Liquid Feels - Book 3 - DP Series - Complete

18. Just A Friend

When Friday finally rolls around, I'm ready. I'd been slacking and skipping classes, so I spent yesterday studying and getting my mind off Seth. Today, ignoring him is no longer an option.

Seth had texted me twice yesterday and I'd ignored both messages. He'd asked to hang out but I just needed some time. Time to understand my own feelings and time to adjust my heart to this new reality. Truth is, just being Seth's friend has become increasingly difficult. I don't want to distance myself, but after Thanksgiving break, if nothing's changed, then I might have to.

The dark coil of regret in my stomach is unfamiliar. Never in my life have I had to sacrifice my own desires in such a drastic way. But if Cassandra makes Seth happy... I can't stick around to see that.

With all my assignments complete, I have no more excuses. Holding my stomach, I roll backward on my bed and consider just how I need to word my text to Seth.

"Ahhh!" I suddenly scream, the air vibrating with my agitation as I let the sound fill my room.

Pushing myself up into standing, I let my feet sink into my mattress. It's good my room isn't on the ground floor or I'm certain I'd have several concerned faces peering through my window as I start bouncing on my bed. When my energy only seems to build more, I press deeper and jump harder. My hair hovers around my face as I descend and flattens against my cheeks when I push upward, forcing a small chuckle to escape my lips at how ridiculous I must look.

Tumbling back down, I sprawl across my bed, breathing heavily as I pull my phone out. Now that I've got some blood pumping to my brain, it feels as though my sense of confidence has returned also. This isn't that big of a deal. I'll confront him about Cassandra, be completely heartbroken for a few weeks, and then I'll move on. Sadness doesn't control me, and I refuse to give it center stage.

I tell Seth to meet me at the indoor gym. But when he doesn't respond for nearly twenty minutes, I begin to wonder if I should have been a little less demanding in my request. Rather than lay here counting ceiling tiles—like Emma would do—I head for the shower. It's been a couple of days since I've washed my poor hair, so I know she'll appreciate a little cleaning.

When I step out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around my body and hair dripping, I find that I've missed a text from Seth.

I'm here, is all it says, and I hastily throw on a pair of jeans and a fluffy sweater before letting him know I'm on my way. But the moment I open my door, I slam directly into his hard chest, which knocks me backward into the doorframe.

"Ouch," I hiss softly under my breath as I rub at the tender spot on my head.

"Mercy!" His voice is a breath of concern as he reaches out to steady me. "Are you okay?"

I begin laughing, shaking my head in amusement. "When you said you were here, I figured you were talking about the gym."

He gives me an apologetic grin and shrugs. "I was already nearby, so figured I'd just meet you here."

I nod in understanding, letting my fingers mindlessly slide over the bump forming on the back of my head.

"We can still go to the gym if you want," he suggests, stepping back to allow me to lead the way.

"No, no," I say, waving away the idea. "Here is fine." I gesture for him to come inside, picking my discarded towel up off the floor. I try to wring out as much moisture from my hair as possible and once satisfied, I toss the towel in the corner of the room.

"So..." we both say in unison, and then laugh uncomfortably.

"Go ahead," I say, settling back on my bed and watching as Seth takes a seat at Emma's desk.