When Lawrence really managed to win her over, Odette couldn't believe it at first, then she just felt simply happy. Genuinely, deep down, happy for them. But she couldn't forget it was her, after all, who had come between Bonnie and Lawrence in the first place.
A wave of guilt, sharp and lingering, settled on Odette's heart. She reached out, like she used to in the old days, tucking a loose strand of Bonnie's hair gently behind her ear.
“My dear, do you still blame me?” Her voice was softer than usual.
Bonnie pressed her lips together and gave a small shake of her head. “Odette, I never blamed you.”
Hearing this only made Odette feel worse. What was there left to say? She'd already apologized years ago. Bringing it up again now would only cheapen it.
“I saw you at the hospital last time. You were getting your stomach checked, right? Are you feeling any better now?” she asked.
Bonnie nodded. “I’m much better, thanks for caring. Odette, my coworker is still waiting for me, so I should go.”
Odette hesitated, words on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t get them out. In the end, she just let Bonnie leave.
The restroom fell quiet. The only thing left was the distant echo of running water through the pipes.
Odette wondered sometimes if any of this could ever be fixed. But looking at how Bonnie was now, it felt almost impossible.
***
Bonnie got into the car and leaned her head against the passenger window, eyes closed, pretending to sleep. Odette’s words played over and over in her mind.
Honestly, Bonnie hadn't blamed anyone, even three years ago. She hadn't been angry at Lawrence or anyone else. For a while, she thought it was her own fault, that the breakup had to be because something was wrong with her.
Later on, she figured it all out.


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