THE INBESTIGATORS (EZRA'S LOVE STORY)

(6) REALIZATION

Maudie and I are in her room sitting on the floor side by side looking at a book.

She insisted we look at the book together.

It feels really awkward being in the room of the girl you like.

I tried to focus on what Maudie was talking about but I couldn't.

I was busy trying to understand my feelings for Maudie.

I asked myself what I liked about Maudie.

First of all, she is really clever and observant.

She is honest and sweet.

I turn my head to look at her.

Also she looks really cute.

Maudie: Ezra? Is there something wrong?

She noticed I was staring at her.

Maudie: You look red. Are you okay?

Oh no, I'm probably blushing, my heartbeat sped up.

Maudie placed her hand on my cheek and then my forehead.

While she did that I looked at her lips.

They looked small and plump.

An image of us kissing got into my head.

My temperature rose even more.

Maudie: Ezra, I think you're sick. Your forehead is really warm. I think you should go home.

My feelings are in complete chaos, I should go home and sort it out.

Me: I'll go home.

I stood up

Maudie: Do you want me to walk you back to your house?

Me: I'll be fine.

I grab my bag and try to leave.

Maudie: Wait. Here take this.

She handed me the book.

Me: Thanks, bye.

Maudie: Bye. Get well soon.

I left her room and went down the stairs.

Me: Goodbye Brian.

Brian: Ezra? You're leaving? I thought you just got here?

Me: There was a small emergency. I'm sorry I couldn't stay long.

Brian: I see, well goodbye then Ezra.

I exit the house and begin walking home.

I took a deep breathe and calmed down.

So I like Maudie.

This changes everything.

I reach my house and tried to go to my room.

Poppy, who noticed my arrival asked me a question.

Poppy: Ezra, you're a bit late today what's up?

Me: Nothing.

Poppy: I thought there was an Inbestigators meeting?

Me: Kyle and Ava couldn't make it.

Poppy: What about Maudie?

I stayed silent and continued walking to my room.

Poppy: I'll call Maudie.

Me: Don't do that.

Poppy: So it was about Maudie huh?

Me: Shut up.

Poppy: Fine. You do you.

After entering my room I locked it.

I just lied down on my bed and stared at the ceiling.

I'm in love with my friend who is also my co-worker.

I want a romantic relationship, but she might not want that.

It's another one of those stupid teen romances, isn't it?

Love is so needlessly complicated.

I look at my bag and remembered the book Maudie gave me.

I take it out and look at it.

Maudie's face flashes in my mind.

I'm not good enough for Maudie.

That night I read the book from front to back and created a guide to help with my interview.

I can't control Maudie's feelings, and she doesn't control mine.

My feelings are mine, and I am not afraid of it.

I should work hard for my life before I can be involved with hers.

To be continued