Dreams (Scomiche)

Chapter Eleven

Mitch

 

“So,” Kirstie said. They were driving back from the fair, their trip cut short by incoming snow.

“So?” Mitch tilted his head to the side, watching Kirstie as she maneuvered through heavy traffic.

“Scott. What you heard that day.”

“What I wasn’t supposed to hear.”

“Did it contribute to you breaking up with Travis?”

“Maybe a little,” Mitch said reluctantly. He felt his face flush. Kirstie grinned.

“So I was right!”

“Shut up,” he groaned.

“What’s stopping you from telling him, then? You know he’ll reciprocate your feelings.”

“If I told him now, he’d feel like a second choice.”

“What?” Kirstie glanced at him, confused. He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head towards the road, reminding her to keep driving.

“I just broke up with Travis. Scott’s been there for me since. But I don’t want him to feel like I’m using him to get over Travis. Because I wouldn’t be.”

“Because you love him more than you loved Travis.”

“Yeah. They’re just so different and I feel safer with Scott than I ever did with Travis.”

“He’d understand, if you explained.”

“How could I know that? They say-“ he stopped, trying to calm himself down. He had been almost yelling at that point.

“They say?”

“They say that I’m helping him around and shit. But he’s the one helping me.”

“Then tell him that.”

“But Kirstie,” Mitch protested. It was more complicated than that.

“But nothing. I’ll tell him.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Tell him then.”

“Kirstie.”

“Then don’t. But it is a little ridiculous when he at least reciprocates your feelings.” The bitterness in her voice made Mitch do a double take. Was he sensing a crush?

“Kirst? Do you have someone that you…” he trailed off.

“Like? Maybe.” She paused. “But he doesn’t know.”

“Who?” Mitch nudged her shoulder.

“The English partner. Jeremy.”

“Hot Jeremy?”

“Maybe.”

“You go girl,” Mitch said enthusiastically. “Get your man.”

“Only if you get your man.”

“We have to go on cheesy double dates,” Mitch said.

“So you’ll-“

“Never said that,” Mitch said, cutting her off. “But I will think about it.” He paused, thinking. “How would I do it anyway?”

“You just have to go for it, Mitch.” Mitch nodded, taking her words into consideration.

 Eventually, they pulled up to the dorm building and headed inside, giggling as they made their way to Mitch and Scott’s room. Kirstie knocked loudly on the door and barged in before there was a reply.