Chapter 6

Days or almost a week passed since I returned home. My parents' constant love and attention made me feel more like myself again.

I know that they missed me so much that's why the past few days, we were going out to bond. We do outside picnic and watching movies like what we used to do before and the bitterness I felt towards Preston was temporarily removed.

"Claudia, you will meet your friends today, right?"

I smiled. "Yes, mom."

I am currently fixing my earrings while wearing a simple floral dress because today I will meet my two childhood best friends, Chloe and Solene.

"Alright, just give this to them and tell them to visit here sometimes." She handed me a paper bag with two boxes inside. "I baked some cookies."

My eyes flashed. "You really know their favorite. Thank you, mom!"

I left the house with a sweet smile on my face. I headed to our meeting place, our favorite coffee shop and there, they welcomed me with their warm and tight hug. I missed them so much and I am flowing with so much happiness because I can't believe I am still able to meet them after leaving for years.

I did my best not to cry but I failed. Now we are crying and laughing at the same time while wiping our tears.

"I really miss you, Chloe and Solene." I sobbed.

"Well, we're so happy that you're back now, though we're also shocked that you are really awakened from reality!" Chloe exclaimed. "You finally leave that Preston! Thank god!"

"Yeah." Solene agreed. "I wonder now if you accidentally bumped your head that much that his magic disappeared! I believed that he really tricked you, Claudia!"

I shook my head.

"You guys should stop bringing up his name. We came here to catch up, right!" I said, smiling.

I looked so refreshed now sitting with my two best friends from high school. They really knew me well, huh? Our topic changed to our professions as of now and thank god they already forgot about Preston because I know they are mad at him.

Now, they couldn't stop teasing me about my appearance. They keep asking which beauty clinic I'd visit for treatments.

"Your skin looks so smooth! Wow, you became really really beautiful, Claudia!" Solene complemented. "Your features gets matured and it suits your small face very well!"

"Even your hair looks so healthy, huh." Chloe spill. "What hair products are you using? Please, share it to me! I want that long and waivy hair like yours!"

I laughed. "Fine. I bought some last week, I will give you one."

The drinks we ordered came. They were also so happy seeing those cookies baked by mom for them.

"How's your business, Solene?" I got curious so I asked. "How is it going? And to your salon, Chloe?"

I am very much happy knowing these two ladies have come this far. They already have their own businesses and can bought whatever they want without any help from others. They're so strong and independent, unlike me.

This very moment, I realized that I've become so dependent to Preston. I've become his shadow for years that I failed to prove myself... that I can do more without him.

"Well... it's getting good. Me and Andrew are doing our best to make it work since he's also my business partner." Solene answered, smiling sweetly. "You know what? I realized that he's not just good at handling our relationships but also our business! I'm so lucky!"

I smiled but Chloe rolled her eyes hearing Solene's giggle.

"How I wish I have a manly boyfriend so I could also flex him to you guys." Chloe said, there's bitterness in her voice. "But about my salon, Claudia? Well, I'm bound to my third branch this month and I'm happy because you're here for the opening!"

"Good to hear that, Chloe."

"How about you, Claudia? You really sure about working at that company? That's Preston's rival, right? You're so brave!" Solene leaned forward, showing some curiousity.

"Yes, I am pretty sure now. I need to explore for new environment and workplace because I don't want to be stuck just behind Preston." I answered honestly. "I know I need more time for adjustment but it's fine."

Our conversation continued until it went to each other's plans this summer. In the middle of our conversation, my phone suddenly rang and the caller ID showed an unfamiliar number.

My brows furrowed. Who the hell is it?

I had only changed my number a couple of days ago. I think it was just a random telemarketer? So without a second thought, I cancelled the call and put my phone on silent.

"Who was that, Claudia? Why didn't you answer the call?"

I looked up at Chloe and shrugged my shoulders.

"The number was not familiar, Chloe."

We go back to our little chats and after those conversations and joking around, we finally decided to go home.

We had a peaceful dinner and after that, mom and dad goes to sleep because they actually sleep early and I also headed to my room.

I am still not sleepy so I decided to order my favorite milkshake and while I was waiting for it to deliver, I opened the flat screen tv and watch some interesting movie.

The moment I lay down to my bed, the doorbell rang.

"It was probably my milkshake." I whispered and left my room to open the door.

"That was so fast—" I began, but my words died in my throat as soon as I saw who was standing outside our door.

It wasn't the delivery driver.

It was Preston! Freaking Preston wearing his usual black suit!

My smile suddenly vanished and my stomach sank. I had no idea how he found my parents' address, but I knew one thing for certain—I didn't want to see him ever again.

He must've sensed my intention to slam the door, so his blue eyes narrowed. Before I could react, he shoved his hand into the doorframe, risking injury as he wedged his fingers between the door and the frame, preventing me from closing it.

"Claudia, please!" he rasped, his voice was hoarse and heavy, "Why didn't you pick up my calls or reply to my messages? You didn't inform me you were going here."

My mind was a mess, racing with thoughts together with my chest that was already pounding so fast.

I calmed myself and finally found the strength to speak. I realized that I shouldn't show any pressure and affection in front of him anymore.

"We already broke up, Preston. What would you expect me to do? To still inform you of my whereabouts, huh?"

I didn't expect my voice to come out steady, that each word were sharp and deliberate.

When I mentioned the word breakup, Preston's expression twisted into something almost amused, like he'd just heard the punchline to an unbelievable joke.

His grip on the doorframe tightened and I could see his knuckles turn pale.

"Broke up?" he repeated and almost laughed, his tone sounds mocking. "When did we break up, Claudia? I don't remember that happening."