Open Up My Eager Eyes

Chapter 25

Vic and I, together with my sister were walking our way back to that same diner from earlier that day. Kelly texted Kelly and told her to meet us there, where we could finally clear the air and discuss everything that had been happening. Kelly was walking a little bit ahead of us as she kept her head glued to her phone’s screen, tapping away, still playing that same Circle game. Since my sister was pretty much engrossed with her game, I found myself reaching for Vic’s warm and comforting hand, lacing my fingers with his. I didn’t dare to look at him though, my cheeks were already flaring. At the corner of my eye, I did saw him look at me, a smile creeping to his lips. He shook his head to himself and went to direct his gaze right back to where we were walking.

Silence was too evident between the three of us. I was still a little shaken up with the entire revelations and everything and you can’t just expect me to go back to normal. While Vic and I were seated side by side in my now favorite booth, -I recently decided- we kept our hands attached from under the table, his thumb playing with my own and occasionally drawing small circles at the back of my palm. The little gesture was comforting, true. But there’s still this voice deep within my brain that keeps nagging me about how I’m giving in easily. This voice had been making me feel guilty about the decisions that I made so far. It kept reminding me about my ‘girlfriend’ that’s waiting for me in our apartment. Honestly, by this point, I didn’t know where I stood in our relationship. I was still not convinced that Sam may be cheating on me because I was still looking for a solid proof although there’s this certain tinge inside of me that just isn’t stable. Somehow, I felt safe, here, with my sister and Vic. Safer, actually. It’s weird. Then again, is there anything in my life right now that isn’t weird?

“Fu.cking finally!” My sister exclaimed as she dragged Hayley down by her side, forcing her to sit right next to her. Immediately, Hayley’s eyes immediately darted to my direction. Again, just like my sister and Vic, they held nothing but sympathy and guilt.

“You guys should stop staring at me like that.” I said with a slight chuckle, trying to lighten up the mood.

“Oh my god, Kellin! Are you mad at me?” Hayley yelped out as she leaned across the table, hugging me ever so tightly, as if her entire life depended on it. It was such a weird position and my chest started to hurt a little since I was squeezed between the table and the petite girl who was bear-hugging me.

“I’d be furious if you won’t let me go in five seconds.” I said, gasping for air. Of course I was kidding though. I just needed to find a quick escape.

“Sorry.” She muttered, her eyes finding a little bit of hope as I sent her a reassuring smile.

“So..” I said, rather a little awkwardly, just wanting to get over this entire conversation. “Are you guys going to explain the entire ordeal to me or..”

“Alright.” My sister let out a breath as she started her speech. “Hayley and I had been very good friends. Like, ever since you were in high school, actually.”

I scrunched up my nose, feeling confused already and mentally calculating the years in my head. “H-How’s that even possible?”

“Remember Taylor? As in Taylor York?” My sister asked me as she raised an eyebrow. I dug deep in my head, thinking of this Taylor person but really, high school was a long time ago and I really wasn’t the best with remembering names. I just shook my head at her, feeling all dumb and lost. “You two were best buds! I think.. I mean, he used to go to our house for bible study or some sh.it.” I was still so lost. I looked up to the ceiling, as if the dirty surface held the answers to my confused state. “Oh, come on! The guy with the curly hair.”

“Oh, yeah! Taylor York from History class!” I exclaimed. “What about him?”

“Well, I had this huge crush on him but I knew I didn’t have a chance but, I discovered that he has a best friend from our grade which is this girl.” She ended her little flashback with her thumb pointing at Hayley. “And that’s how we became friends, really. Because I needed someone to help me get Taylor York to talk to me or something.”