He rolled his eyes and smiled at me. "I'm a big boy, Aria. I've been around for over a hundred years, so I've had to deal with a few heartbreaks. I can handle this one, too. I have to admit, though, I've never fallen as quickly as this."
For a minute, I allowed myself to think of how much easier life would be if it was Jared instead of Tallis. Event that felt like a betrayal.
"I wish things could be different. You know how I feel, though."
He rubbed his forehead as he sighed. "Love is a vicious cycle sometimes. I want you, you want him, and he's running away. Everybody is chasing someone or running. I almost feel as if we're trapped in some stupid soap opera."
He laughed bitterly at his own comment.
I just smiled. "I'm sorry. I do love being your friend. I hope one day that's enough for you."
He took a deep breath and then exhaled loudly while responding. "Oh, believe me, I do, too. Until then, though, I'll be chasing the girl I can't have who is chasing the boy that she can't have. Wouldn't it be something if we ended up soul mates after all this?"
I tried not to wince. I couldn't imagine my soul mate being anyone but Tallis. "It would certainly be a surprise," I muttered dryly.
He frowned again. "I have to go. The rest of the militia is waiting on me. I drew out my stay here as long as I could. I was really hoping you would change your mind, especially after that kiss. At least I didn't set you on fire." He snickered jokingly until he noticed the tears forming in my eyes. Then he cleared his throat and fidgeted awkwardly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I didn't mean to upset you."
I forced a small smile. "It's okay. I certainly have a lot of issues to deal with. Be careful, please. I don't want you getting hurt."
He winked at me as he spoke with a cocky tone. "If I get hurt, will you kiss it and make it all better?"
I laughed while rolling my eyes. "I'll get Aster to heal you."
He scrunched up his nose, continuing his playfulness. "I prefer the kiss."
He pulled me to him and hugged me before kissing my forehead.
"Take care of yourself. Call me if you ever need me."
I looked up at him, confused. "You talk like you're never going to see me again."
He laughed as though I had made a joke. "Oh, trust me; you'll see me again. I told you I wasn't giving up that easily."
He hugged me again, picking me up just barely as he did so. I heard a horn honking in the front yard, interrupting our farewell.
"That's for me. I'll see you later, Aria."
He held my hand as he walked away until our fingertips were too far apart to reach. I spoke quietly to him as he got in the car. He was a good twenty-feet away, but I knew he could still hear me. “Bye, Jared."
He turned toward me one last time and winked at me before disappearing into the passenger seat. Then they sped off, squealing tires out of the driveway. I was sad to see him go, but at the same time, I was relieved. I knew it was hurting him to be around me when he knew I was in love with Tallis.
Gear raced down the yard yelling, distracting me. I saw Jared's ride reappear into sight. They whipped back into the driveway and raced in. I moved in until I could hear what was being said.
"Sorry," Gear said, "but you need to stay another night. The militia is planning an attack close by, and they won't get here until tomorrow. They said they would just meet up with you here."
I felt my heart start pounding. I was almost happy that he was going to be staying another night now that we had talked, but at the same time... it was all so confusing.
Jared looked toward me smiling pleasantly as he spoke to Gear. "That sounds like a plan to me."
He made his way toward me, intentionally strutting as his grin grew. "It looks like we may have been a little premature with our farewells. I told you that you would be seeing me again."
I just laughed and covered my smile with my hand, feeling bashful all of the sudden. "It seems you were right."
He took my hand and pulled it in his.
"So, friend," he said teasingly, "what do you say to two friends watching a movie tonight? No tricks. I promise."
I sighed in defeat and smiled at the same time. "Sounds good."