"Hey, by the way, classes started a month ago. Why are you joining now?" Nadine asked as they reached the end of the hallway and turned the corner.
Vivienne smiled a little. "Oh, I had a fever, it took me a while to recover."
"A month to recover from a fever! Girl, you should work on your immunity." She replied with a laugh. "Well, now that you're in my class, I'll make sure of it."
They both stopped in front of a classroom. Standing at the doorway, Nadine grinned. "Welcome to the Rontrix High!"
That's how Vivienne met her. From that day onwards, Nadine Carter's name had been forever linked with hers.
Nadine wasn't part of any business family in Rontrix. Her father was a high-ranking government official, and her mother was a renowned artist. Despite not coming from a family of corporate wealth, their status in society was undeniable.
Vivienne had met them a few times, and she had rarely seen such sophisticated people. Especially her mother, she was so sweet! And because of her calm nature, she became her favourite in just a few days!
Even... It was from watching Nadine's mother paint with serene passion that Vivienne discovered her own love for design and drawing.
But unlike her refined and composed parents, Nadine was totally different — like a fire!
She was sharp-tongued, brave, and bold — one who could make people kneel with a glance.
Vivienne still remembered the moment she stepped into the class with her, how all the students' eyes were fixed on them. And that day, she'd gotten to know one thing — when she was with her, no one would dare to bully her. Because she was known as the 'rebel kid', and no one in the high school dared to mess with 'her' people.
Vivienne didn't know how two people with completely opposite personalities like them became friends! Opposite attraction, maybe. But within a few days of starting school, the two of them had become almost inseparable and, eventually, best friends.
Nadine was her savior from high school bullies; she was her best friend, her assignment buddy, and her crime partner! She was the one who showed her the world and taught her to survive in real life. She broke her fear of socialization and took her out of her comfort zone and traumas.
Even if she spent her whole life thanking her, it'd still probably be less — that was how Nadine had treated her. They promised each other to have their back, always, over everything.
But in the end... she broke that promise.
As she was Vivienne's friend, Nadine had met Damien since high school; while Damien was the dream guy of almost every girl in town, she never liked him.
Every time they met, she didn't say a single word to him except for a dry hello.
It surprised Vivienne. Nadine had warned her about him many times, but she never listened, dismissing it as a misconception.
Back then, their marriage was already fixed, and... She loved him.
In her last life's timeline, it all happened two years ago. At that time, Damien went on a trip with his friends, and there were several girls in the group.
And it happened to be the same place where one of Nadine's friends went with her family. After coming back, she shared how, during the whole trip, Damien was flirting with his female friends, how they were so close, etc., because unfortunately, they lived in the same hotel.
Nadine immediately informed her about it. Her point was clear and simple — even if their marriage agreement wasn't disclosed in public, how could he flirt or get in touch with another woman when he clearly had a relationship with Vivienne? Moreover, If a person couldn't be trustworthy now, how could she expect him to be honest with her for the rest of her life?
But Vivienne was Vivienne. Not only did she not take her words seriously, but instead dismissed them, saying that Damien was a bit of a boy; he was always like that with everyone.
That time, they had a big fight. Vivienne refused to hear anything about him; and at one point in the argument, she got angry and broke off their friendship!
Nadine was stunned. "Wha... What did you say?"
"I said, let's break this friendship. I love Damien, and I can't be in touch with someone who badmouths him!" Vivienne shouted, almost.
Nadine stood silent for a long time, then finally spoke up, in a calm voice. "Fine. Let's it it here, then."
Taking a few steps towards the elevator, she turned back one last time. "Vivi, never come back to me again, in life."
Without anything else, she left the place.
Vivienne stood there for a long time, alone. Then, she wiped her tears and blocked her number. The rooftop of Juno's Café, which was once a witness of their friendship, also saw their separation.
In her past life, since that day, they never contacted each other. Vivienne realized it later.. but she was so ashamed of herself that she could never gather the courage to stand in front of her.
Nadine was sharp-witted enough to recognize Damien, but Vivienne was stupid enough to ignore him; which she paid the price with her life.
-
Remembering those memories, a faint smile tugged at her lips. Nadine frowned. "Did you turn mute or something?"
Vivienne let out a breathy laugh. "I guess I grew up."
Nadine narrowed her eyes, folding her arms across her chest. "Is it your way to brush everything under the carpet?"
Vivienne took a couple of steps forward. "No, it's just to tell you that... You were right."
She took a deep breath, and as she spoke, her voice trembled. "I missed you, Nini, I.. really did."
"I don't think you do," Nadine said, her tone sharp.
"I know," Vivienne whispered, in guilt. "Back then… I thought love meant defending someone no matter what. I thought loyalty meant blindness."
"If I'm not wrong, you're already engaged to your prince charming. Why all this trouble all of a sudden?"
Vivienne stared at her for some time, then suddenly, a few words escaped her mouth abruptly. "Would you believe if I say, it took me a whole lifetime to correct my mistake? Would you believe it if I say, I died?"