Distance

Chapter 10

Distance

Chapter 10: Thinking of You

The next Monday after the Valentine's incident, I wasn't really acting like myself. I was more distracted, thinking of Andrew. I still couldn't wrap my mind around the idea of not talking to him everyday, of not seeing his face through the computer. Sure, I could just log onto Facebook and click on his profile, but it won't be the same. His eyes don't sparkle like they usually do whenever I get lost in them, his smiles are more polite and forced than natural and full of joy. I know he wanted distance - and I respect that - but why exactly? What's he keeping from me?

"Jamie!" Tony snapped his fingers in front of my face. I blinked, shaking my head to clear my thoughts. Where am I? I take in my surroundings, it looked like I was at school. This was the last place I want to be at right now. I wish I was at home...in my bed...with Andrew-STOP THINKING ABOUT HIM, JAMIE!

I sigh and laid my head against my desk, shutting the world out. Somehow, I can't get Andrew out of my head. He doesn't want anything to do with me, why can't I just accept that?

"Are you ok, Jamie?" Esther asked. I lifted my head slightly and rested my chin on my arm. She looked worried, her perfectly shaped eyebrows knitted together, her thin lips curled downwardly in a deep frown. Knowing me for five years, she's the only one besides Isabelle who can tell when something's bothering me.

"I'm fine," I say quietly. Esther doesn't buy any of that crap, neither does Tony.

"You know you can trust us," he said, reassuringly. I flash him a strained smile.

"I'm fine, really," I said. Before either of them could question me any further, our teacher walked into the classroom. I didn't really pay attention to the lesson, instead I thought about Andrew. I thought about what he was doing, probably he's in class, or with friends, or maybe he's thinking about me. I doubt the latter. Why would he think about me? After all, he's the one who wanted distance. I just hope it's not forever.

After school, I sat alone on my bed, staring at my phone. My thumbs were absentmindedly wrestling as I contemplate whether or not I should call him. Any other day, I would call him without a second thought. But this wasn't any other day, was it? Besides, he would probably think I'm annoying. Calling him two days after he said we shouldn't. Why is it when we're not supposed to do something, it's what we want to do the most? I guess it's human nature. I sighed and placed my phone on my nightstand, if he wants to talk to me, he will. Right?

I ran a hand through my wavy brown hair as I doubt the chances of him trying to communicate with me. He might even forget me. Ironic, because he was afraid I might forget him. Sometimes I wonder how his mind works. I slumped deeper into my bed and closed my eyes. Andrew's face popped into my mind. His beautiful smile, his captivating eyes, his joyful laughter. I realise now how deep my feelings are for him. It's no longer attraction. It's love.

My eyes flew open and my arm shot out to grab my phone. I quickly typed a text to Isabelle. "COME OVER NOW. IT'S AN EMERGENCY!" Hitting "send", I stood up and left my room. I walked out of the house and into the garden. The sun was shinning, but not too brightly, like most days. I took a seat on one of the outdoor sofas and waited for Isabelle. I opened the box of orchids I brought from my room. The ones Andrew gave me. They still look beautiful.

I looked up when I heard the front gate open. It was Isabelle. She smiled and waved at me. I waved back.

"Hey, I got your text. What's wrong?" she asked, standing over me.

"Adam and I broke up," I said quietly.

"I heard," Isabelle said, "Are you ok?"

"No," I shook my head slightly. I felt the sofa dip beside me. I look over at Isabelle. "He told me he loved me."