Beyond The Hurt

Angel's POV

My name is Angel.

I am a nineteen-year old girl and I hate socializing. The only person I really talk with is my best friend, Samuel.

We have been best friends since diapers and I can proudly say I know almost everything about him, I know all his firsts.

When he lost his first tooth.

The first time he got into a fight.

His first heartbreak.

The first time he hit the gym and his first love.

He's 6 ft 4, gorgeous and basically every girl's dream. . .me included.

Growing up, I’ve always known he was handsome. I just didn't see him that way. Until I realized he wasn't just handsome, he was hot.

When I realized my feelings, I instantly knew we couldn't end up together but I couldn't stop myself from falling more and more for him.

Whenever I saw him flirting with other girls, my heart aches a lot knowing we could never be like that. . .but I had this made up fantasy that he was going to look at me differently at last, that he's gonna see how better I am compared to those girls and he'd fall in love with me.

But that was all it was.

Just a fantasy.

A stupid one.

Well. . .I finish secondary school in a few weeks and we're done with our final exams.

Graduation is also coming up and I could feel my migraine return just thinking of the dresses and shenanigans I have to wear on that day.

To make matters worse, our school demanded we attend classes to shape our decision making choices for a better future but we all know it's all nonsense.

This wasn't what I signed up for. . .just thinking of the last two weeks of my life. I seriously felt like crawling into a hole.

All I wanted now was space from everything and everybody but it seems like too much to ask.

Shrugging my backpack on, I make my way into my last class for the day only for me to run into said best friend —the reason for my sleepless nights— Samuel and my number one anti fan—Elizabeth— his . .girlfriend.

I've been trying my best to avoid facing him but that's proving harder than expected.

You might be wondering why I'd be avoiding him, right?

Well, Elizabeth cheated on him, and she still made herself out to be the victim, something about him not being attentive. He was broken, he literally became a shell of himself. He was the one dumped, but I was the one losing sleep, consoling him, staying up with him when his parents couldn’t.

He wasn't letting anyone in, I was the only person he'd talk to and no matter how nice that sounds, it just puts a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders.

So, guess how surprised I was when I heard our classmates saying they got back together.

Snort.

I literally was the person that stayed up countless nights with him, even if he was gonna get back with a cheater, the least he could have done was to tell me, right?

And here they were, acting all lovey-dovey like it never happened.

Whatever.. Might as well sneak away before I lose it and murder one of them.

“Where have you been all day?”

Except I have no such luck.

“...school.”

“ Haven't seen you around all day.”

I rolled my eyes at his obvious attempt to get on my nerves. “It's not my fault your eyes are defective, I have been here since class started. And maybe get correctional glasses while you're at it, can't have you running into a pole now can we?"

" Oohh. Low blow, baby girl.” he whispered, a lazy smirk playing on his lips.

“Angel, no need to be so uptight. Babe's just worried." Elizabeth said, fake concern on her face.

I snorted, “I don't need you to tell me how to be.”

A clear, sharp voice rang out, “The three of you care to share what's keeping you at the door while class is starting?"

Righttt. We were supposed to be having a class. " Very sorry ma'am.”

“Get inside and let's start."

"Alright ma'am.” I went to my seat and just as I was about getting comfortable, a paper plane flew across my table.

I unfolded it and I scoffed lightly the teacher didn't notice.

‘What’s wrong with you today?.’

How.

Dare.

Him.

How dare him ask me what happened.

‘nothing.’

I flew the paper plane back just for it to hit me right in the face seconds later.

‘You have that look on your face.’

‘What look?’

‘The one you have whenever you're mad at me?’

I read through his reply and I snorted lowly, why wouldn't I be mad at you?

‘I don't have any look on my face and i’m not mad at you’ I write back.

‘Now I know you're mad at me, tell me what I did and I'll apologize.’

I sighed suddenly not feeling like doing anything anymore. This is exactly part of the reasons why I fell for him… he’d always known me best. He cares for me but I've always been selfish…

I crumbled the paper and threw it under my desk, willing myself to focus on what the teacher was droning about.

After class.

I breathed a sigh of relief and dashed out of the class, not wanting to face him again.

I only stopped running when I get to the school gate to fetch my phone out of my bag.

Ring ring

Ring rin-

“Hello, Dad."

“Hey, my little princess. How are you?" Dad's thick voice came through

“I’m fine dad. Which side are you?"

" I’m by the other side of the gate dear.” he replied.

“Ohkayyy. I'm on my way now." I ended the call, made sure my phone was securely placed in my pocket then I walked over to my dad's car.

" How was school today, darling?” Dad asked as soon as I got inside the car.

“En. It was so-so." I told him, trying but failing to stifle a yawn.

Dad chuckled, " tired?”

I nodded, like a chicken pecking at rice. “Veryy."

He hummed, " you should get some sleep then. I'll wake you when we get home."

“Thanks Dad. Love you." He chuckled at my drowsy words and before he can reply, I'm already out like a bulb running on low power.

“Mn."

Thirty minutes later.

" Wake up, sweetie. We're home." Dad said, unbuckling my seatbelt.

“Oh." I mumbled, trying to get my bearings, “when did we get home?"

" Not long. C'mon get up, we have to head inside.”

I groaned, leaving the car and we both head inside after he locked it.

Upon getting inside, the smell of roasted meat and spices welcomes me, putting a bounce in my steps. My stomach growled almost immediately.

I smiled to myself, turning to face Dad. “Dad, I'm going to meet mum."

