Paige used to say things never happen without a reason. I used to think she had a point until her betrayal. Now, I wonder what brought her and Ryan to take advantage of me and break my heart in a thousand pieces.

Honestly, I do consider she's just being naïve and driven by deep feelings for Ryan without catching his red flags-like me when I was still friends with him. Yet, her smug attitude at the café, the fact that she didn't hesitate to side with him over me, her fucking brother... No, I can't just let go of it.

It's time for me to cut ties with the past. No, this isn't just your typical resolution, but a true intention of facts. I need to meet new faces, someone who can give me another perspective in life. But, where do I start? Because of my tendency to stay exclusively within that toxic close knit group, I precluded myself from other relationships.

I desperately need a new friend. And, why not, a new job.

***

I return to the diner, picking my usual secluded spot. I crave a double cheeseburger and an extralarge milkshake with cookies. As I place my order, the waitress who served me last time recognizes me and smiles at me. "Oh, I think we know each other!"

"Oh, really? What a coincidence! Now that I think of that... Yes, you offered me the house's dessert last time!" I recall correctly. She takes a seat opposite me. Isn't she supposed to work, though? Oh, never mind. I can definitely use some company.

She continues. "I think I should introduce myself. My name is Lillie. Lillie Dahlberg. What's yours?" I'm dumbfounded. Not only this waitress is pretty, her name is, too. She strikes me as a really nice person. I have to get to know her better.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Eddie. Let me tell you... You... You did great last time... You know..." I hesitate. I'm always awkward when it comes to meeting new people and getting to know them better.

Back when I was still friends to that person, whom I don't want to name, he was the one doing the dirty work and breaking the ice for me. Now it's time I actually put my own effort and talk to people without sounding like an idiot.

I burst into laughter, fearing she'll give me the side eye. However, she just smiles. "Oh, thank you. I'm pleased to know you still appreciate my service. Anyway, you'll order will be ready within twenty minutes." She bows and then leaves to the kitchen. Now, I'm alone again.

I wonder what Lillie thinks of me. She's polite and overall a pleasant person, but what if she's just showing a façade for the sake of her job? Enough with questions. My lack of trust is also part of why my people's skills have barely seen any improvement over the years.

***

After an hour and a half at the diner, and realizing Lillie's shift is already over because I no longer see her, I'm ready to pay and leave. The manager notices me. He looks even angrier than usual. It's not a good sign.

"Hey, you." I pretend not to pay attention to him or his bullshit, but he catches me redhanded. Therefore, he raises his voice and his face turns beet red. "Hey, yes, you! Don't act dumb!"

I merely extract my credit card. "I'm just here to pay for my lunch and leave, sir."

He laughs sarcastically, much to my discomfort. I focus on the transaction only because I don't want to fight that man. I'm in no place or position to do so. Despite my attempt to keep my distance, the manager scowls at me. "Yeah, yeah, leave and never come back! And stay away from my girlfriend!"

"Oh, the waitress, Lillie... She didn't mention that-"

He retorts. "Yeah, because that's not your business. Pay and get the fuck out of here, before I call the cops!"

Since I'm tired of being walked over, as soon as I'm done paying, I return him his uncouth rudeness. "Fuck off, asshole. How you treat customers is absolutely unacceptable. Shame on you!" I leave the diner without turning back.

I can't believe one of my favorite places is now being run by a total jerk. How many other things do I have to lose before I can gain something? I might've taken the path to reconnect with Mom and Dad properly, but at what cost?

***

At the park next to the town hall, my last safe place left, I find myself kicking rocks out of frustration. Even though I'm by myself, I feel like there's a hundred of glares pointing at me, ready to judge me negatively for whatever I do.

The more I try to ignore this feeling, the more it resurfaces. So, in order to let it subside, I lie on an empty bench and close my eyes, drifting myself to sleep.

***

I feel like my ass is glued on the couch as Ryan and Paige keep pointing their fingers at me, with glares constantly plastered on their faces. They don't relent as they chastise me all while calling me names. I take them in silence, pretending to swallow my pride, but I wish I could simply rip their eyes off their orbits.

They call me good for nothing, useless, an envious loser. Paige goes as far as stating she's ashamed of being my sister, that she'd rather be an only child than still deal with me. Ryan admits that he only pretended to be my friend, but actually faked his nice attitude just to keep me close and use me as he pleases.

I'd like to shout at them, to punch their nasty faces, to knock out all their teeth. However, I don't need to. Their words, their actions, their gestures define their true personalities. They're both toxic. I don't need them in my lives. They can get lost forever-I pray they do.

I gather my courage and call them out. "You shouldn't be proud of having to disguise your true selves. If anything, if I were you, I'd hide in shame forever."

Ryan chuckles with his usual arrogance. "As if your threat can hurt me! Please, Eddie, face reality. You were nothing without me. You should be the one hiding in shame, starting from now."

"You don't get to act all friendly and then bully me when it's convenient."

He hisses while disdainfully waving his hand at me. "Know your place, loser, and act accordingly. Never cross paths with me or Paige again, understood?"

I don't even answer his pathetic demand. I just up and leave, never turning back. Paige can go and yap about not having a brother; I'll keep holding it against her for the rest of my days like she does against me.

***

The moment I open my eyes again, I realize I'm not alone anymore. Not only I've just woken up from a nightmare, I also have to face another unwanted social interaction. A woman around my age, if not slightly older, wearing a black lace cloak that only lets her show her hands and hair, clears her throat.

She must want to take a seat. I stand up; she sits on the bench. I'm about to leave when she invites me to join her. I hesitate. "I'm not sure I know you, madam. Maybe I-"

She interrupts me. "Don't be shy. Sit next to me. I really need someone to talk to." I don't know if this is comforting or not. What's certain is that this lady has her own way to stand out.