I had stared at myself in the mirror for two solid minutes already, questioning what I was about to do. Did I really want to give it all up? There could still be a little bit of hope left ...
I closed my eyes and sighed. No, it wasn't worth it. Phineas was never going to come around. I had tried for YEARS to get his attention, and he was still as clueless as ever.
My black hair was still tied in a thick braid; styled the same way Phineas had braided it two years ago. He had lost the gang's backyard game, and as a penalty, he had to do something with my hair. I remembered blushing my blood cells out and playing with the hem of my pink jumper as Phineas gathered my black hair gently and had twisted it expertly into a lightweight braid: All the sections evenly thick, a few fly-away hairs dangling over my eyes. Ever since then, I was filled with hope that he would eventually come around. I had braided my hair every morning, as if the braid had symbolized my hope.
But here I was, years later, entering my last year of high school, and Phineas hadn't changed. He still talked to me like I was a childhood friend. He still didn't take any notice of the obvious gestures that I made. He still ignored my feelings.
As I was swirled away in thoughts, my hand reached behind my neck to smooth down my braid. I knew that I had given up, but I wasn't ready to admit it. I was still holding on. I had tried for such a long time. Was there a point in giving up NOW?
Every bone in my body was telling me that it was hopeless. Every bone in my body was telling me to give my braid a tug and pull it out. There was no point anymore. I pulled my braid over my shoulder to look at it. Finally, I gave in to my instincts and told myself that it was time to move on. I had been waiting for way too long. I had tried my hardest, and failed.
I squeezed my eyes shut and started to tug at my braid. Without a sound, I pulled out my pink bow and started to unwind my hair. I could already hear Phineas asking me, "Hey Isabella, what happened to your braid?" But even so, I unwound it even faster. I could feel my hair coming loose, feeling kind of wavy. It was nice. It was like taking a weight off my shoulder.
When my hands had unwound my braid all they could, I opened my eyes and stared into the mirror. Staring back at me was someone different.
My hair hung loosely around my face. It cascaded down my shoulders, some places a little wavier than others. I smiled at myself weakly. I had pushed Phineas out of my heart and mind. I had wanted so much more before, but now he was just my friend, like he would always be.
I ran my fingers through my black hair for a few seconds, then smiled at myself triumphantly and marched out of the bathroom. I left my bow and brush on the sink, along with my hope.
(exhales) Wow, I had that one hanging around for a while! Can't believe I waited so long to upload this! Like I said before, reviews are more than welcome, whether they're good or bad. Carpei Diem!