In Time

Prologue

*10 years ago*

❇ Rachel's POV ❇

"Hey. Yo. Earth to Rachel." Nicole snapped her fingers, trying to grab my attention.

"Huh? I'm sorry for spacing out on you." I played with my bracelet and sigh.

I have to thank my lucky stars for having Nicole studying in the same college as me. Even though we were enrolled in different courses, at least we are roommates.  Adapting to college life was made easier with that.

Nicole placed a sandwich and a cup of hot milo in front of me.

"Rach, I'm not going to hear anymore excuses. Eat this. Have you taken a good look at yourself? You've lost a significant amount of weight!"

My hands went up to touch my cheeks and caught my own reflection from the spoon. Knowing that Nicole wouldn't let me go without finishing this, I started to eat my breakfast.

"What's wrong with you and Zachary?" Nicole asked innocently but instantly regretted her question.

The reason was I broke down in tears as soon as Zachary's name was mentioned.

"Oh my.. Rachel, I'm really sorry. Don't cry.."

I cried for a good five minutes, as I've been holding my these tears for a few months.

"I didn't mean to cry for so long. It's just that the problem between me and Zachary have been going on for quite some time." I explained to Nicole while she patted my back.

"What happened? I thought everything is going well for you both?"

"I thought so too, Nicole. I guess it's the distance that's making him or maybe even me change.."

"Change? You're saying that you and Zachary got someone else in mind??" Nicole stared at me in disbelief and gently shook her head.

"No, it's not that. It's like we're both tired of constantly missing one another. We can't possibly meet whenever we want to. He's in Los Angeles and I'm in Seattle! We're over 900 miles away from each other!" I reassured Nicole and tried to convince myself that our problems was caused by the distance between us.

Nicole gave me a look that said it all. She knew that it's because we couldn't bear to keep hurting each other. Sometimes, letting go doesn't mean giving up. It meant loving that person even more.
~*~*~

My smartphone was buzzing when I was trying to focus on my assignment.

I saw Zachary's name popped up on my phone and immediately grabbed it.

"Hi, Zach."

There was an awkward silence over the phone until Zachary finally greeted me.

"Hey. How are you?" Zachary's voice seemed strained and tired. I could imagine him pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Um.. I'm fine. What about you?" I lied and forced some happiness in my tone.

"Me too. Rach.." Zachary whispered and my heart squeezed painfully. I tightened my grip on the phone, tears threatening to stream down. Biting the bottom of my lips, I let out a soft sigh.

This is it.

"Rach, I.. I don't know how to say this without hurting you."

"Then, don't. I don't want you to hurt yourself in the process too." I was fully aware how this is taking a toll on Zachary too.

"Bye, Rachel. I hope you'll find someone better than me. I love you, remember that." Zachary hung up the phone so fast I couldn't even say goodbye. Tears were trailing down by the time I locked my phone.

Zachary, I doubt I'll find someone better than you.
____________________________________________

⭐ Zachary's POV ⭐

I repeatedly punched the restroom wall in anger. I hate the idea of breaking up with Rachel over the phone. The problem is I couldn't bring myself to say this face to face. Call me a coward or whatever. I just don't want to see the pain on Rachel's face. I want to remember her cheerful face forever.

"Davis, hey! Class is starting soon!" Sam's voice called loudly from the other side of the door.

"Alright, I'll be out soon!"

I've promised Rachel that even if we're not together, she'll always have a special place in my heart. I intend to honour that promise.

Author's note :
Hey guys! I hope readers of The Girl Hiding In The Shadows won't be mad at me for the breakup of Rachel and Zachary. :P As for new readers, thank you for giving my story a chance! :) Don't forget to vote/comment/share the story if you like it! ♥