wild summer | #wattys2021

chapter twelve

Maisie's pov

I sipped my hot tea while checking my phone. Still no incoming call or text from the man I love. I sighed for the nth time before putting my phone aside. It has been three weeks since I last saw James. He hasn't called me back. In fact, he doesn't even make an effort to text me.

"How long are you going to be gone again?" I asked as he smile softly.

James shrugged his shoulders. "Just a few days, or maybe a week." I frowned a little.

"Don't worry," he said. "I'll call you every chance I get."

He leans forward to press a kiss on my forehead and I let out a content sigh. "I'm going to miss you," I whispered.

"I know," he said while pulling away. "But at least I know you'll still be here when I come home, right?"

"Of course." I smiled and wrap my arms around his waist.

"Don't worry about me sweetheart. Have fun working and text me when you can," he tells me and I nod.

But it's been three weeks and he still hasn't called or texted me, and three weeks are considered a long time when you don't hear from someone.

Why do I have a feeling that our relationship is faltering again?

I know for sure that he is not busy or anything. So what exactly has caught his attention over there?

Hey, call me when you get this. I'm worried about you, I sent my text to James, hoping he will reply soon.

I'm striving not to miss James so much but my heart feels heavy and it's getting harder each day. I know it's totally fine to miss him but I'm mad at myself for also relying on him for my happiness. Now all I feel is worry and fear. I worry if I have ruined our relationship and I fear that he will leave me. I'm still anxious thinking that maybe I love him more than he loves me.

I unlock my phone and look at the old photos of James and me. I saw one photo of us during one of my friend's party. Everyone was smiling and happy in the photo, except for one. I just realized how unhappy James look in the photo. He was sitting beside me, one hand around my shoulder, but not smiling. Unlike me and the others who look like we're having the time of our lives.

Am I really that selfish and self-centered? I know he hates parties and I shouldn't drag him along with me to see my friends but I thought I could help him to get involved in more social events and slowly get him out of his comfort zone. If not, well, he could at least try and pretend that he enjoys the party for me.

I swipe my phone and another photo of us was shown on the screen. This time it was a photo of when we went on a movie date. The camera is focused on us but he wasn't looking into the camera. Although he looks away but he does have a shy smile on his face. I smiled sadly at the photo, that man was never a fan of taking pictures and doesn't like being photographed, but I know he likes it when I secretly took pictures of him.

Without realizing, my eyes are getting teary again. "You could have stayed and helped me fix us," I said, still looking at the photo.

I heard the production crew call my name. "Maisie, have you eaten your lunch yet? Here, I brought you your juice. And hurry up please, we'll start again in ten."

"Thanks. I'll be ready in a moment," I said to the crew.

Edmund and Evie have visited me multiple times on the set. I'm good again with Edmund, he's been treating me more nicely and no more asking me about my relationship with James. Now, Edmund is just being a good friend to me. I'm glad to have both Edmund and Evie here with me while James is away.

I finished my lunch and drank my orange juice. As I got my hair done for my tv show role, I heard a beep on my phone. My heart skips a beat. It must be James. I unlock my phone only to see a text from Evie.

I read her text, "Hey Mais, I know you're busy but the whole group is going to hang out later tonight. Wanna join us? Usual place at 8. Hope to see you there!"

I would definitely be tired after the shoot was done but hanging out with my friends is better than going home to an empty apartment. I really need the distraction.

"Maisie," the production crew called me. "We're starting now. You ready?"

"Yes, just a second please."

I grabbed my phone and quickly dialled James' number. I shouldn't have my hopes up, but who knows he might pick up this time.

My call went unanswered, again. Sometimes the call would end before it even begin. I know he's rejecting my call purposely, but I decided to not ask myself why. After a sudden lost of contact from James, I can't help but blame myself. Of course I'm the reason.

Maybe I was too overbearing.

I looked into the vanity mirror with LED lights around it. I don't see a future professional actress, instead I see a girl forgotten and ignored by her lover. I felt my heart breaking, and I hope James can feel me breaking from across the country too.

I sighed, what is wrong with us? We climb so fast only to fall again. It was as if the last two days before he went back to his hometown didn't exist. I guess this is always how it ends for us.

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i was inspired by a lot of songs while writing this story. let me know if you think i should list all the songs here and make a playlist.

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