Page 33 of Quarantined
Once more, my feelings for Milo were misunderstood by everyone, including Milo himself. He did call me that following Monday, but I was too humiliated to even pick up his call. I have been avoiding him ever since.
I know he is angry at me, about the way I left and for ignoring him all summer. I didn’t ask for his permission and left before the school year was over. My school, Wellington Academy, allows their students to work at their own pace. I had submitted all my paperwork and was technically almost done for the semester. But still, it was disrespectful to not check with my legal guardian before leaving the country. I just had to get away. I couldn’t face him.
I wanted to cut the ties of our special relationship, the one that Reid hated. Now it seems like I have cut off all ties. Milo used to be one of my best friends. Now, we’re not even friends. We never talk. I miss him so much.
I don’t blame Milo for what he did. I needed this distance to stop being so fixated on him. It really hit me how uncomfortable I was making him.
Reid and I are supposed to head back next week. Reid booked a flight for later in the week, getting back right in time for the last weekend of summer vacation. My pride and humiliation won’t even let me look at return flights.
While in Paris, I had enough to distract myself with. I helped mom with her new shop. We worked tirelessly on the upcoming fashion show and the new line. Reid and I made friends with a plethora of French models and partied a lot.
I even tried my hand at dating.
I was tired of feeling like a stigma, yearning for love from mommy, daddy, and legal guardians. I needed to replace that craving with actual romantic interests. Determined to try harder with boys, I dated a guy, Michel. It lasted two months.
Michel was perfect. Gorgeous, tall, smart, charming.
I didn’t feel enough of a pull to give up my V card. However, I did feel brazen enough to try some sexual acts with him. Ultimately, I realized that my attraction was still lukewarm at best. I called it quits a few days ago. Michel wasn’t thrilled but agreed to remain friends.
Now that the action-packed summer is coming to an end, I am filled with dread about returning home. I try to push thoughts of home out of my mind as I finish getting dressed for the show.
Reid and I are getting all dolled up (or suited up as he calls it). After the fashion show tonight, Reid has all kinds of plans for debaucheries around Paris with our Parisian friends.
As I put on my earrings and shoes, I hear the bathroom door open. Reid pops his head out of the bathroom. “Ready to head out?”
“Yep, let me just grab my purse.”
We walk down to our apartment lobby and wave at the concierge. This place has become our home over the summer. We are really going to miss it.
I link my arm with Reid’s. “So, what’s on the agenda for later tonight?”
“Alcohol, models, dancing. Need more details?”
I giggle. “Nope, that about covers it. I can’t wait to sit alone on the sidelines and watch your Parisian groupies rock/paper/scissor it out on who gets to maul you tonight.”
“You are always welcome to join in. And because you are my friend, you don’t even have to play rock/paper/scissor against the groupies. I will throw you the first bone for free.’
I laugh out loud. “How very generous of you. I don’t deserve such kindness.”
“I am a generous guy.” Then Reid stops and frowns. “Wait, why will you be alone? What isMichelledoing tonight?”
“It’s Michel, and you know it. Remember, I broke up with him.”
“You did? You didn’t tell me.”
“Yea, I did.”
“Umm… I’d remember my best friend breaking up with her boyfriend.”
“Hmmm… I could have sworn I told you. Oh well, I broke up with him.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“And are you okay? Should we be getting a pint of ice cream and watching The Notebook as you cry me a river?”
He is ridiculous. “Hold on to the ice cream and Notebook for now. I am fine. I just never felt… the attraction. It made no sense to continue, especially since we are going back.”
