Chapter 111 Our Old Spot
Chapter 111 Our Old Spot
Jasmine’s POV
It seems like I have finally stepped into the calm that I have been praying for.
First of all, ever since that dream of my mom at the magnificent garden, I haven’t had any nightmares.
Although it still feels surreal that I can sleep really well, and wake up bright and happy, I still have a little fear that the nightmares haven’t fully gone.
Another good thing is that after the speech from Xavier that day, my coursemates have stopped shooting me glares, and instead, they still talk about the speech and how smart he is.
I honestly don’t care that they’re always talking about him, or asking me about his whereabouts, as long as I’ve been spared those disgusting glances, I’m good.
It’s not like they weren’t talking about Xav long before we even knew each other.
Concerning Bella, I’ve been trying to sort through my emotions and thoughts that revolve around her.
These past few days, she’s been on my mind, especially our last conversation.
One moment she’s cold, the next she’s annoyingly too sweet, and I don’t know if I should accept her extended hand, or let the friendship die.
Speaking of the devil, she shoots me a welcoming smile the instant I enter the classroom, which I don’t return.
“Our final exam timetable dropped, Jas, did you see it?” She chimes, turning to me.
I wasn’t aware the timetable had dropped, but I know our exams start later next week, and the exhibition is in two weeks’ time.
To avoid coming off as a snub, I force out a reply,
“No.”
She pouts a little before letting out a soft “oh,” and then proceeds to scroll on her phone.
Sitting next to her in silence, I contemplate announcing to her that I’ve finally finished my painting, knowing how much she’s encouraged me to do that, but it doesn’t come out easy.
“I sent it to you last night.” She mumbles, her eyes still fixed on her screen. “I guess you didn’t open my text.”
Guilty as charged.
I actually got the notification, but I never bothered to open it.
More like I was avoiding getting confused by her ever-changing attitude.
The air between us tenses, and instead of continuing the awkward conversation or thinking of a lie, I change the subject,
“I’m done with my painting.” I announce, drawing in a sharp breath, and hoping it catches her attention.
And it does.
Her mouth widens, along with her eyes, before a huge grin covers her face.
“For the exhibition?”
“Yes.”
Some seconds pass before she squeals, drawing people’s attention to us.
It doesn’t make me uneasy like it would have before, because I know that I’m free from them now.
“I am so happy, and proud of you!” She exclaims, reaching out to hold my hand.
I flinch for a split second, before relaxing a little, praying she doesn’t notice.
I don’t know why I always try to spare her feelings, watching my words and actions so carefully around her.
“Is it the same painting?”
I nod in affirmation.
“That particular one?” She asks again, so this time I answer verbally.
“Yes.”
“Wow. That’s a huge leap.” She wipes a tear trickling from the corner of her eye, and it sends a subtle feeling of discomfort to the pit of my stomach.
“You’re past that.” She adds, nodding proudly. “I can’t wait for it to be displayed in two weeks, people will be mesmerized.”
“I know.” I say softly, retrieving my hand, and placing it on my lap.
“You’re just a few days away from your dream.” She points out.
The sudden realization hits me.
I’ve been working on this particular painting for so long, and now that it’s finally done, my mind hadn’t fully processed what it means to me.
This was meant to be my final chance at healing.
To prove myself to the world and reclaim my self-worth.
My heart skips a beat just imagining the look on my face when the day comes.
I could get recognized.
No.
I would definitely get recognized.
Watching how excited Bella is, my face finally breaks into a smile.
Maybe my best friend is still there somehow. Just maybe.
When it looks like the euphoria has died down, she holds my gaze and asks,
“Can you do me a favor?” Her voice is soft, but it piques my curiosity.
What could she possibly want from me?
I hesitate first, before questioning,
“What’s that?”
“Just like old times, can we celebrate this at our noodle spot?”
My breath thins out for a while, my chest pounding hard.
That place holds so many memories of the two of us, and I know this is a good thing, but what if I’m going there with a different person now?
Not the old Bella.
“Sure.” The word comes out before I can stop it.
“Yas!”
The moment I step into the place, nostalgia strikes me.
This is where we used to meet to do our assignments together, and plan our week.
This is also the place where we first met, before we became friends, and it turned into our personal spot.
There’s nothing exceptional about the interior of this place, and to others it might seem ordinary, but we somehow made it special to us.
I let out a sigh before taking a seat at our usual table, before placing our orders.
“It’s on me.” Bella announces, her smile not faltering.
I mouth a “thank you” before looking out of the window, trying to shake off this awkwardness.
In class it was bearable, others were there, but here, I’m more aware that it’s just the two of us.
“Do you plan on keeping the art at your apartment until the exhibition? Or keeping it at the hall?”
She seems really comfortable with this.
I avoid her gaze before answering, “I’ll just do whatever others do.”
“You know yours is a huge canvas, it’s best you set it up some days before the event.”
She’s actually making sense, and I’ll definitely consider that option.
Our food arrives, and I just eat in silence, praying to finish up fast and leave.
Maybe it’s because I don’t know how to process certain emotions, that’s why I’m always uncomfortable in situations like this, but seeing her calm countenance, I almost want to ask why she said all those things.
And what she’s trying to achieve with this.
But I don’t ask.