Page 85 of Where We Met

This is my life to live, and for once, I'm not going to apologize to anybody for it.

We hug each other with the promise to see each other next week for my graduation. I also promise to give my dad a call on the way to my first class.

I pull out my phone as soon as I get into my car. With one last reminder that I'm strong and know what's right in my life, I click on his name.

"Savannah," he answers, sounding surprised. "I'm so happy to hear from you."

"Hi, Dad."

"How are you doing?" he asks.

"I'm good. Just had breakfast with Veronica, although I'm sure you're aware of that."

He sighs. "I was worried when she said she was going up to talk to you. I hope she didn't overstep any boundaries."

"No, it was really nice talking to her."

An awkward silence falls upon us, something that has never happened before.

"I just wanted to call to tell you that I'm looking forward to having you and Veronica at my graduation next week. I'm still struggling with what you did to Luke, I'm not sure exactly what it will take for me to move past this, but I do want to celebrate my day with you."

It sounds like he's sniffling in the background, like he's crying.

"I never wanted to hurt you. I just wanted to protect you," he whispers.

"I don't need protecting anymore. I'm an adult now. If you have something to say, or a question on how I'm living my life, you can talk to me about it. You can't storm in and take over." I don't know where the courage to say these words is coming from, but I keep going, "Now, I know I messed up with the lies. I will own that part. I have some things that I need to work on, one is being open and honest with people despite what they will think. This is my first step in that direction. I'm telling you, that even if I made a mistake, which I'm sorry for, you made one too."

"I don't know what you want me to say," he says.

"I don't know either. Maybe a sorry—an acknowledgment that what you did was wrong."

Silence.

I don't understand what's so hard about just admitting he was wrong. This feels like a side of him I've never dealt with before.

"You know, just forget it, I'm clearly asking for too much. I'll see you next week. Bye, Dad," I say and hang up.

I'm so fuming mad. It's hard to picture even going to class today. Thank God I have two more days of school left. Although, that means today is Thursday, and I don't have class with Luke. A part of me could really use being in the same room with him.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Luke

"Canyoubelieveit'sthe last day of class?" Rebecca asks me as we stand up front, waiting for the students to roll in.

"Nope. It's definitely flown by," I say as I continue to look down at the paper in my hand.

I'm doing anything I can to avoid talking to her. This is thankfully the last time we will see each other. She still doesn't seem to get the idea that I'm not interested. I've given up and now just do my best to avoid it.

The students start to walk in, and my eyes are trained on the door, waiting for her.

This is it. Our last day of this bullshit before we can move on for good. I barely got any sleep last night, I was so excited for this day to come.

I spot her friends before her, but when I see her, my breath gets caught in my lungs. She's in a white flowy dress that makes her look more gorgeous than ever. I'm still shocked she can garner such a reaction from me even after five months.

She and her friends are laughing as they walk down the stairs and take their seats in the front.

I don't even care anymore what people think of me, I'm too struck by her beauty to look away. When she spots me, she smiles.

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