Chapter 18

A long lost friendship

In California at midnight

Aaron's pov

I open my phone and read her message even though I don't really want to. She kicked me out of her life and let me speechless. I can still remember what she said. 'I don't think you can love me without the mask.' 'Then why didn't you fall in love with Bella?' As I thought about it, I finally find an answer to that.. I didn't fall in love with Bella because I couldn't see her more than a best friend because I was already in love with Bearzy when I met Bella! I start reading her message anyway.

'Hello Aaron. We didn't talk in over a year now. I know you are still mad at me but I think I have a point in what I said. I am not the same person with and without the mask. With the mask I am confident, brave, cute, powerful, but without it I am just a clumsy nerd girl.'

I don't know what to answer to that.. hm.. I should try to prove my point.

'Hey. I wasn't mad at you in the first place. I completely understood your point but I think you underestimated my love for you. I could love you like you are. And I don't think you are so different with or without the mask.'

'What do you mean 'could' '

'I was together with Emma for 2 months actually. But we can stay friends.'

'Oh..'

Why was she so upset? I know her too well, I know when she is sad even over text.

'Let's meet at California café. You are the only one I can go there with.'

'You're right haha!'

'I have a long drive to get there so maybe tomorrow?'

'Sure!'

I close my phone and start driving. As I was driving I realised I didn't tell Emma and Amira I left the beach with their car! I am already one hour in the road so I have to call and get them an uber or something.

"Hello Emma..''

"Why did you leave us here?!''

"I made a mistake.''

"Oh so now you want to get back together?!"

"Actually I think it's for the best if we break up. Our relationship is a bit toxic and we have a messy past.''

"WHAT?!''

"I'm so sorry.. I'll get y'all an uber.''

"You better!''

I call an uber fast and continue my road.

*after 2 hours*

I finally got home after such a tiring day and a break up. I don't think I mentioned I live alone now. When I turned 18 I left the house. My father was too over protective and I hated it.

The next day

Bella's pov

I am so excited but worried at the same time to meet Aaron. I really missed him this year. My life wasn't the same. I am disappointed he already is over me. The truth is… I am not over him. I couldn't look at any boy at high school, and they are all handsome. I have to respect his decision. Now I will head to the café.

*after I get to the café*

Aaron was already there when I got there. That's good.. I think?

"Oh hiii Bella.''

"Hey Aaron''

He pulled my chair so I could sit down, but I told him:

"You don't have to do that! We are friends!"

"If you say so 'miss' Bella.''

Then we both burst out laughing.

"What do you want to order?'' says the waiter.

"I think I'll just have a coffee.'' I say.

"I will have a cappuccino please.''

"Ok, they will be ready in a bit.''

Then the waiter leaves and we get to chat a little.

"So, how was your life after we have up our…''

I get closer to him and whisper "miraculouses''

"Well my life has been very boring since then. Then I got together with Emma. Our relationship was a bit toxic though.''

"I see. I didn't get together with anyone since.''

"Why?''

"Because ..''

But right then the waiter came back with our drinks so I stopped.

"These are your drinks.''

"Thank you.'' Say me and Aaron at the same time.

"Where were we?''

"I don't know!" I lie.

"Oh I remember. Why didn't you give a boy at your high school a chance?"

"Well.. You know what, I'll just say it!''

"What?''

"I am still in love with you!'' I say a little too loud.

I hear some girls behind me saying:

"Ooo that's some tea.''

But when I turn around I see a lot of cups of tea so they didn't mean it that way…

"..''

"I understand you are already over me but can we at least stay friends?''

"I just need some time to think about this. I just broke up with Emma. But I am afraid you will get over me before I have enough time to think.''

"You don't have to worry about that trust me!''

**time skip**

We finish eating our food and ask for the check. Aaron offers to pay and I don't comment.

"What do you think about our first time seeing each other after a year?''

"I think it was great!''

We leave the restaurant and walk together until we have to go on different streets to get home.

"See you next time, Belle..'' (belle means beautiful in french)

"What did you say? I don't speak french but the word seems very similar to my name!''

"It's just a nickname!''

"I love nicknames. See you soon !''

"Yeaa, good bye!''

Then I start walking the opposite and think about what he said. I couldn't search the word because I didn't know how to spell it or what it means. I guess I'll remain curious.

After 4 months

Bella's pov

We were just heading to the beach when I got a comment on my post on tiktok. It was a French person. They said: Tu as trés belle (you are very beautiful). I didn't know what those words meant but I recognised my nickname. This is it? Now I can search it. I wasn't sure it even was French but now I am! I google it and the translate is: You are very beautiful.. He called me beautiful the whole time without me knowing? I immediately question it.

"I found out what my nickname means..''

"Great! I've been thinking about telling you..''

"Please drop the act. Do you love me or not?''

"At that time I wasn't sure but now I know the answer is clear.''

"..''

"I love you Bella and I always did.''

"I kept my promise and I didn't get over you until I got the answer.''

Right then we get to the beach. The sun is bright and shiny. It's like a ball of fire. We look at it, then we look at each other and kiss. This was the most romantic thing that happened to me.

"Our lives have been very complicated but I think we've found our piece.'' I say.

"I agree. I am truly happy.''

We get out of the car to admire the sunset and relax.

"Let's stay somewhere else.'' Says Aaron.

"But this is the best place, why?''

"This is where Emma, Amira and I stood last time.''

"I see. Let's go there!'' I say, pointing to a place with a lot of umbrellas.

When I try to walk in the sand I stepped on something.

"There is something big under the sand. Come see!''

"It's probably just a rock!''

"I don't think so..'' I say, worried.

"Then what is it?''

"The news camera….''

"THAT ONE?!'' Aaron yells.

"Yes that one I'm sure!''

"Open it and delete that video forever.'' Says Aaron, serious.

"Doing it right now.''

But when I open the camera and click the video I start feeling weird. A strong wind comes and puts sand on us. I feel like the camera pulls me inside the video. What's happening?

"Aaron! Are you there?!"

"I don't understand what's happening!"

No one's pov

The camera pulled Bella and Aaron into it. They didn't know that the adventures is beginning now.

End of chapter!

This is one of the best books I made so far and I hope you will read the sequel too. Only 2-3 chapters left and this book will come to an end. Thank you for the support you gave me and that you took time from your day to read my work :)