SHARON'S POV
I collapsed onto my bed, the tears I'd been holding back finally breaking free as soon as I watched Aec's car zoom off, I let out a sob. I fumbled for my phone, my hands shaking as I dialed Maxie's number. "Maxxy," I cried out, my voice shaking with sobs.
I heard the sound of Maxie's bed creaking in the background as she sat up, her voice filled with concern. "Hey B, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" she asked, her tone soft and soothing.
I felt a lump form in my throat as I tried to speak, but all that came out were sobs. "I-I had the worst night," I stammered, the pain and fear from my encounter still fresh in my mind. Maxie's gentle tone was all I needed to break down, and I let out a wail, the sound echoing through the phone.
I could almost feel Maxie's presence on the other end of the line, her calm and steady energy a balm to my frazzled nerves. I took a deep breath, trying to calm down, but the tears just kept coming. "Maxxy, I don't know what to do," I whispered, feeling lost and alone.
I heard the panic in Maxie's voice, and it only made me cry harder. "Did Ryan do anything stupid? Oh, don't tell me he did," Maxie asked, her tone laced with concern and a hint of anger.
I shook my head, even though she couldn't see me. "No, no, no, it's not Ryan," I said, trying to calm her down. "Ryan's...Ryan's fine." I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, but my voice still trembled. "It's...it's Ace." Just saying his name made me feel a wave of emotions, and I struggled to get the words out.
"Maxie asked back, her voice almost breaking and almost too loud for my ear over the phone, "Ace?"
I nodded, even though she couldn't see me still. "Yes," I whispered, the memory of what happened still fresh in my mind. "He...he dragged me away from my kind of date, my outing with Ryan at the funfair." I sniffled, feeling a mix of emotions. "And now I'm...I'm confused. I don't...I don't know what to say to Ryan. He's been calling..." My voice trailed off as I thought about Ryan's calls and messages, and how I didn't know how to face him.
Maxie's voice was firm but gentle over the phone. "Calm down, B. Calm down." She repeated the words, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me as I focused on her soothing tone. "We'll figure this out, okay? Just breathe."
I took a deep breath, following Maxie's instructions, and slowly began to calm down. My sobs subsided into quiet sniffles, and I felt a sense of stillness wash over me.
Maxie's voice was gentle but probing. "Okay, B, well, what are you so scared of? Tell Ryan is just somebody unnecessary from your past. You don't have to be scared to face Ryan."
I hesitated, unsure of how to articulate my feelings. "It's not like I'm scared of facing Ryan," I said slowly. "It's just...what I'm scared of is that I felt a sense of relief seeing Ace's face instead of feeling utmost anger." The words felt like a confession, and I felt a wave of shame wash over me.
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then Maxie made a soft humming noise. It was a non-committal sound, but it was enough to make me wonder what she was thinking. Was she judging me? Was she shocked? The silence stretched out, and I felt a sense of anticipation, waiting for Maxie to respond.
The soft humming noise was followed by a gentle, reassuring tone. "Aside from... well, to be sincere, it's going to be hard, and emotions can be so stupid. We just think our emotions are right all the time, but all you have to do now is follow your heart. And what I have to say is, tell Ryan he's just someone from your past, because that is what Ace is."
I felt a knot form in my stomach as Maxie's words struck a chord. It was as if she could see right through me, understand exactly what I was feeling. I didn't respond, my mind reeling with thoughts and emotions.
Maxie's voice cut through the silence, gentle but firm. "B, can you hear me?" she asked, her tone laced with concern. I realized I had been quiet for too long, lost in my own thoughts. I took a deep breath, trying to process everything Maxie had just said.
I took a deep breath again and replied, my voice still shaking slightly. "Okay, okay, so I just have to go to work tomorrow and tell Ryan that he is someone from my past?" I asked, trying to process Maxie's advice.
"Yes," Maxie replied, her voice firm and reassuring.
I wiped the rest of the tears from my face, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. "Okay, I'm ready," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
Maxie's voice was warm and encouraging. "Yes, B, that's my girl!"
But just as I thought I was getting my emotions under control, my voice shook as I said, "He has a sport car..."
Maxie's tone changed, becoming more curious. "Who has a sport car?"
I couldn't help but smile, despite my tears. "Ryan. Ryan has a cool sport car."
Maxie's response was immediate. "No way! He's a great catch, girl! Don't let him go!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I felt a spark of hope ignite within me.
Maxie's voice was playful and teasing. "Oh, I'm sure Ryan's sport car is just the beginning of his many charms. Maybe he's also got a private jet and a collection of designer suits?" she joked, her tone light and flirtatious.
I couldn't help but laugh, feeling a smile spread across my face. "Maxie, stop it," I said, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.
Maxie's laughter echoed through the phone, and I could almost see her grinning on the other end of the line. "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing you. Get some rest, B. We'll talk tomorrow."
"Goodnight, Maxie," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude and relief wash over me.
"Goodnight, B. Sweet dreams," Maxie replied, her voice soft and gentle.
I ended the call and settled into bed, feeling a sense of peace fill me. Despite the turmoil of the night, I knew that with Maxie on my side, I could face whatever tomorrow brought.
"Aec Is my past" I reassured myself before going to sleep