Do you have any money at all? Because I can loan you some.”
“I have money. I closed out my account at the bank before I left. But if I want to get an apartment, I’m going to need a job ASAP.”
“Well, first things first. Let me show you your room, and then we’ll head to the cellphone store around the block.” She reached over and hugged me. “I really missed you, Ariana.”
“I missed you too.”
“Hey, Ari.” Harry smiled as Olivia and I stepped inside the apartment.
“Hey, Harry,” I spoke nervously.
This was the moment I was dreading the most. Seeing the man, after four years, who chose my best friend over me.
“I’ll leave you two to get reacquainted,” Olivia spoke as she went to her bedroom.
We stood there in silence for a few moments. He was just as uncomfortable as I was.
“Is this awkward?” I asked. “Because I can stay somewhere else.”
“I don’t think it’s awkward if you don’t. It’s good to see you.”
“Thanks.” I swallowed hard.
He still looked the same, even four years later. Six foot two, sandy brown hair, and brown eyes. The only difference in him was that he sported a beard, making him look more mature.
“You look good,” he spoke.
“So do you.” I gave a small smile.
“Listen, Ari, I’m?—”
“Sorry. I know. I’ve had four years to get over it, and I forgive you. Things with you and Olivia were meant to be, Harry. I’m a firm believer in that.” I placed my hand on his chest.
“Thanks.” He shyly smiled as he looked down. “Do you want to talk about what happened back at home?”
“I’ll let Olivia fill you in. It’s been a long day, and I don’t want to discuss it. I’m tired, so I think I may head to bed and try to get a good night’s sleep.”
“Okay. Sleep tight.” He placed his hand on my shoulder.
“You too.”