He chuckled, a knowing look on his face. “Mn. Go."

I went up the kitchen and there she was.

The love of my life.

Mum stood by the gas, apron pulled taut, one hand on her hips and a wooden spoon in the other. She was currently stirring the sauce on the fire.

I moved closer to her and greet her with a kiss on her cheek.

“Evening, Mum."

“Evening dear. How was school today?" Mum asked.

“It was so-so." I said, eyes focused on the bubbling sauce.

Mum chuckled seeing my actions, " hungry?”

I nodded rapidly, “Yes ma.”

" I made your favorite.”

" I know.” I groaned, " can I eat now?” I said settling for the cutest puppy eyes I could muster.

Mum kept quiet watching me with a lingering smile in her eyes and I could have sworn she'd give in until- " No. You stink.”

I paused dramatically, mock hurt flashing across my face. “I trusted you."

Mum smiled at my antics, “Go wash up and come downstairs for dinner.”

"...fine.” I grumbled, my feet already rushing towards my room. " I'll be back in a bit."

I took off my clothes, grabbed my towel and disappeared into the shower.

While in the shower, I couldn't help but reminisce about I and Samuel’s time together before he got a partner. We were like two peas in a pod, never to be separated but that was until he met her.

We had made a promise not to neglect the other even when we got a partner but I guess that was just a silly promise.

Grumble.

My stomach's cry brought me out of my reverie and I hurried out of the bathroom.

Considering the weather, I wore a short tank top and shorts. I wasn't risking having a heatstroke right in my house.

I picked up my phone and I'm mortified at the amount of missed calls and messages I saw. And they were all from one person.

Samuel.

I frowned as I clicked on his chat interface.

‘What’s going on?’

‘Are you ignoring me now?’

‘why didn't you pick my calls?’

‘That’s it. I'm coming over.’

‘Be there in thirty.’

“..." What??

Why in the world is he coming over just because I didn't reply him early? He's acting like I owe him money or something.

He better not show up here if he doesn't want any problem, he can die with his girlfriend for all I care.

I ignored his messages and I practically ran downstairs, mouth watering.

I got to the dining, served my food and I practically inhaled the first bite.

" Ugh.” I moaned, " this tastes so good.”

“Obviously." Mum said, puffing her chest slightly.

“Marry me, please?”

Dad glared at me playfully, " Don't talk with your mouth full. Wife robber. "

I scoffed but listen.

After dinner, I went back to my room and I finally decided to reply to Samuel so he doesn't bother coming.

I'm alive and kicking, why bother reducing my life bar by coming over?

I hadn't even started composing the contents of my message when I heard a knock on my door.

Who can it be? Mum doesn't knock and Dad just calls.

It can't be right….?

" Come in.”

Apparently, It can.

“I was going to come in whether you said that or not." Samuel said glaring at me.

I gulped as I took a very much needed step back.

He looked mad, crazy mad but all I could think of was how his arms flexed when he took off his jacket.

I shook my head, trying to rid myself of those thoughts.

I cleared my throat slightly, “why are you here?" I asked, folding my arms trying to steady my stuttering heartbeat.

" You weren't picking my call.” He frowned, stepping closer into my room and closing the door.

“I was in the shower when you called."

“And my messages?"

“I was having dinner."

“...you could have called or texted back.”

I felt indescribable anger well up inside me, “...and that's what I was about to do, if you hadn't barged in. And what right do you think you have to question me or my choices?"

“..."

“ It is MY business if I don't want to reply to your texts or return your calls. It is MY business not YOURS."

“I'm your best friend, don't I deserve to be replied?"

“I'll reply at my own convenience. "

'I know I was being petty but he deserved it.'

" I'm not your girlfriend, you can't tell me what to do.”

" Is that what this is about?" He asked suddenly, clarity evident in his gaze.

" What'd you mean?” I asked, startled.

" You've been avoiding me because I got back with her?" He asked, sounding confused.

“...I wasn't avoiding you and it's your choice if you-"

He cut in, voice cold. “ You're my best friend, aren't you supposed to be happy whenever I am happy?"

I scoffed, disbelief evident on my face. " Happy? Sammy you got back with your toxic, cheating ex.”

He clenched his jaw. " You don't understand. I love her."

My heart dropped at his words, hands shaking slightly “.okay, no problem. You love her right?”

“..."

I nodded as tears welled up in my eyes. “ I won't be there when she cheats again, I promise you.”

" She won't.” He said, confident.

A short laugh escaped me, tears spilling. “She won't? Sammy are you a fool or you're just acting oblivious?”

“She promised." He insisted, clenching his fists..

I paused for a moment, finding the situation ridiculously funny and before I knew it, a self depreciating laugh escaped me again.

Ha ha ha ha ha

I looked up at him, making sure he heard my words. " Once a cheater, always a cheater.”

" Don't talk about her like that. She's my girlfriend.” He said, raising his voice slightly.

I nodded, holding the door open. “Get out."

“Angel, i-”

" Out.” I repeated, voice firm.

He moved out the door just as Mum climbed up the staircase.

" Mum, I don't want to see him please. Tell him to leave.” I said, willing myself to stand firm.

Mum froze at my downcast expression and understanding filled her gaze. She turned to Samuel. " Leave. Y’all can talk next time. She needs rest.”

" Okay, auntie. Good night Angel and I'm very sorry.”

I turned away and slam my door shut, sliding down to my knees and crying my heart out.

I didn't know when I passed out.