Where Do We Go From Here?

Tony’s birthday was coming up and I was scrambling on putting together a present for him. In all honesty, I hated getting gifts because I didn’t like the pressure it gave me. I didn’t want to be cliché and get him something that seemed impersonal, like a gift card. Then again, I didn’t want to get him something he wouldn’t like but would be too nice to say so. The concept of gift giving troubled me because I wanted to give him something that he would love.

“Why not just buy yourself some lingerie and make yourself the present.” Callie suggested as we browsed aimlessly through the mall.

I snorted. “Yeah, I’ll pass.”

“C’mon, I bet he’ll totally love that.” She replied while waggling her brows at me.

I rolled my eyes in response. We had just walked into Zumiez and were currently browsing through some shirts. “Maybe I can get him a new skateboard deck.” I suggested.

Callie scoffed. “That’s pretty expensive, and seriously does he deserve it?” She asked with a deadpan expression. “Maybe you should get him a baby bag.” She chuckled.

“Cal’s that’s not funny.” I scolded while rolling my eyes at her.

“It’s a joke, V. Since when did you lose your humor?” She teased.

“I just don’t think that’s funny.” I commented.

“Whatever.” She mumbled.

I was admiring the skateboard decks hanging from the walls when I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I checked it expecting to see a text from my mother or Jason, but instead find a new message from Lori—my friend from Columbia.

From Lori:

Hey Verity! It’s been a while, but I was tearing through my classes—which by the way are ridiculously hard! Anyway, I’m glad to hear that you were accepted into Columbia. (I knew you’d make it because you’re a genius!) Congrats! If you need help with setting up your schedule for your freshmen year, don’t be afraid to call me. And some tips for your housing application, make sure you turn it in on time. You will regret not thoroughly filling out the personality profile part because then you’ll most likely get stuck with some snob.

Anyway, Damien (you remember him, right?) has been asking about you! I’m not sure if you and your man candy have made up or not, but I gave him your number. Sorry, but I just really, really, wanted to play matchmaker and I think you two would be cute. Don’t feel pressured in getting back to me quickly because I’ll probably be buried under a stack of books in the library. We’re preparing for our mid-terms.

Hope all is well, and once again congrats on getting accepted!

Yours truly,
Lori.


I read Lori’s message and chuckled to myself. It took me a minute to remember who Damien was, but if a I recall correctly he was the nice guy who had just been recently single when Tony and I was on a break. He was cute and a small part of me lit up with excitement to hear he asked about me, but I was in a committed relationship with Tony—which by the way was still a bit wary because our future was muddled with baby plans.

“Text from Tony?” Callie asked.

“No, just one of the girls from Columbia.” I answered.

“Oh.” Callie said glumly.

I noticed her somber tone and lazily draped an arm over her shoulders. “You’ll always be my best friend.” I assured her.

She cracked a small smiled. “It’s gonna be weird being so far from each other when we go off to college.”

I understood her fear because it was something I’ve been fretting over—just as I have been worrying over mines and Tony’s relationship. It has always been me and Callie against the world, but with her acceptance to UNLV and mines to Columbia we were now gonna be on our own without each other physically there.

“Yeah, but we can face chat if needed and text or call all the time.” I commented. “We’ll be talking all the time.”

“I guess.” She replied. Taking in a breath, she sighed.

“Have you and Mike given much thought to the future?” I asked, trying to change the subject. However, I don’t think I lightened the mood one bit.

She shrugged. “He’s staying in California.”

“Did he say what he wants to do?” I pressed.

“He told me he’s gonna intern at a tattoo shop.” She answered while picking up a dress from the sale rack.

I lifted my eyebrows. “That sounds cool.”

“Yeah, I mean, it’d be nice if he chose to go to school or something, but he’s really into tattoos.” She shrugged even though I could clearly see she had a problem with it.

“You know, he’ll be geographically closer than me. You guys can probably meet up on the weekends.” I pointed out.

“Yeah, but he hasn’t said a word about what will happen after I head off to Vegas. It’s like he doesn’t want our relationship to continue.” She stressed.

I wasn’t sure what to say to that because I wasn’t some relationship expert. “Well, this conversation took a depressing turn.” I commented jokingly.

Callie giggled. “Let’s not worry about anything.” She proposed.

“We’re hormonal teenage girls, how in the hell are we supposed to do that?” I asked skeptically.

“We’ll just not care. You should be a pro at that.” She replied.

I laughed.

“I’m being serious!” She said with more conviction. “We’ll just let things roll off our shoulders from now on.”

After a moment of deliberation, I said “Okay, that sounds like a plan.”

“Great!” She cheered. “That means, no more future talk, no more relationship talk, and no more depressing conversations.” She declared.

“Deal.” I agreed.

It was then one of the worked came over to us and kindly asked “Did you need help with anything?”

“No, we were just browsing.” I replied.

I decided not to buy Tony anything from Zumiez. Instead, I planned on getting him something that will force him to make a decision about us. I was tired of worrying about what will happen, that in this moment of clarification I had with Callie, I had figured out the best present I could give Tony.

Notes

Anyone miss me? Haha

Welp, sorry for being gone this past week. I had work "/ I really wish I could say that I was off doing something cool like going on vacation, but unfortunately after successfully moving all my crap from one house to the other, I was then piled on with more hours. Did I mention I got a new nursing job? I know it's not my major, but it pays well and the benefits are great! I started last week which is why I haven't been updating regularly. I've been working some funky hours. Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting. I'm about to answer your comments now.

Enjoy! <3