She lets out an undignified snort, grabbing the paper towels to dry her hands. “All boys are. He’s completely oblivious when it comes to me.” She shakes her head and looks up at me with a smile that’s anything but happy. “He can’t see me when he only has eyes for you.” She waves a hand at me.
My mouth pops open. “What do you mean?”
“He. Likes. You.” She bites out the words like they grate on her throat.
“That’s crazy. We’re just friends.”
She arches a brow. “Now who’s the oblivious one?” My lips part again. Her shoulders tightening she lets out a shaky breath. “Go, Dani. Please.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
Sorry. Such a useless word, but somehow always feels necessary all the same.
“I can’t make him like me.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal. “It’s time for me to move on from this ridiculous crush.” She pauses, tilting her head. “How did you know I liked him?”
I want to tell her it’s been obvious, but I think that might make her mad.
“I pay attention.”
She nods, waiting for me to leave.
Reaching over, I squeeze her hand. She gives me a small smile in return.
“You can always talk to me if you need to.”
I finally leave her, because I know when I feel the way she does I like being by myself too.
The bell rings and I groan. I didn’t finish my lunch since I ran after Sasha and I’m still hungry. But there’s nothing I can do about it at the moment.
Reluctantly, I venture through the chaotic chatter filled halls. Reaching the long hallway that leads to Lachlan’s office, I skim my fingers against the white painted walls.
My stomach feels leaden at the prospect of seeing him.
I get halfway to his office before my feet won’t go any further. I stand there, suspended, unable to move forward. I do
n’t know what it is that holds me back. Fear? Shame?
His words from yesterday pinball back and forth through my skull.
“Why would you think it was about you?”
I turn around, power walking back in the opposite direction. Each step taking me further and further away from him.
I don’t know what he’ll think when I don’t show up. I don’t care either. Maybe he’s not even there.
The halls are emptying, only a few stragglers like myself remain.
I could go to the library, but I don’t. There are some common areas in the school, but I don’t stop in any of them either.
Instead, I find myself venturing to the one place I’ve avoided the most.
The indoor track field.
The lights are dimmed since it’s not in use.
I climb the bleachers, sitting in the middle, staring at the track.
For the most part my whole life revolved around running since I was in middle school. I loved it. Running was my oxygen and I’m suffocating without it. It’s one of those things I try not to acknowledge much, because I’m sure people would think I’m crazy. I should be grateful.