57
The crew stayed around until it was Sunday and Tahti finally decided it was time to leave Santa Barbara, as well. Their exams were fast approaching and so was the gallery exhibition.
Tahti was unable to leave, when the gang were leaving, as her aunt had been busy stacking up meals for her, knowing fully well she was lazy to cook, so she didn't have any other option, but to go with the bus.
"Tahti." Someone called as she took a seat, by the window side
"Josh?" She asked, surprised to see him as he neared and she wondered if he was also travelling back to L.A too.
"I'm glad you didn't leave yet."
"I didn't know you were coming." She replied and he smiled.
"I came to see you off, this time."
"Oh." She said, with a smile.
"Be safe on your way home."
"I will. Good luck with the restaurant."
"Thanks." He replied and passed her a small paper bag.
"What this?"
"It's nothing special, but I want you to have it." He said and she lowered her head to peep into the bag. On seeing what it was, her raised her head to flash him a grateful smile.
"Thanks...I feel bad, though.I only receive things from you."
"It's fine." He smiled and she looked over his shoulder to see embarking passengers, to fill up the bus.
"I thought about it..." He was saying and she returned her attention to him. "I don't think I can give up on you, that easily."
There was a puzzled look on her face, the moment he said that.
"Not until you date someone else, or you tell me you would never like me."
"The bus will depart soon." The driver called out and a smile crossed his lips.
"I'll see you another time." He winked and Tahti was dumbstruck as she watched him alight the bus. Why did she have the annoying feeling she was about to have another toxic guy added to her life?
The car pulled to a halt, at the entrance of the school and everyone alighted except for April, who was at the passenger's seat. Herley swept his bag over his back as he alighted and Jennie walked over to the trunk with Sol, to fetch their bags.
"Thanks." Jennie said, once Sol had gotten their things.
"You girls should be safe on your way home." Derek waved.
"Take care." Herley called out and the girls turned to head for home.
Herley made to walk into the school and Derek arched a brow, on seeing he wasn't headed for home.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm heading for the studio." He replied.
"Alright." He said and turned to see there was one last member of the crew in the car. Rolling his eyes, he walked over to help her with her door.
"You should get down now. The others have left." He said and she turned to him.
"Hey, did we break up for real?" She asked and he looked away.
"Hmm. If you agree."
She tore her eyes off him, with a sigh. "To be honest, we both know what each of us was like before..."
"I know." He replied. "But, I think we're better off as friends. You said it was tough dating a guy like me, right?"
Was that what this was all about? "Gosh, are you still blinded by what I said? You..."
"Honestly, it's tough for me too. And we've been fighting ever since we started dating." He said and finally lowered his head to look at her. "Were you even happy dating me?"
"You're making it sound like we've dated for so long. Our relationship is just about how old?"
"And it seems we both don't want to change for each other's sake. It's best to just end it here."
She sighed. So there was no convincing him to change his mind, she thought. as she looked away.
"Alright. Let's be friends again."
He frowned. "What?" He asked and she turned to him.
"You said we were better off as friends. We were friends for much longer than we dated. Why wouldn't we be friends again?"
He tore his eyes off her, looking like he was fed up with her attitude.
"Sure. we could be friends again, but it feels like you would ask to be friends with benefits later."
"I won't." She blurted out, feeling already frustrated with the conversation. "So, let's be friends again."
"Nobody knows about us, so I'll do my best not to show it. I won't cause you trouble."
"Yeah, whatever." She murmured and finally alighted the car, headed for the apartment and Derek sighed as he watched her leave.
"Just arriving?"
His head whipped round to see Demir walking towards him. They'd seemed to forge some kind of friendship lately.
"Yeah. What about you? When did you leave?"
"Friday morning." came his reply.
"Friday? That early?"
"I had something to do." He shrugged.
"I have to return the car." Derek said and he turned to peep through him at the car.
"It must be tiresome. You just got back."
"Yeah, I guess it's the same for you too."
"What do you mean?" Demir asked and Derek ran his hand to tousle his hair.
"I shouldn't have told you Tahti was coming." He explained and Demir smiled.
"Well, something good came from that."
"Something good?"
"I can focus on my work better." He replied and Derek sighed his frustration. "Lucky you. I ended things with her."
Demir's eyes darted round to him. "Why?" He was hoping they'd get to fix things during the workshop.
"I'm exhausted...It's the same for her too. I guess people can never change."
