Characters: Lola, mentions of Chase
Pairing: Lola loving Chase, Chase/Zoey
Timeframe: One year after Acting, Part 1
She was drowning in her own mind.
The number of times she lay awake at night, silently sobbing, shaking, trying to release her frustrations without the notice of her roommates.
It grew harder and harder each day, watching one of her best friends and the guy she loved grow closer in their long awaited relationship. They were truly meant for each other, but her heart ached, longing for him.
His crooked smile, his warm hug.
He had cut his hair shorter, a shock at first but suited him well. It was nice to see his eyes. He had such nice eyes.
She only wished that it was her that his eyes lit up for. Instead, they only saw her blonde friend.
She acted, of course, that this didn't bother her one bit, and everyone believed her. No one thought anything of it, because no one knew the truth.
No one knew that she cried herself to sleep.
She had broken up with Vince months prior, as it wasn't fair to make him suffer too. The group just thought she had matured into a more mature, independent individual. The thought made her sick.
Once and a while, she let her mask slip in hopes that someone could see her pain. They never did.
She lost her appetite.
Her small frame became even smaller as the weeks went on.
She wasn't even interested in dating anymore, she mostly just wanted to be alone.
She had just turned seventeen, and with the end of the school year approaching, she supposed that she should be excited. But she didn't feel anything anymore.
.
.
"Is everything alright?"
She hadn't even heard him come in, but she felt her cheeks blush as she saw Chase standing in her doorway. She was alone, as most of her friends were out at an end of year party.
"Why do you say that?" She stuttered, not looking him in the eye.
"Lola, don't hide things." He said, taking a step towards her. "We've all noticed that you've been acting differently. Everyone's worried."
"Well that's nice." She said curtly, turning away.
"Seriously. What's wrong?"
She sighed. "I don't even know myself."
There was a pause, as both of them stood in silence, waiting for the other to speak up. Finally, Chase spoke.
"You know, I told Zoey everything."
She froze.
"She's not mad at you at all. You should know that."
"I know." She took a deep breath. "Chase, I can't stay here. I want you and Zoey to be happy, but I can't stay here and watch."
"We don't want you to leave. Next year is our last year here, and we do love you."
"But not the way I want you to."
"I'm sorry."
She shook her head. "I don't want to talk about this."
He looked at her. "Whatever you're going through, Lola, remember, you're not alone."
"Well, thanks, I guess."
And for the first time in a year, and the second time ever, Chase walked over and kissed her on the cheek.
He gave her a small smile before walking out.
.
.
She announced the next day that she would not be returning to PCA for their senior year, or at least until she got her life straightened out. She was going to move back in with her family in Florida and go to public school.
It was hopeless, really, and her heart ached, watching her friends cry as they said their last goodbyes, realizing that she might not be there to cross the graduation stage with them.
Acting was a hobby, and hopefully a career. But it was in no way a permanent life change.
She was Lola Martinez, and she was tired of playing the role of the supportive best friend.
A/N
I haven't written in so long, so sorry if I'm a bit rusty.
This isn't exactly closure, but I said I'd do another part to the chapter entitled Acting, so here it is. Let me know in the reviews if you want me to do one final part to it.
I'm in the process of rereading Broken Hearts so I can finally update, but who knows. It'll get done eventually.
I've been having a rough few months emotionally so please bare with me. I'll be back soon, I promise.
If you'd like to review, please do. I'm working on new chapters so leave suggestions or requests.
-Sarah