Choices (Book Four)

Chapter 7

Lyla

I apply my lipstick and take one last look in the mirror before I head to my closet for my next task, picking out my outfit for tonight. It's already late October and school has been a whirlwind so far this semester. All my classes are going great, but the course load has been intense. Most nights I'm doing a minimum of three hours of reading just to stay caught up with everything. Track is going well too, I've gotten back into the rhythm of the four practices a week and it's been great to see everyone again after being away fro the summer.

I've also managed to stay true to my promise to myself and haven't watched any of Shawn's game since his season opener. I may have checked the team website once or twice to see the scores and standings but zero game watching. A big part of that is probably due to Will. We've been hanging out lots the past month and I can't help but feel like something has shifted between us. We have shared some lingering hugs, hand grazes, and I've caught him starring at me completely zoned out a few times when we've had dinner together. Not to mention the head kiss a month back now that still plays in the back of my mind.

I also finally took the plunge and went over to Will's place one night. It wasn't as bad as I had been anticipating and I thankfully didn't shed a tear. It was still weird being there without Shawn. When no one was looking I stole a few glances up the stairs towards his old bedroom, a part of me hoping he might just appear. I never dare to go upstairs thought, I stay on the main level in the living room where we all hang out. Shawn's old room is now one of Will's roommates so I don't need to worry about having to face going inside of it, that I am sure would be panic inducing.

I'm heading to some party on campus tonight with Megan and Will. Megan promises it will be the party of the year, but she says that about every party she drags me along to. I can't complain though, I've been having fun going out with her and Will usually joins us too. I really feel like I am doing my Senior year right. I'm letting loose more and allowing myself to not micromanage every hour of my free time for allotted periods for 'fun'. I'm trying to take some tips from Megan, although I don't think I can ever compete with her ability to be so carefree, but she has definitely rubbed off on me.

"Hurry up," I hear Megan call from the other side of my door as she adds in a few loud knocks. "Will just got here and we want to get a few drinks in before we leave."

"Coming!" I call back as I pull out a cute blue dress from my closet to wear tonight.

I quickly slide the dress on and gather my essentials to shove into my clutch for the night. I unplug my phone that's been charging on my nightstand. A quick glance at the screen determines I have no new notifications. I sigh in disappointment even though I'm not surprised. I haven't heard from Shawn in over a month now. I'm not even too sure if I'm upset with him that he hasn't written back. He's clearly busy with hockey and he's building a new life, new friendships, maybe even new relationships. The last thought makes me want to gag. Admittedly, I have stalked him online a handful of times this past month, but it's no longer a daily ritual so I'm proud of myself for the small stride. Not that there's much I've found anyway, some more Instagram story appearances he's made, but that's it.

I head out to the kitchen and find Megan and Will chatting away, both with drinks already in their hands. Will turns and looks at me as I enter the room. I watch his eyes quickly flicker over my body before he settles on my face and smiles sweetly. I return the favour and give him a once over, noticing how good he looks tonight, not that he doesn't usually. He's wearing a long sleeve black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, exposing lean tanned forearms. His hair is a bit longer than his usual go to buzz cut, but I like the look on him. His face is clean shaven which really allows you to see the strong line of his jaw.