𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

9

elliot carson

I run my hands down my face and take a deep breath. I step put of the shower and wrap a towel around my waist before grabbing another and drying my soaked hair with it.

My mind can't help but circle back to her, something it's been doing a lot lately. I think back to the day I met her, we were at a quiet corner of the beach and didn't spot her until she came over. I don't know why but I had a feeling, most days I would've minded my business but not that day. I watched as she turned to walk away, dropping her car keys in the process. And because my mind can't communicate with my mouth properly, I told her, and she turned around.

I can still remember it as if it were seconds ago. Her wet blonde hair, big green eyes and lightly freckled skin. The way she looked at me with a mixture of surprise and embarrassment, the way her cheeks flushed red.

After that day I thought I'd never see her again but then we did, again and again and again. With each time we meet I get to know more about her.

She's amazing with kids and animals. She loves wearing summer dresses. She's definitely hiding something. She loves Star Wars. She doesn't care about her health as much as she should. She gets anxious in social situations but not as much around me. She doesn't really have many friends or she doesn't talk about them at least.

I feel like there's something holding her back. She doesn't seem to want to do much with her life, she's just watching it go by instead of living it. I want to change that and I can tell she wants to as well.

Inviting her out the other night was part of that. Although my friends can be the most annoying people alive, they are actually kind of okay and I knew that they would make Dylan feel welcome. For some weird reason I want her to be a part of my life, a big part of my life and I want to be a part of hers.

I could tell she was nervous and I tried my best to distract her but wasn't really sure what I was doing. Luckily after meeting them she seemed to get along well with them while I suffered from knowing looks and smirks from everyone.

I understand why though, I never bring a girl to hang out with us, ever. I also never give anyone my hoodie or share my stuff and personal space ever. So imagine their surprise when I bring a girl along, give her my hoodie and let her sit right up close to me.

After we split away from the group, we talked for a bit about them before driving home listening to the quiet radio. I dropped her off at her house and waited until she went inside before I drove home, feeling lighter than usual. Happy.

I worry about her sometimes. She doesn't seem to care about her life at all and I get the feeling that she's used to being alone. I catch myself missing her which is crazy because we haven't known each other long at all, but I do.

Changing into some clothes, I contemplate asking her to come over tonight but I know she has Poppy to think about. I could go to hers?

I've never thought this much about a girl.

Just message her you fucking idiot.

I climb into my car, getting ready to drive to work when my phone buzzes. It's a text from Dylan , asking if I want to come over tonight. Did she just read my mind or something?

I reply and say yes, before starting my drive to work.

☼

The day goes by slow, painfully slow and I catch myself counting down the minutes until I can see her again.

"Earth to Elliot." Clay groans, throwing a pen which hits my arm gently.

I ignore him.

"He's been like this all day, staring at the clock, spacing out. I don't know what his problem is." Theo's nasally voice complains.