Three more days. Three more days until Leo gets married. I've been avoiding him for almost two weeks, making sure I left class early and got there right on time. I didn't want to talk to him. I know that if I did, then I'd stay. If he found out that him and I used to be a couple, I'd stay for sure. But I didn't want that. I wanted my dream of being a photographer to become true, and I wanted Leo happy as an actor. So what was I supposed to do about it?
I sighed, looking at the wedding invitation for the second time that day. I haven't decided if I wanted to go or not. That day was also my flight to Rome, but it wasn't until later on in the day.
I slowly stood up, before wincing in pain.
From the couch, Johnny looked over at me.
"Is it your back again?" He asked, suddenly concerned. I closed my eyes, shaking my head, although it wasn't convincing.
My back had hurt a lot lately.
"You should rest." Johnny appeared in front of me, putting his arms on my shoulders and making me sit down on the chair again. I nodded slowly.
He had been here for the past couple of days. I think that he felt that he needed to be here, since Leo was getting married. You know, to keep an eye on me. But, weirdly, I didn't feel anything. It was as if I was numb to everything happening.
"Are you going to school today?" Johnny asked casually.
"Why wouldn't I?" I asked him questionably.
"I just think it'd be better if you didn't. You know, for your own sake." He mumbled, looking down at me.
I sighed, looking away, "I'm going. I can't run away from them forever." I shrugged.
Johnny stayed quiet, considering something silently," I'll go with you."
I shrugged," If you want."
I stood up, moving towards the door. Johnny didn't move, thinking hard.
"You coming?" I turned towards him. He smiled, turning and walking with me.
-
I got to class after Johnny dropped me off and I instantly regretted being a little early for once. Immediately as I walked in, Leo stood up, making Amanda's head turn towards me.
I paused, mentally debating just walking away.
I was about to turn around when Leo spoke up.
"You don't have to run away. I won't bother you." Leo said, before sitting down and facing the front. I hesitated, biting my lip and moving to sit in my seat.
Somehow having Leo not even try hurt more than him finding out. But, this was for the best. I can't go back on my plan now. I sighed to myself.
-
It was lunchtime and I sat down with Jacky and Eugene. Johnny hasn't come to lunch and he hasn't answered any of my messages either. So much for keeping an eye on me.
"You know what I think you need?" Jacky said, her mouth full of pudding. Sometimes I can understand how her and Kai are twins. They have similar habits.
"What?" I asked, not really paying attention.
"I think you need a haircut. Everyone knows that after you get a haircut, then you're done for sure." Jacky nodded.
Eugene examined me and my hair," That's a good idea." He grabbed my hair, feeling how short to cut it. I shooed him off.
"I'm not cutting my hair." I said plainly, eyeing them carefully.
Jacky shrugged, brushing the topic off.
Should I cut my hair? I thought silently to myself.
Suddenly there was a loud noise that got Jacky, Eugene and I's attention. We all looked up towards Johnny standing in front of Leo.
"How could you?!" Johnny asked Leo angrily. Leo looked beyond lost, Amanda at his side.
"Cmon Leo. Let's just go." Amanda said, pulling on Leo's sleeve. She looked worried towards Johnny. What were they even talking about?
I stood up slowly, but Jacky grabbed onto my arm, motioning for me to sit back down.
"What are you talking about?" Leo asked, trying to keep his cool.
Johnny groaned in frustration," How can you not remember? How can you not put the pieces together?" He eyed Leo.
"Leo! Let's leave." Amanda grabbed onto Leo's sleeve, trying to pull him but he wouldn't budge.
Leo furrowed his eyebrows, staying in his place and not keeping his eyes off Johnny.
"Don't you want to know why you keep on going back to Marlie?" Johnny raised his eyebrows.
I held my breath. No. This can't be happening right now.
Leo hesitantly looked towards Amanda, who paused at that comment.
"Look, I don't have time for this." Leo sighed, clearly annoyed. He started turning away, but Johnny grabbed him by the collar, causing a gasp coming from me and Amanda. I've never seen Johnny this mad.
Johnny scoffed," Honestly Leo. I had more faith in you. This wasn't why I gave up being with Marlie. So you can just break her heart like this."
I shrugged Jacky off and I walked over towards them angrily. How can Johnny say that? I was fine with Leo not knowing.
"Johnny, stop!" I stepped next to them.
"What the fuck are you talking about?" Leo asked Johnny. He tried taking his hands off, but Johnny wouldn't move, his grip only getting tighter.
"Can't you see what's right in front of you?" Johnny asked Leo angrily.
"You're crazy." Leo finally got Johnny off, and he stumbled a bit backwards.
Johnny narrowed his eyes at Leo," I'm the crazy one?"
"Johnny stop." I warned him.
"I don't know who Marlie was to me in the past. But honestly, I don't really care. If you didn't know, I'm getting married soon. So just leave me alone." Leo threatened Johnny now with wide eyes.
I couldn't help but feel hurt because of that comment. I looked at Leo, a frown on my face and tears threatening to fall down my cheeks.
Johnny gave a mix of a scoff and a laugh, looking over at Leo.
"You know what, I've held back long enough." Johnny mumbled angrily. I watched as he held up his fist, getting ready to punch Leo.
My eyes widened. Without thinking, I moved in front of Leo, blocking him with my body. I shut my eyes, ready for a punch. But nothing came next. I opened my eyes slowly, blinking at the fist that paused right in front of my face.
Johnny slowly lowered his fist, looking at me in disbelief. I gave out a sigh of relief, turning slowly towards Leo. He looked down at me, an expression of surprise on his face. He opened his mouth to say something, but I turned away from him sadly.
Why did I do that?
"Leo, let's go." Amanda urged Leo more, clearly angry.
I felt a tear go down my cheek. I bit my lip, trying to keep more from coming down.
"Yeah. Yeah, okay." Leo mumbled towards Amanda, before starting to walk away with her.
I wiped my tears with my sleeve.
Johnny looked at me and then at Leo who was walking away.
"Do you even know why Marlie's back is all messed up? Do you even want to know?" Johnny threatened as Leo kept on walking.
"Johnny, don't say anything." I warned him. I didn't want Leo to know. It was so pathetic. I was so pathetic.
Leo didn't say anything, nor did I see him turn around since my back was facing away from him.
"It was because of you. You're the one who ruined her back." Johnny called out louder.
"Stop!" I cried stepping in front of Johnny.
"Stop it already. Haven't you done enough?" I asked Johnny angrily, tears streaming down my cheeks. I gave out a shaky breath, before wiping my eyes and turning away, basically running out.
How pathetic was I? I just protected a man who doesn't even love me or remember me. He's marrying someone else. And I still have these stupid feelings inside of me. I thought I was over it? What happened to that numb feeling from before? Why is everything suddenly coming out?
I ran into the girls bathroom, locking myself in a stall and leaned down, sobbing into my sleeve. How pathetic.
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