AllFreeNovel
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Are we friends? Fuck, I don't even know what we are.
The fact people are watching us is concreting my decision to leave. It's getting too risky, and as fun as the game is, I think it's time to bow out. Besides, I'm in the lead with points so I guess I'm still the winner by default.
Everyone will win with this decision. College won't have to worry about me being a pain in their ass. Mom and Gareth don't have to feel the disappointment of watching me fuck everything up time and time again.
And Asher. He'll get his happily ever after with Jenny just like he's supposed to. I won't be there to cause a rift between them.
"I think you're bullshitting yourself, but I'll let you figure that out on your own," Phoebe says. "Anyway, I have some news."
I look at her, thankful for the change of subject. "Oh? What type of news?"
She grins at me, flinging her arm out. I blink, taking a moment to soak in the diamond ring on her finger.
"Oh, my God!" I squeal, looking at her with wide eyes. "You're engaged?"
"Yes! Con proposed at his parents' house. Can you believe it?"
I pull her into a hug. "I'm so happy for you."
She sits back, grinning. "I want you to be a bridesmaid."
"Me?" I ask, shell-shocked.
Phoebe rolls her eyes, smiling. "Of course. You're my best friend. Why wouldn't we want you there?"
I can't help the grin that breaks out on my face. I hug her again. "I'd be honored. I'm so, so happy for you and Con. You deserve it."
She pulls out her phone and starts showing me pictures of dresses and venues. And that's how we spend the weekend, planning the wedding of two soul mates and getting drunk on cheap wine.
Monday comes and instead of heading to college, my trusty Chevy takes me up north.
It's so relaxing, just cruising the highway with the windows down, music blaring as the wind blasts through the car.
It's about a 4 hour drive, so once I reach Rosevale, I find somewhere to pull over so I can pull up Google. I need a cheap motel to crash at for a few days while I meet potential roommates and hopefully land some job interviews.
Scrolling the search results on my phone, I'm relieved to see there's a Motel 6 in the middle of town. I memorize the map before driving off from my spot, heading towards the center of town.
The town is nice. It's small, a little outdated, but it's quiet… and that's what I want. I want somewhere where hierarchies and wealth are not a factor of respect.
Pulling up to the front door of the motel, I shut off the engine and head inside. The peeling cream paint and musky smell feel oddly inviting as I ding the bell on the counter. I hear movement from a side room before an older lady walks out, her mouth full as she chews food.
"Do you have an available room?" I ask, giving her time to finish.
She swallows, giving me a warm smile. "Yes, darl. Our basic rooms start at $56 a night."
I nod, reaching for my debit card. "I'll take 2 nights. If I need to extend, will that be okay?"
The lady takes the card from me, running it through the machine. "No issue at all. It's quiet at the moment so we have plenty of vacancy."
She hands me a slip to sign, and passes me a key to room 4. It's on the ground floor, so I'm able to park directly in front of my room door.
The room has a single queen bed, brick walls and an old television on the bar fridge. It's small but cozy, perfect for just me.
I've arranged to meet up with someone tomorrow to view a room. It's not far from the motel, within walking distance.
After I get settled in, I search more jobs, firing off more applications as I enjoy my temporary freedom. Hopefully, it becomes permanent.
As the sun starts to set, I decide to go for a walk in search of food. The main street is lined with small restaurants, shops and cafes. It's quiet but there's still people walking around, giving friendly smiles as I pass.
