Enemy Confessions

Chapter Twenty Five

Michie bought our ice cream, and we sat outside at a small round table under a heater lamp. The sun was starting to set, making the sky a range of colours beautifully transitioning from one to the next.

Amelia would have loved this. Sunsets were her favourite. We used to grab Starbucks and find a spot to watch the sunset. Usually, we would drive to the beach, and if we were feeling adventurous, we would go for a hike to find the perfect spot. I always complained when the hike was longer than ten minutes, and she always told me that it would be worth it in the end, and she was right.

"Thank you for coming out with me." Michie smiled, bringing me away from the memories, and I gave a smile back, eating another spoon full of ice cream. Michie got plain chocolate, which I should have predicted, while I got rocky road with added sprinkles. Everything tastes better with sprinkles.

On paper, Michie was perfect. He was polite, intelligent, a real gentleman and seemed to genuinely like me. But I know that eventually, he will become more curious and start asking questions, trying to get to know me, to see if there is a potential future together. Typically, I would have left by now, but Michie was truly a friend, and I didn't want that to disappear. This is why you shouldn't go on dates with friends.

"So are you going to Matt's birthday bash tomorrow?" I asked to avoid any serious conversation. "I heard it's going to be quite extravagant."

Michie laughed slightly. "I normally don't get invited to Matts birthdays with him and Cale being so close. Everyone knows Cale, and I don't exactly get along. "

"It seems he doesn't really get along with a lot of people." I joked, referring to the brawl at the game earlier against Brett.

"Well." I started, thinking if what I was about to say next was a good idea. "I'm officially inviting you to the party. Apparently Luke is renting out an amusement park for the evening."

Michie's eyes went wide. "Seriously? That is next level."

"Like I said. Extravagant." As I took another scoop of ice cream. I shivered slightly as the wind picked up. If I weren't eating ice cream, the heat lamp would have been enough to keep me warm. Michie takes off his grey hoodie and hands it to me.

"No, I'm fine really." I protested. I feel 100 emotions at once with Cale, and most of them involve some sort of anger. With Michie, I feel neutral.

"I'm wearing another sweater underneath. I'm fine, really. Take it."

I thank him as I slip my arms into the sweater. It was warm and had a slight hint of cinnamon.

"So where were you before this. Why did you transfer so far into the program."

Fuck.

I shrugged. "Just wanted to get further away from home. I needed a change." I avoid eye contact by swirling my slowly melting ice cream, the sprinkles making colours of green and pink. I can tell he wants to ask more questions, but he doesn't press it.

"Why are you staring at me?" I said after a moment when I noticed his eyes lingering on my face. I rubbed my tongue along my teeth, wondering something was stuck in them.

"The way the sun is hitting your face. You look more beautiful than normal." I felt myself blush. I was never good at accepting compliments.

"Thanks." I say shyly

"Theoretically, if I were to ask you out. Like officially what would you say."

"I don't really date, haven't for a while. It's not personal." I tried to make it sounds as light-hearted as possible.