The Love From Vengeance

345: DRIVE THROUGH DESPAIR

ARIEL’S POV

I drove through the pouring rain, my windshield wipers working overtime to keep my vision clear. My mind was racing with worry as I headed to meet Tessa. I knew she was heartbroken, and I wanted to be there for her. Her two–year relationship with her boyfriend had suddenly come to an end, and I could only imagine the pain she was feeling.

I pulled up to Tessa’s house and ran through the rain to her front door. She opened it before I even had a chance to knock, her eyes red and puffy from crying. I hugged her tightly, trying to convey my support and understanding. “I’m so sorry, Tessa,” I said softly. “I’m here for you.”

Tessa’s sobs increased as she leaned into me. “I can’t believe it’s over. Two years and now it’s just…done,

” she choked out between tears.

I knew there was nothing I could say to take away her pain, but I also knew that she needed someone to

listen and be there for her. “Come on, let’s go for a drive,” I suggested, taking her hand and leading her to

her car.

We got in, and I started driving. The rain was still pouring down around us. We didn’t talk at first; Tessa

just stared out the window, lost in her thoughts. But as we drove on, she began to open up to me.

“I thought he was the one, you know? We had plans for the future; we talked about getting married and

starting a family. And now, none of that is going to happen.”

I reached over and squeezed her hand, trying to offer some comfort. “I know it hurts right now, but trust

me, everything will be okay. You’re strong, and you’ll get through this,” I reassured her.

Tessa let out a deep sigh. “I just don’t understand why he ended it. He said he wasn’t happy anymore, but

he never talked to me about it. He just gave up.”

I could feel my own anger towards Tessa’s ex–boyfriend rising, but I knew that wasn’t what she needed.

was going through something and didn’t know

Tessa. You did everything you could to make the relationship

fight for you and communicate with you.”

“Thank you, Ariel. I don’t know what I would do without you,” she

me a small smile.

hope in her eyes. “That’s what best friends are

felt grateful for Tessa’s friendship. She had always been there for me, and now it was my turn to be there for her.

down, Tessa still looked shattered, and seeing her

It came at full speed, making it seem like it was

THROUGH DESPAIR

to collide with

shrieked, tapping

in a different direction, going along the road and crashing into a store

serious one.

and so

I

out of the car immediately, burning in rage. As I approached the vehicle that had arrived to cause havoc, I sobbed, “Hey,

consumed by anger that I was paying less attention to it Just then, a young man stepped

well–tailored white suit. He was undeniably handsome, but I couldn’t find it in me to be impressed. My anger at him for recklessly crashing his car towards us overshadowed any physical attraction I may

danger? His looks were irrelevant in this moment; all I could think about was the frustration and anger I

see you coming; it was a

surrender.

him, my anger boiling over. “A mistake? Do you

You could have killed

her expression furious. “You need to be more careful! You could have seriously hurt someone with your reckless driving!”

really sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. It won’t happen again, I

his apology fell on deaf ears. “Sorry isn’t good enough!” I snapped, my hands trembling

our lives in danger, and for what? Because you couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to

calming hand on my shoulder, trying to diffuse the tension.