Unusually direct in public, Simon grabbed my arm and snapped, "Is that how much you don't want to sit with me?"
I had no idea why he was so upset.
Maybe it was because I'd hurt his pride?
Confused, I asked, "Do you want to sit with me? I thought you'd prefer to be with Hannah."
My words struck a nerve. Simon snatched my ticket and pulled Hannah close.
"Since you don't want to, then stay away from me for the rest of your life!"
I watched as he stormed off with Hannah, gripping her waist tightly.
My eyes stung, but my heart strangely didn't ache as much.
His final threatening words didn't carry much weight for me anymore.
During our free time in Switzerland, I bought a new journal.
I filled it with people and moments that truly mattered.
This time, Simon was omitted.
After boarding the program crew's bus, I looked out the window. The snowy landscape stretched endlessly, peaceful and serene.
The world was entire of beautiful things, yet it felt like I was trapped in Simon's orbit.
I became an actress because of him and every role I've taken has been to get closer to his sets.
I pressed my pen hard against the paper, writing down everything I wanted to experience in the future.
Focused on my writing, I didn't notice Hannah leaning over.
She snatched my notebook and began reading aloud with a teasing grin.
"Go deep-sea diving?"
"Claire, have you never done this before? If you go, you could ask Simon to join you. He taught me personally the last time I went."
Of course, I already knew—she'd posted about it on her social media.
His long, elegant fingers had held her steady as she dove.
Those same hands once gripped mine just as tightly.
Simon's expression darkened as he overheard her words.
Then my phone buzzed. I opened it to see his message, which was still pinned at the top of my chat list.
After unpinning the chat, I read his message.
"Why do you keep bringing up things from so long ago? Is it necessary, Claire?"
"I can recommend an instructor if you want to try diving, but if you expect me to join you. Sorry, I'm busy."
I stared at the message momentarily, set his chat to "Do Not Disturb," and replied with a simple "Oh."
I watched his face darken suddenly, but I didn't care. I snatched back my diary and glared at Hannah.
"There are no cameras now, so nobody likes a loudmouth like you."
Hannah turned to Simon with a pitiful look. "Simon."