I couldn't go to college for the next three days as I had a severe headache. I was in too much pain, physical and emotional. I hadn't spoken to Austin after the last time and he didn't even try to approach me.

To be honest, I was expecting at least a text from him but every time I clicked my phone to check, there was no notification. I cried remembering our moments.

Rose had asked a billion times in the last three days why I lied to Austin but I had no answer to that. I didn't know how to tell her.

"How are you feeling honey?" my mom asked me as she peeped in my room

"I'm good, mom. I feel much better," I replied

That's the same response I've been giving her every time she came in to check on me.

"Rose called me a few minutes back and told me to tell you that she'll be coming in 5 minutes," my mom continued

I just gave a nod to her

**********

Rose walked in my room 20 minutes later

"I thought you were coming in 5 minutes didn't know it would be 20," I said

"How are you Hazie?" she said softly as she gave me a tight hug

"Feeling much better," I replied

"I brought cookies," she said producing a lunch box in front of me

"Oh, that exactly what I need right now," I replied with a broad smile cheering up

I opened it immediately as took a bite.

"Did you get this from his house?" I asked looking at Rose as I instantly recognized the taste

Austin once got me a few cookies his mom had made. They were delicious and so are these ones and they have the exact taste so it wasn't hard to distinguish

"Yeah," she replied, knowing that it would be of no use to deny anyway

I looked down on the cookies and tears rolled up my eyes

"Hazel, hey, are you crying? Please don't cry," Rose said softly as she placed her hand on my hand and sat next to me, "Why are you doing this to yourself and to him?"

"Rose, please-" I was about to say in my broken voice

"No Hazel. Don't push the topic away. You need to talk about it. If you don't you're gonna go crazy," she said concerned

At last, I gave up. I didn't have the energy to avoid the topic anymore.

"You know I can be with Austin," I said as I cried

"Why not?" she questioned

"Because," I said letting out a deep breath, "You know what happened with Kevin, right? I don't want Austin to think of me the same as he did. Austin is the only guy who likes me for who I am and I don't want that to change,"

"Are you still holding on to what that dumb-head said? You know he was a jerk," she replied

"What he said was true Rose. Every single word, Kevin was right about it all," I said

"Are you crazy Hazel? Of course, it isn't true. I'm your best friend who knows you inside out and I'm telling you it isn't true," she said

"Really Rose? How can you overlook the obvious? You are the only friend I have. No one in the college even knew that I existed before befriending Austin and his friends. The only reason the sports group girls talk to me is because of Austin," I said

"Well, they don't know me as well does that make me a terrible person?" she questioned

"They know you, Rose. They just don't talk to you because they don't wanna hang around a girl like me. I'm like the extra baggage no one wants to carry around," I said

"That's no true Hazel," Rose replied, softly

"Yes, it is Rose. Do you really think I don't see it? Do you think I didn't notice that even Jenna and her gang wanted to be friends with you and you turned them down just for me? I know it all Rose," I said as my throat ached even more

The pain in my heart grew. Admitting those words was much more hurtful than just knowing them.

"Hazel Violet Cortez. I know you better than anyone else and I am telling you that you are the most amazing person to be around with. Yes, I turned down Jenna and her gang for you but that because I love you and I enjoy being around you. You are much more fun than those plastic dolls," she said sternly as she raised her voice

I looked at her with awe. Somewhere in my heart, her words did comfort me. I did feel better knowing that she genuinely like me for who I am.

"Austin's gonna love you too. Just give him a chance. He'll love every bit of you just like I do," she said going back to her soft tone

"You think?" I questioned

"Yes. Trust me, he's gonna love you even if he sees you pajama- night side or your goofy side or your movie-at-home side," she joked, "he might get a little scared but he'll still love you,"

I rolled my eyes as I let out a small chuckle

"Thanks, Rose," I said looking at her as I smiled

"So you wanna talk to Austin now?" she asked grabbing her phone ready to call him, "I have his number on speed dial,"

I smiled. This girl is just crazy and one day she's gonna drive me crazy as well. But I wouldn't change it for the world.

"Not just yet," I said

"What? Why not?" she questioned

"Give me some time Rose. I'll talk to him as soon as I'm prepared. I promise," I replied

"Alright," she said getting up, "I gotta go now. I've got loads of work to do at home,"

"Thanks for everything," I said

"Can I take the cookies with me?" she questioned motioning to grab the box

"Of course not. They're mine," I said hugging the box

She rolled her eyes and walked out of my room with a broad smile on her lips.

She is the best and really good at motivational speaking. Clearly.

I looked down at my box of cookies and smiled. My headache was gone and I genuinely felt much better. I grabbed another piece of cookie and began eating it, one by one.

*******
A/N
Hope you guys enjoy the story so far.

I'd like to dedicate this chapter to SylviaEclipse for being a great supporter of my story. Thank you so much.

You can leave comments down below as to how you want the story to proceed. If I like your idea I might take your idea.

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Until next time,
Toodles.