***
"Oh my darling I'm so happy for you!" my mother screamed happily from the other side of the phone.
"Aaaaaah! I know! And does this mean yes??" I asked.
"Of course, honey. You have the right to do what you want."
"Thank you so much, mom! You won't regret it. We'll have a good time."
"I know we will dear."
"Okay. I'll call you after I get the schedule from kadij."
"Okay, hon."
"Bye. Love you."
"Love you too."
I hung up with a bright smile on my face.
I then decided to text my boyfriend to tell him the good news.
-Hey love, where are you? I have good news.-
Minutes later he replied.
-Out of campus sweetheart. Will be there soon.-
-Okay meet me in my room.-
-Alright.-
I then texted Lucas.
-Luke where r u?-
He soon replied too.
-Strolling.-
-Can you come now? I have something great to share with you.-
-Sure love. I ain't far from your place. Give me five mins.-
-Okay.-
I needed to share the news with people close to me which turned out to be Rick and Lucas. I waited patiently.
There was a knock at my door and Lucas stepped in.
"Hey." I smiled happily.
"Hey." he smiled back and spread his arms for a hug. We hugged each other and went to sit.
"So, what's this great news?" he asked. I smiled.
"I'm realising my dream."
"Hmm, okay. And how?"
I took my time and told him about Kadij and everything.
He stared at me shocked and surprised.
"Oh my, oh my. Harlem, are you serious??"
I laughed at his reaction.
"Hahahaha! Yes, I'm serious Luke."
"Oh my gad!" he stood up and motioned for me to do same. "This is crazy! You are so lucky!" he laughed happily, hugging me tight. I laughed too.
"I know right! And I was so happy when my mom agreed!" I giggled happily against his chest.
"Wow! I still can't believe what–" he cut his sentence short and broke the hug abruptly. He frowned down at me.
"What?" I asked amused.
"This means I might not see you again? Ever again??"
I stared at him silently, not knowing what to say cause he was probably right.
He stared at me too.
"Oh, but fuck that! We'll face time or snapchat! Come here!" he chuckled and hugged me again. I laughed. This was something I liked about Lucas. He was so free and jovial! Someone who always saw the good side of life.
"I'm so happy!" he said, holding my face and making his forehead touch mine, "But I'll miss you so bad. I won't give up either. I'll still find you."
"Hahaha, are you a stalker or what?"
"I stalk only you, Harlem." he chuckled.
"Yeah right." I pushed him away and he laughed.
"Rick knows about it?"
"I'm gonna tell him. He'll be here anytime from now."
"Oh, okay. We have to go out. Tonight. I wanna spend one last awesome moment with you."
"I'll think about it." I teased
"You have no choice. Call me when you're done with Rick." he rubbed my cheek.
"Okey."
"Bye. For the moment." he kissed my cheek.
"Bye, Lulu."
He smiled at me and left my room. He always left me in a good mood.
About five minutes after Lucas left, Rick knocked and came in.
"Hello, you." I cooed and went to kiss him. He smiled and kissed me back.
"Hello, baby. You look good."
"As always. Come sit down."
I led him to my bed.
"So? Share the news."
I told him the same thing and he was just as shocked and glad for me.
"Oh my this is one big opportunity, honey! You deserve it."
"Thank you so much." we shared a kiss.
"So it means we'll be having a long distance relationship?" he asked with a smile. Mine faded.
I couldn't continue with him. I'd betrayed him more than once. I needed to free him.
I stood up without saying a word.
"Harlem?" he called and I turned.
"Yes?"
"You're not saying anything. Will we still be together?" he asked seriously.
I turned to him.
"I'm not sure to pass by Manhattan after I leave. And I don't count on coming back here. Unless I'm obliged to." I said with difficulty. Rick stared at me.
"What are you trying to mean?"
I felt my heart break. I didn't know what to say. I'd turned out to love him. Though I realised I loved Lucas too. I was divided. Sometimes I secretly wished I had powers to mash them up into one person. The perfect man for me.
I'd planned to tell him about Lucas and I, but when I looked at him, all courage disappeared. I decided not to even hint him about it. We would break up in good terms.
"Rick, I love you and this makes it hard to say. But I have no choice."
"Are you breaking up, Harlem?" he asked calmly.
I swear my eyes began to prickle and water. No, no, no, I couldn't bare to cry. I didn't answer him, afraid of his reaction.
Rick stood up and wrapped his arms around me. Then he kissed my forehead.
"I respect your decision, Harlem." his first words surprised me. I looked up at him.
"Y– you're not angry. Or upset?"
"I am. But you come first and plus I'm happy too cuz you told me you love me. For the first time." he chuckled and I smiled at him.
"Thank you."
"No need. Plus it won't be easy to date a renown artist and business woman."
I laughed.
"I'm not famous."
"Yet. Promise we'll be in contact. Even if I remain your friend and only your friend. So I can brag about having dated one of the greatest young women of all time."
Yup. My eyes watered more.
"Aaaaw, thanks."
We kissed again.
"Let me be your boyfriend until tomorrow night. Before you leave Monday. We'll have an amazing date tomorrow. I would have loved to go out with you tonight and tomorrow but I'm sure your buddy planned for tonight. Right?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Poor, Lulu. What's he gonna be without his bestie." he chuckled and I laughed.
"He'll survive."
We smiled at each other and shared one more kiss.