Autumn POV:

After Mel gave me a reality check, it has really opened my eyes about one thing for sure.

I need to get it fucking together.

No more of this bullshit game.

All I have been doing is just skipping around, like I'm so scared to find out what the outcome will be.

When I went back to my apartment after I got done drinking with Mel, I made a mental note of the things I needed to do in order to get this whole thing sorted out.

One, I am going to apologize to Damian and swear that I will never betray his trust again.

Two, I'm going to get some type of restraining order on Matthew, his stupid wife and his whole fucked up family.

Three, I might have to punch Evan (if we cross paths at least).

Whatever I need to get done, I am going to do it to the fullest extent.

*

As the sun shines on the roads, making it so hot that you can cook an egg on it, I headed down the sidewalk as I made my way towards a cafe.

James had requested that he and I should talk.

I'm not going to guess what it's going to be about, James is Damian's best friend and I know James is just looking out for him.

So whatever James has to say to me, I'm sure it's in Damian's best interests.

As I made it to the cafe, which was fairly small but cozy. Small tables were scattered throughout the building and there was some people inside, but it was peaceful and quiet.

I looked around for James and I quickly found him.

He was looking down at his phone, deeply concentrated on whatever he was looking at.

The sun had made its way into the building through the front windows and it shined right onto his face, casting a shadow to show off his features, making him glow.

Soft music was also playing throughout the cafe, enhancing the atmosphere.

I finally walked over to the table and as I got closer, James looked up at me and smiled, he got up, greeting me.

As we both sat down, I tried to ease myself into this conversation.

"So, how are you?" I questioned.

He put on a small smile as he answered, "You know, still learning how to adult and things like that"

I nodded as I felt the same way.

It's like when I think I know what I'm doing and I have everything under control, it just falls apart in the blink of an eye.

And the worst part is that half of the time, I don't know where it went wrong.

"Yeah, I absolutely get it"

As soon as I finish my sentence, James leans back on his chair as he lets out a big sigh, as if he was preparing for something.

He leans back into the table, resting his arms on the table.

"I'm just going to cut to the chase because I care about both you and Damian"

I nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"Based on what I can gather, you guys obviously had a fight and you didn't end well for you two" he paused to catch his breath, "I know that I haven't really asked how you were doing, but I seen Damian and the way he has been since then"

I look down at the table as what James is saying reminds me of how I stupidly betrayed him by believing his brother and the obvious lies he has fed into my head.

Now looking back on it, someone could have easily looked through that and not believe it.

But not me.

Not little native me.

"Damian— he's not his usual self and I expect that after what had happened, but it's like with each passing day, he just becomes this more reserved person, he doesn't talk much and he doesn't bicker with Noah anymore— it's like his personality is just gone"

I cringed as I heard what James was telling me, I hate it— I hate that Damian is feeling like this and I hate that I was one of the aspects that made him that way.

James continues, "I can see that he trying to get over it but at the end of the day, he just falls back into this state of darkness"

He also told me a conversation that happened between them, apparently Damian went straight to Noah's house, where James was too at the time.

James told me that at first he didn't say anything and that Damian wanted them to drop it, but told them anyway in the most explosive way.

He told them everything, just like I did with Mel, and in the end, he said he felt betrayed.

Which is completely understandable because in some sense, I did betray Damian's trust, I was stupid enough to believe someone else's words over his.

There was a slight moment of silence, maybe James wanted to give me a break for telling me so much information.

But no, I don't want him to make it easy for me, I don't want anyone holding back for me.

James must have noticed my demeanor changed, he kept going.

"So what's going to happen to you two?" James asked.

I was stunned by his question, I didn't really expect him to ask me this but at the same time I was confused.

I tilted my head at him, "What do you mean by that"

He leans forward onto the table, looking around the cafe like we were being watched by someone, or maybe because he is going to say something really embarrassing.

"Look between you and me, I know Damian is probably going to become very flustered over this but I think you be one of the main reasons he is glowing recently"

I looked at him, still confused over what he meant.

"The years I have known Damian, I always thought there is something missing, like I know that he had a tough time connecting with most because of his family situation" he paused as though remembering, "But I couldn't help but think 'Damian just need a little something to keep him remembering the good in the world'"

I stayed quiet as I listened, I would have never thought that he would have trouble trusting or connecting with people.

I mean it makes sense, his father left (according to Evan), and his own brother left as well, so I would understand why he had a hard time believing in people.

James continues, "But then he met you and I don't know what you did to him but, he was more brighter, happier, like he found a reason to open up more"

James has also told me about all the times Damian has talked about me, he mentioned the way he would go on for hours on end and seems to find something new to talk about me.

It even got to the point where Noah had to tune Damian out because he manages to bring me up in every conversation.

I laugh as I picture the image in my head, but it falls short.

"Look I'm not trying to pressure you into anything, just—"

I cut him off, "I will do everything in my power to make it up to him, I don't care how long it takes, I fucked up and I hurt Damian. I want him back and I mean it"

James smiles at me genuinely, "Damian really did find his perfect balance" he whispered.

We then ordered iced coffee, continuing our discussions.

I'm finally back, Autumn must be really determined.

What do you think Autumn will do from here?

Will Damian forgive her?

-Summer Roe