Chapter 19
{Grand Finale }
~Corrine ~
The exams finally came and went. Everything happened in a blur for me, blurry and unexciting.
The day we wrote the last subject, Debbie and Boon yi had invited me to a party hosted by our classmates, I had politely declined, much to their surprise.
"Cori, you've been eager for this day ever since we became seniors, what changed? "Debbie asked, staring wide eyed at me.
"nothing Debbie. I don't think I'll be in the mood to party after my exams. "I told her tiredly, too weak to explain. I tightened my coat around me. The coat now seemed bigger. I sighed quietly, I had really lost much weight even though I'd never admit it, but I haven't been eating well. I skipped breakfast today. My parents weren't home to force me to eat breakfast. Dray god had hastily left to New York this morning.
"But Cori... "I caught sight of honey blond air, dark eyes.
"I'll be right back Debbie."I told Debbie hastily, interrupting her. I rushed after her
"Tiffany! Wait up. "I called after her. She didn't stop, though I was sure she had heard me. I finally overtook her and stood in front of her, preventing her leaving. I felt so faint and dizzy after the little strenuous exercise.
'Tiffany..."I gasped, crouching down to regain my breath and ward off the dark curls of dizziness that was threatening to engulf me.
"Hey Cori. "she said with a feigned look of surprise. "I didn't see you there. "
I bet you didn't...
She had been avoiding me lately, I wasn't ignorant to the reason.
'how have you been?"I asked once I had regained my breath.
"I've been fine. You don't look too well Cori, are you okay?'
"yeah yeah, I'm fine."
We stared at each other for a long awkward ten seconds.
"well it was nice talking to you Cori, I'll see you around. "she made no move to walk away.
"I get it now. Dave asked you not to hang out with me?"
She gave a miserable sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly.
"yeah, I'm sorry about that. But I was embarrassed, you know... After everything-"She wringed her fingers like a little girl.
"I understand. "I gave her a small smile. "Everything's just been messy lately, I'm sorry too. "
"Yeah. "
We stood for another awkward ten seconds.
"Good luck in your exams Tiffany. "
"thank you Cori. You too. "
We parted ways.
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The exam was finally over. I heaved a long, tired sigh of relief. I felt like a heavy burden had been lifted off my shoulders.
I watched, smiling, as my friends danced to Music playing from a confiscated speaker.
They had also smuggled in alcoholic beverages and were now secretly drinking it.
Seems like someone tipped the principal, for he soon came and chased out everyone.
I picked up my bag and headed for my car. Hands kept patting my shoulders and congratulating me.
"See you at the party Cori! "
"Oh Cori, I'm hosting a party at my house, I want you to be there... "
"the party's gon be a blaze! "
I barely heard them.
I felt so tired, I wanted to go home and strip off my dress, soak myself in a tub of steamy water...
When I finally managed to pry myself away from the throngs of people, I was able to breath properly. It had been suffocating in there. I didn't see any sign of Debbie and Boon Yi, but...well...they'd still come over to my house.
My legs were wobbly as I got to my car, a strong wave of dizziness hit me and I leaned on the car for support. I fought the strong urge to puke, even though there was nothing in my bowel
"Are you okay miss? "the chauffeur was asking me. He had came out of the car and now stood about three feet from me
"yeah, yeah...I'm just..."
"not been eating enough food. "Someone completed behind me. I was too weak to show my surprise, but I was surprised.
Dave!
What's he doing here?!
"W...what's that supposed to mean? "I asked fiddling with my hair suddenly.
He was dressed in a black,shinny coat, black jeans trouser...his hair was sexily messy, they were slightly longer now.
"You are clearly malnourished Cori. "
"I am not. "I shot out my jaw stubbornly. "What are you doing here by the way? "
"I...uhm...came to see you... "
I masked my surprise very well.
"Why? "I asked, clenching my fist so tightly that my fingers dug into my palms.
"I wanted to talk to you... "
Another wave of dizziness hit me, I held on to the car for support.
"About? "
"Us? The both of us. I've been a jerk and a fool. "
He had moved Closer to me now, until he was about two feet away from me. I stared at him, too stunned to say anything.
"I've been so blind, and I...I...I'm sorry Cori. "he seemed to be short of words.
"You're...you're sorry? "I stammered pathetically.
"Yes Cori, I'm sorry for the way I treated you, and I want you to know that I love you. I love you so much. "
His eyes never left my face, I nearly swooned.
What's he saying? He loves me. He fucking loves me!
Shouldn't I be happy about it? Dave loves me!
I made to take a step towards him, my legs wobbled and a strong overpowering urge to retch.
I fell forward and that was the last thing I remembered