He started to make his way to me, closer and closer. His eyes looked straight to mine in a steady, intent gaze. I felt the air thinning. My throat was slowly losing its moisture as he walked even nearer, like he was sucking all the air from inside me.

With his every step, rose petals and petunias would rain down from behind along with rainbows springing out of nowhere. Garden animals would frolic around and sing symphonies in perfect harmony, or at least that's how it looked to me.

I've known him long enough to be able to say with much confidence that he was the ideal guy for any girl. Well, for one, he was incredibly charming. He always said the right words and kept his promises. On the other hand, he was the first one to apologize even when he was not at fault, and most importantly, he respected your choices all the time.

"Eric... I thought I'd never see you again. It's been two years," I said, finally gathering the strength to get to my senses.

"Hey." Eric chuckled and hugged me tightly. I thought it was all friendly until his hand reached to grope my ass. I shrugged him off as soon as I felt the warm pressure of his palm.

As awkward as it had been, I pretended not to notice the breach of friendship. It had been been two years since I reconnected with my friends from back home, and I couldn't bear losing another considering I badly needed one now that Nathan left me.

"How did you find me?" I asked.

"That doesn't matter anymore. Come with me. You're safe now. I'm going to take you home," he said, grabbing my arm forcefully.

"Safe? What are you talking about, Eric? I am safe. I ran away from home of my own free will," I said. He then let go of my arm. "And sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm pretty sure I don't need a man to save me. You can go now."

I was confused about his sudden aggression to take me home. He never forced me to do things I clearly didn't want to do unless he thought it was the best for my sake.

"Okay, okay fine. Why did you leave then?" he asked. "Give me one good reason."

"I ran away because I needed to prove to my parents that I can handle myself out here in the real world. I want to show them that I have what it takes to go to school, to hustle and work my ass off, and to live normally as possible; like taking the subway with a bunch of other commoners and not get grossed out, or making my own coffee or simply doing the dishes," I said.

He scoffed. "You can't be serious. You're not used to doing all that stuff. In fact, you're not born for those things."

"Yes, perhaps it's no fun and really exhausting to do, but at least I'm not trapped within my privileged zone," I added.

His reactions were humiliating to watch. He mocked me for what I had said, obviously not taking me seriously. I never thought Eric would treat me like I'm speaking nonsense and hurting his ears for listening to my every word.
Laughing, he put both of his hands on my shoulders and stared at my eyes.

"You can't survive the world out here, Avery. Everyone knows that. You may try to act that you're all fearless and adventurous, but it's not going to work on me," he said.

Insulted, I talked back to him but before I could open my mouth, he continued to speak. He raised his voice as if I weren't his friend, paying no attention to my wounded feelings.

"The moment you get a single scratch on your knee or get rejected at work, or even experience your first catfight with some chick who wanted the same pair of sandals as you, you're going to run back in my arms, cry and beg me to bring you home. Like you always do."

"Wow. Look at you all grown up and cocky. I know men are conceited but, boy, are you on a whole new level. When did you become such a selfish egomaniac?"

Anger blasted to its brink like hot steam blowing from my ears. I could feel my face heating up. I couldn't believe what I just heard. It started to feel like I wasn't talking to my childhood best friend whom I've known forever.

"Listen, Avery. I'm done playing nice. If you don't get in the car with me, your parents will never trust me again. You know how your dad is when he's pissed," he replied, taking his car keys from his pockets hurriedly. "Meet me at your school tomorrow. I'll be waiting." Eric left quickly. He got into his car and drove at full speed.

Fuming with so much anger, I went home to my apartment. The nostalgia that came kicking at the moment I saw him tonight had vanished completely. He was my trusted ally ever since we were kids, but from what I had just witnessed, he had changed big time.

Exhausted from emotionally dealing with two men in one night, I dug my thoughts under my pillow, praying not to think of them again in my dreams.

When morning came, I scurried outside, hoping to catch the bus. On the rear back, I found a vacant seat next to this pretty blonde girl with a camera hanging around her neck. She looked nerdy and coy, like someone who didn't usually initiate small talks on the bus.
On the contrary, she kept staring at me the moment I sat down next to her. She obviously wanted to say something.

"You must be Avery van Carter. Hi, my name is Charlie. I'm the editor-in-chief of the school paper at Wixton," she approached, shaking my hand.

"Oh...oh, right. Charlie. Yeah. I see you around school sometimes."

"Actually, I was wondering if you would like to be a part of our magazine?" she asked.

"Why me?"

"Have you ever taken a look at yourself? You're gorgeous. There's only one student at Wixton Academy who possesses such exquisite beauty, and that's you. Some of our classmates even imitate your fashion sense and your hairstyle, and sometimes...even the way you talk."

"Woah, that's a bit over-the-top too creepy now, don't you think?" I laughed awkwardly. "But on second thought, well, yeah, sure. Um... The most life-changing event in my life was when I went to South Phinesdale and conducted a community immersion to hel—"

"Yeah...uh...hate to break it to you, Avery, but we couldn't care less about your participation in some outreach program. We only care about your impact on the school magazine and your influence on other kids who don't go to Wixton," she said, showing me the proposed magazine outline. "The administration actually thought it would be strategic if your face would be all over the front page. They're expecting an increase in the student population by next year."

"Okay...that was rude. Well, maybe you should find some other girl to be your magazine cover girl. I don't want to be defined solely based on my choice of apparel. Thank you, but no thank you," I replied, getting off the bus immediately.

Treading through the gates of Wixton Academy, I felt no guilt whatsoever leaving her at the bus. I was sick of people containing me into a box. It reminded me of my not-so-fun childhood that was spent mostly on presenting myself as an entitled adult in front of people with cameras and microphones, as I was told that I was looked up to by all the people around me.

Recalling what Eric had told me the night before, I hoped I wouldn't have to see him again. Whatever he wanted to tell me was no longer my concern when he ruined his chance last night.

I had come to school to apologize to Professor Brawston about not seeing him at the Founders' Ball. I thought everything would turn out fine until I saw Eric standing by the bench. I walked faster to avoid him; covering my face so he wouldn't see me. When I finally made past him, I sighed in relief.

I was on my way to the powder room when a very sophisticated-looking man about six feet, five inches tall glared at me with a huge grin on his face. He wore an expensive business suit as a social symbol to flaunt whatever wealth is overflowing from up his sleeves. With him were a couple of bodyguards at each side, and as he had seen me again after two long years of being gone, he was surprisingly at ease.

"I can't believe this."

"Dad..."

"Avery, why don't you give your daddy a big tight hug, huh, darling? For old time's sake?" My father opened his arms wide enough to give me a warm embrace, reeling me into his ruse of never-ending manipulation, lies, and dirty secrets.

They say that to move forward, one must close the door of the past.

Unfortunately, I didn't realize I left the key behind. Now the door is wide open, and anybody who is left behind that door gets to re-enter into my life as they wish.