Tabitha's POV
Gloria grabbed my hand anxiously and asked, "Goodbye? Where are you going?"
"Don't worry. I just need a spot to chill for a bit," I tried to soothe her.
"Well, I could tell from your outfit today that you're trying to clear your head. I mean, you look like an ice queen. Will it gonna take long?" she asked.
"Well. Yes, I guess," I replied softly.
"Alright, it might actually be a good choice for you to leave this hell."
Gloria had always been lively and cheerful. But now, she didn't know how to comfort me because she knew that the suffering I had gone through couldn't be wiped away with just a few words.
To shift my attention, she ordered many expensive dishes.
With a smile, she said to me, "Tabitha, just eat whatever you want today. My treat. I'm loaded now, so don't hold back!"
I chuckled, "Keep your voice down, or people will think you're a nouveau riche."
"What's the big deal? I earned this myself! Tabitha, tell you what? Back in high school when you helped me a lot, I'd told myself that I gotta get on and be your rock one day."
I smiled at her, "You're already amazing now."
I watched as Gloria blossomed into her own person.
Unlike me, who was a love-struck fool, she was born to be a successful businesswoman. In the past, she was held back by a scum. But now, she had gotten over him and got a bright future.
As she finally found the path she wanted to take, I was genuinely happy for her.
We spent the day just like we did back in school, eating, shopping, watching a movie, etc. I kept a faint smile the whole time.
Finally, night fell, and snow started drifting down from the sky. Just as we were about to part ways, Gloria suddenly called out to me, "Wait."
Then, she dashed into the nearby accessory store. A short while later, she came out with a scarf and wrapped it around my neck.
Then, she looked into my eyes, piping up, "Tabitha, no matter which path you choose, whenever you feel tired, I'll always be there for you. Take good care of yourself. And when you can, send me messages to let me know if you're doing well. I really care about you, you know?"
"Sure," I promised.
She added, "You're in poor health, so don't push yourself too hard. You can compromise when you need to. It's okay to be fragile, get it?"
"Um-hum."
"Please be happy," she sobbed.
"Yeah, you too." I wiped away her tears. "Goodbye, Gloria."
I then hopped into the car. When I looked back, I saw Gloria standing there watching me leave without moving an inch.
A wave of sadness washed over me. But I told myself, everything here needed to come to an end.
In this snowy winter, I decided to bid a final farewell to my past.
When I got home, Priscilla was preparing tomorrow's dishes with an Omega.
After going back to my room to freshen up, I watched the heavy snowfall outside.
How time flew.
Just then, I heard footsteps at the door. Turning around, I locked eyes with Derek.
Walking up to me, he asked, "You really made up your mind?"
"Yep," I replied.
"You don't really have to be in such a hurry. Waiting until spring when things warm up would be better."
I replied with a sneer, "For me, this world is hell. There's no spring in my life. Derek, if you truly love me, just let me go."
His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. "You should know this is no joke. It's the Thunderflame Isles. If you go..."
"I know. I may die there," I smiled. "But there's still a chance for me to survive. I'll make it, just like you did back then."
Derek stared at me for what felt like forever before letting out a resigned sigh.
"Fine. You're the boss."
Crystal swore inside me, "We've gotta get stronger, for those we care about, and for revenge!"
With a nod, I thought to myself, 'Thunderflame Isles, I'm coming.'