Beautiful Mess(137)

Bri gave a small laugh.

“Thanks, Dad. I love you, too.” She kissed her dad on the cheek and headed to bed. She was done crying, done feeling sorry for herself, and done being miserable. It was time to act. She had some serious thinking to do, and some serious plans to make.

Because in all of this mess, there was one thing Bri was sure of. She wasn’t going to let Cole go without a fight. She loved him too much. She just needed to figure out a way to prove it to him.





By the time graduation arrived on Wednesday night, Bri had made her decision. She knew what she needed to do. She was going to take a risk, more like a giant leap, because she knew Cole was worth it. And even though she was still hurting, and achingly desperate to have him back, there was hope in her heart. Hope that she would be able to fix things between them. Hope that he would forgive her for being such a stubborn idiot. Hope that there was a chance for them to be happy, together.

So, while she was still heartbroken and terrified, that small seed of hope allowed Bri to walk up, her head held high, to receive her diploma. The senior class, decked out in navy blue and white gowns, were assembled in rows out on the football field. Parents, families, and friends filled the stands to watch and cheer their graduates. Bri accepted her diploma and congratulations from the principal, and paused to get her picture taken. She was even able to give a genuine smile, her first one in weeks, as her family and friends cheered for her.

She cheered for each of her friends as they accepted their diplomas. When it was Cole’s turn, Bri clapped and cheered as loud as she could. She didn’t know if he realized she was cheering for him, his eyes never sought her out in the crowd, but she hoped that he knew.

Finally, the last diploma was handed out, and the principal declared them graduated. Bri cheered and tossed her cap into the air, relieved and grateful that this chapter of her life was over. She was ready to move forward.

As she bent to retrieve her cap, she spotted Cole across the field. He stood, alone and still, in the mass of activity, watching her. Nothing registered in his dull eyes, as he stared at her for a moment. Then with a sigh, the only form of acknowledgement he gave her, he turned and walked away.

Guilt and anguish twisted Bri’s stomach. She had done this to him, turned him into this lifeless, apathetic version of himself. For a moment doubt filled her. How was he ever going to be able to forgive her for hurting him so badly? Would he even believe her when she told him how she really felt about him? Tears threatened in her eyes, but she forced them back. No more crying. It was time to fight, and she had much to do. She just hoped it wasn’t too little, too late.

She started that night, by telling her dad and Summer her plan when they took her out to dinner to celebrate her graduation. Summer was shocked, but Connor didn’t seem too surprised by her decision. They were both supportive, and offered Bri any assistance she needed. After dinner with her family, Bri went the party Layla was throwing at her house. Deciding to confide in Layla, she pulled Layla aside and told her the plan, after first swearing her to secrecy.

“Wow.” Layla was obviously stunned. “Why don’t you just go tell Cole all of this right now, before he leaves?”

“No. He probably wouldn’t believe me anyway. I need to prove to him that I’m serious. I need to do something big, so that there’s no room for him to doubt me. So, please, you can’t say anything to anyone. I don’t want him to find out.”

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” Layla promised. “And Bri? I want you to know that I think what you’re doing is very brave. I hope it works out for you.” She hugged Bri tightly.

“Thanks Lay. Love you.”

“Love you too, girl.”

The next morning, Bri put her plan into motion. She started by calling the admissions office at Duke. She’d already been accepted there, but she needed to make sure she wasn’t too late to accept. Then she called the scholarship department, and after a little finagling, was assured that the academic scholarship she’d been offered was still hers. She then called the director of Duke’s dance team and found out that, to her great relief, she hadn’t missed tryouts. Auditions were the following Tuesday. Bri got all the information, and after telling the director, Tanya, a little about her dance history, Tanya was very excited to have her come try out. Bri then called her dad, and he gave her permission to book them both ticket to North Carolina. Bri had been willing to go by herself, but her dad insisted on going with her, which made Bri happy.

Summer had walked in while Bri was talking to her dad and had heard the conversation. Thoroughly stunning Bri, Summer offered to make all the travel and hotel arrangements for her. This was the first time Summer had offered to do anything for Bri, and she was touched. Maybe there was hope for the two of them after all.