Episode 55: Scene Two
Chloe stared at a hugging Brent and Eve with a triumphant gleam in her deep hazel eyes. For quite some time the gleam had been absent. Chloe had let her insecurities get the best of her, and she now began to realize it. After months of seeing Brent and Eve at all of the parties and dances and other social events, she'd had become quite content in her single status. She was no longer ashamed to be by herself, and had come to actually prefer singlehood over being in a relationship.
Despite this newfound independence, Chloe's insecurities hadn't vanished completely. Instead, they had melted into an intense bitterness that had now consumed her every thought and feeling. She loathed Brent for leading her on, as she firmly believed he had. The anger had come slowly at first, but it was now burning brightly and hotly from the depths of her heart. Her love towards Brent had shattered and been replaced with a deep hatred that now filled her.
On top of her failed love life, she still heard the scathing remarks from the other girls about her looks, her non-existent love life, and intelligence. Chloe had attempted to convince herself that it was just jealousy, but their continuous insults had risen her insecurities from their shadowy grave. Now, she was battling both her intensifying anger and the insecurities that plagued her life. It was a tough fight, but she was determined to win.
"Earth to Chloe. Earth to Chloe," a voice yanked Chloe out of her thoughts.
Looking up, a wide smile burst forth upon Chloe's face. "Oh my goodness! Meredith Coe, is that you?"
"It's been so long, I almost thought you didn't recognize me. How have you been, girl?" Meredith's bright eyes danced and shimmered as she hugged her old friend.
"Gosh, it's been forever! I'm...okay, I guess," Chloe's smiling gaze faltered for a second, "but forget me, how is life over at Midway Academy?"
"I'm getting used to it. The first month or so was horrible. Everyone looked down upon us and acted like total jerks overall, but now I've met some really cool people. How's everyone here?"
"Don't even ask," Chloe groaned, leaning back in her chair. "The drama's just gone on and on and on."
"In other words, it's the same as when I left," Meredith laughed as she squeezed her friend's hand.
"So do you have a boyfriend?" Chloe ventured to ask, hesitating because she remembered Meredith's failed relationship with Mark Kwan.
"Actually, yes," Meredith's smile turned smug.
Chloe stared at Meredith as she waited for her to give details. When she didn't, she exclaimed, "Come on! What's his name? What does he look like? Is he sweet?"
"His name is Shawn, he's hot, and he is the sweetest person on the face of this earth. I never thought I could move on so quickly after Mark, but Shawn just kinda swept me off my feet!" Meredith laughed again, then quickly got serious. "So how are things between you and Brent?"
Smile unfaltering and gaze as steady as ever, Chloe answered firmly, "Better than I could have ever expected. There will be no Brent and me, Mer. Not now and certainly not ever."