Chapter 80 Trying to forget
NIA’S POV
“You don’t mean it!” Perry yelled into the phone. Even though it was on speaker, she still seemed to be having difficulty hearing because she kept mumbling curses.
Ezra kissed his teeth on the other end. “I am so pissed right now. I confronted Gemma, and she affirmed it to my face. I am mostly disappointed in Gael; it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours, and he already moved on with her. Forgive me for saying this to you, Nia. But it is best to forget about the Sunset pack and move on with your life. You deserve better than this. Trying to love a damaged person like Gael was a complete waste of time. He and Gemma deserve each other.”
“I am taking a flight to the pack this minute!” Perry uttered.
I sighed, feeling exhausted. “You will do no such thing. Do you intend to go beat Gemma up and then end up behind bars? There is no need for us to bring ourselves so low.
“I sincerely appreciate your help, Ezra. I am so sorry for the inconvenience. I promise to repay you soon.” 
“You don’t have to thank me, Nia. I will do anything to protect you over and over again. What I was hoping you could do for me is to live for yourself from now on. I know you are very hurt presently, but don’t blame yourself. It’s obvious now that everything was a trap since Gemma admitted to it. Gael has made up his mind not to believe you. Do all that you can to forget him. He wasn’t worth your presence in the first place. I am sorry you had to go through this to realize that.”
I hummed in response. “Thank you, Ezra. I will talk to you later, bye.”
“Don’t hang up yet. I need to tell you something.” Perry said quickly. She snatched the phone off the table and ran to the room. She was shutting the door behind her.
I curled up on the couch and stared blankly at the wall. I practically wept all through the flight down to New York. The plane didn’t land until the early hours of the morning. Perry had been thoughtful enough to give me a safe sleeping pill. I wouldn’t have caught a wink of sleep. I thought I would keep crying when I woke up. Instead, my eyes felt dry. Almost as if I had exhausted all the liquid my body could remit. I woke up a few minutes ago when Ezra’s call came in.
It’s such a shame that Gael moved on so quickly. I don’t know what hurts me the most, Gemma setting me up, or Gael didn’t give me the benefit of the doubt. It didn’t take long for him to humiliate me, just like when he had despised me so much for being a half-breed. Who was fooling? How would someone go from hate to love so quickly? He must have been playing me from the very beginning. And my gullible self, as usual, fell for it without hesitation. Gemma must be having a good laugh right now.
It must be what Perry meant by Gael’s fickle emotions. It seems like too short of a time to get over someone you claim to be so in love with. I guess I was too trusting and weighing other people’s hearts with mine. It’s obvious now that no one cares about how you feel as long as whatever happens ends up in their favor.
I blinked slowly as the dry tears pricked at my tired eyes. Why do I need to cry for someone who doesn’t care about me? I wonder what would have become of me if Ezra hadn’t been pleasant. Everyone who saw me didn’t bother to extend a hand of help. They were either scared of what Gael would do to them. Or every one of them is just plain hypocrites who take delight in the misery of other people? My life seems to always end up with no direction. Just when I thought I was getting it together, it crumbled in just one night.
I looked around the room filled with Perry’s paintings. It feels so strange but, at the same time, welcoming. At least Perry does know how to paint. I can’t do anything else aside from house chores. It is the human world, and they wouldn’t need a healer. Whatever ability I possess only works in the packs. I am of no use to anyone here. The tears that, I thought, had ceased came back with full force this time.
Perry stepped out of the room and rushed towards me. “Hey, why are you crying? That asshole doesn’t deserve your tears, Nia. Please.” Perry pleaded.
I sniffed, wiping at the tears. “It’s not just about Gael. Don’t you think I am cursed? Why does everything keep going south for me? I thought my life had settled and everything I ever wanted was finally in my hands, only for the wind to take it away in one night. I have faced betrayal from everyone that I hold dear to my heart. First, it was my adoptive family, and now Gael. What have I done to deserve this.”
Perry cleaned my face with the tip of her sweatshirt. “You didn’t do anything, Nia. You only associate with the wrong people. You are a wonderful being, Nia. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“What would I do now? I have no one here except you.”
“And you think I am not enough?”NôvelDrama.Org content.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then you don’t have to put any meaning to it. I am fine with you being by my side. We will get you a job later on, but for now, you need to focus on healing from all these messy times. I know you are a happy person. There is no need for you to feel used or dumped. You were lied against and treated brashly. You are the victim, but don’t let that be your identity. Likewise, you have to rise above water. Both Gael and Gemma aren’t deserving of your tears. It will only weaken you. If you aren’t too tired, I want to show you New York at night. I am sure you will love it.”
I smiled weakly. “I don’t think I am up for it.”
“I knew you were going to say that. But I have no intention of taking no for an answer. So you have no other choice but to come with me. Moreover, we would die of hunger if we didn’t step out of this house. I have been eating out because I am too busy to cook, and most importantly, I can’t cook to save my life.”
“Then you are lucky because I am a bit of a chef.” I grinned proudly.
Perry clapped in excitement. “Now that is the Nia that I know. We would go grocery shopping and eat out, then walk back home after buying out a junk spot.”
I laughed heartily, “are you sure that is anywhere near healthy?”
She shrugged, “we only live once. Eat healthy or not; it all ends six feet under the ground. So why not live a little? Let’s get out of here and feel the essence of life for an hour.” She giggled, dragging me with her to the room.
Even if I do intend to brood, Perry will ensure that the mission fails. And sincerely, I am glad she is the person to call me back to life.