Leave No Trace

Chapter 22

Danielson

He followed Mira and Derrick, but when they turned the corner, he hesitated. He just listened, as she and Derrick were talking.

"Mira, I just wanted to talk to you."

"I know. What are we going to talk about, Derrick? New York? It's ancient history. I've forgotten all about it."

"No. You haven't." He said, just as firmly. "I know you haven't."

"I have." She insisted.

"So you're saying what happened didn't matter?"

"No." She said, before turning sarcastic. "It didn't hurt at all, having you rip my heart out."

"Mira." Derrick sounded like he was in pain. "I'm sorry, I screwed up."

"No kidding. I told you, Derrick. Whatever."

"It still bothers you." He said.

"You acted like you liked me. And then completely turned around your opinion. I actually thought you liked me."

"And that's why you don't trust me?"

"Yes, that's why I don't trust you!"

"Look Mira, I was a jerk, okay? I don't deny it."

"You don't have the grounds to deny it!" She snapped.

"Mira, please." Danielson heard him plead. "I'm sorry."

"Why'd you take so long?" She asked.

"Look, I didn't know if I liked you or not! I wasn't sure!"

"And that justifies it?" She asked, sounding offended.

"See, I have hurt you! Has it bothered you all this time, Mira?"

"No." She said firmly. "It hasn't. Anyone who says otherwise is lying."

"Mira, no one has said anything. They pretty much have all forgotten."

"That's where you're wrong." She muttered.

"What do you mean?" He asked, sounding confused.

"Some people don't forget."

"People like you."

"People like me." Was her quiet reply.

"Mira, are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Her footsteps echoed in the hallway. "Don't!"

"You won't even let me touch you, Mira. And I'm sorry. I'm so damn sorry, I just- I'm an idiot, okay?"

"Well it doesn't matter. You gave me a wake-up call, Derrick. That's all."

"A wake-up call?"

"Yeah, a reminder I don't need a guy."

"I don't think that's all."

"I thought we would be friends after New York, which was incredibly stupid, right?"

"I wanted to hurt you, Derrick."

"What kind of hurt are we talking?"

"Anything. Anything that would make you feel as bad as I did."

"Mira... I am sorry. I regret it... Are you crying?" He sounded incredulous, and it suddenly struck Danielson that he really shouldn't be listening.

"No! I'm not crying. I'm just... I wasn't expecting this!"

"I just- I wouldn't have said anything, but everything that's happened-."