When Monday morning came around I felt a release of unruly butterflies in my stomach that only added onto the nervous feeling I had palpitating in my veins. I had come to the decision that I was gonna talk to Tony, and I could only hope that he’d hear me out. I knew what I wanted to tell him, and it was along the lines of maybe putting aside our differences and being together. After speaking with Vic, it gave me some clarity on what I needed to do. I had no right to hate Tony for hooking up with Carmen when we were technically broken up. And although it hurt like hell, I couldn’t hold it over him for being human and acting on drunken fueled hormones. Putting aside my petty, hormonal, teenagey feelings, I could think clearly and come to reason that I still loved Tony—even if he was a fuck head.

Walking to the cafeteria—which it has been a while since I’ve actually ate a meal in this place—I saw Mike, Tony, and Austin keeping Callie company. I inhaled a long breath of air before plucking up my courage and walking to the lunch table. Callie noticed me first, giving me a subtle nod and a knowing look since I told her what I was gonna do. Lately, Callie has been staying over at my house because her mother was going through a rough patch with her latest boyfriend. Overall, Callie never cared for her mother’s lovers and would stay over at my house, in which my parents saw no problem with since Callie was like a daughter to them.

I slid in next to her in which the table conversation came to a halt. Austin’s eyes shifted from Tony to me before attempting to make small talk.

“Verity! Glad to see you again.” Austin smiled sincerely.

I offered him a timid smile before looking at Tony, who apparently averted his eyes to the unfinished meal before him. I kept staring at him, pleading silently for him to look at me, but it never came. I looked at Callie, giving her a look that conveyed ‘help me’. Callie got the hint and immediately cleared her throat.

“Hey Austin and Mike, would you two escort me to the theatre right now. I need to talk to Mrs. Bishop about the cast call.” Callie piped up.

“Yeah, of course.” Mike replied, catching onto Callie’s hint.

It took a while until the light bulb in Austin’s head burned bright. “Definitely.” He chimed in before the three of them stood up and left, leaving Tony and me to be the only occupants on the table.

“I need to talk to you.” I managed to say, breaking through the uncomfortable silence that settled over us.

Tony’s eyes finally lifted to meet mines. “Yes?” He asked softly.

I bit my lip, giving me a few seconds to be completely certain that I want to do this. Coming to a decision, I began to speak again. “I’ve missed you.”

Tony looked surprised at my words. It was then relief started to settle in his features. “I’ve missed you too.” He reciprocated.

“I recently had a good talk with someone who made me realize that it’s better to work our problems out rather than letting things remain astray.” I said, all the while looking into Tony’s brown eyes.

“Whoever this person was is a genius.” Tony said with a small smile tugging at his lips. It got quiet again before he spoke. “Does this mean you’re gonna give us another try?”

I smiled. “I want to, but it’ll probably take some time before I can trust you fully.” I admitted truthfully.

Tony nodded. “I am truly sorry, Verity. Carmen was a mistake that I can’t take back.” He apologized once more.

I took in another deep breath, exhaling slowly. “Clean slate?” I asked.

“I’m in if you are.” He smiled.

“Then I’m in.”

---

“So I heard back from some colleges.” Tony said.

We were currently walking through the streets of San Diego, making our way to our workplace. Tony had to go to his shift at Muzik Geekzand I was heading to Urban Wreck. With our fingers interlaced, I rested my head on his shoulder.

“Where’d you get into?” I asked.

Tony smiled proudly before saying “Albany State and SDSU.”

I couldn’t contain the huge smile from taking up my face. “That sounds amazing!” I congratulated him.

“Thank you. I was surprised that they even accepted me.” He replied humbly. “Callie told me that you were accepted into Columbia and Dartmouth.”

I nodded. “Yup. I already sent in my acceptance to Columbia. I’ll be attending there next fall.”

“I’m so proud of you.” Tony commented while planting a quick kiss on top of my head.

“What about you? Did you decided where you’re going?” I asked.

Before our breakup Tony was set on going to the east coast, but these past three weeks made me fear that his plans for the future changed.

Tony shrugged. “SDSU is a helluvalot cheaper that Albany.”

“Yeah, they are.” I agreed even though my voice sounded a little off.

“However, I’ve been speaking with admissions from Albany and they have a few programs that can help pay my way there. I just have to submit a Pulitzer worthy essay.” He mumbled with doubt.

I rolled my eyes at him. “I’m sure you’ll write an incredible essay.”

He chuckled. “My writing has never been great.”

“Well I can help. I can revise your work and give you some pointers.” I offered then added. “What does your essay have to be about?”

“It has to depict a pivotal moment in my life; possibly something that changed my life for the better—you know those typical essays in which colleges expect you to write about your life.” Tony answered.

“Piece of cake.” I smiled up at him.

Tony rolled his eyes. “Maybe for you, but I’m not a writer. I suck with words.”

“That is why you have a remarkably smart girlfriend who won’t let you be anchored by your limited eloquence in your written correspondence.” I obnoxiously stated with a small chuckle.

“You’re my girlfriend?” Tony asked with elation.

I hadn’t realized what I said until now, but the label ‘girlfriend’ seemed to roll off my tongue with such ease. I smiled at Tony and said “Yeah. I told you that you’re forgiven with a clean slate.”

Pulling me in for a quick kiss, Tony smiled against my lips. “I love you so fucking much, Verity Abraham.”

I let out a small laugh. “I love you too, fuck head.”

Notes

I had to listen to cute stuff by Ed Sheeran and the 1975 to write this chapter. I hope you guys are happy with this chapter!

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy <3

PS
I'll hold off on deleting "On the Edge" for now, but if I can't find some inspiration to write another chapter soon then I'll delete it.