Better Beginnings 💞

8 - Heartfelt Revelations

"Hey, Sadie. You wanted to talk about something, what is it?" Noah asked as I approached.

"Hey, Noah. I know it hasn't been long since we met, but I just wanted to say thank you for everything you've done for me so far," I expressed gratefully.

"You called me here to say thank you? There's no need for that, Sadie. You're my friend," he replied casually, a warm smile gracing his lips.

"That's not the main reason I wanted to talk, Noah," I clarified, feeling my heart race as I continued. "The thing is, I like you. I'm not sure when or how it happened, but it did. I really, really like you, Noah Ace Smith. I don't know if you feel the same way or not, but I needed to tell you. I had to take the chance." As I waited for his response, my heart felt like it was caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty and hope.

"You like me. What and why?" Noah's response caught me off guard. I had anticipated excitement or maybe even hesitation, but his question left me bewildered. What kind of reaction was this?

"I don't have an answer to 'why,' Noah. I just know that I like you, and there isn't a single reason for it. Right now, all I need is your answer, even though I think I already know it. But I need to hear it from you," I admitted, feeling the sting of tears threatening to spill.

"Sadie, I'm sorry, but I can't be in a relationship right now. My life is a mess, and I don't want to drag you into that," he replied, his voice tinged with regret. Noah's response felt like a blow to the chest, but I tried to compose myself.

"That's my decision to make, Noah. Whether I want to be a part of that mess or not, you can't decide for me," I asserted firmly, my emotions bubbling beneath the surface. "I need to know if you like me or not. Please set aside all the reasons for not wanting a relationship and just answer me honestly," I implored, my voice wavering slightly.

"No, Sadie. I don't like you in that way. You've always been just a good friend and will remain that," he stated plainly. Noah's words felt like a punch to the gut, but I had to accept them.

"Alright, thanks for being honest. I understand if you don't want to talk now or whatever. Again, thank you for everything. I guess this is the end," I said, trying to hold back my tears, feeling the weight of disappointment settle in.

"What are you saying, Sadie? I would never let anything like that come between our friendship," Noah responded earnestly. "If you need to take a break to sort out your feelings, then do that and come back whenever you're ready. As I said, you'll always be my good friend, and your feelings won't change that."

"Thank you, Noah, and I am sorry for all this, I didn't expect it to go this way, but It could have been worse so that's okay. I am gonna head home now. See you tomorrow." I said and ran from there. Never had I thought that I will be running away like this crying and broken because of a boy.

"Thank you, Noah, and I'm sorry for all this. I didn't expect it to go this way, but I guess it could have been worse, so that's okay," I managed to say, fighting back tears. "I'm gonna head home now. See you tomorrow," I added before turning and running away. Never had I imagined that I would find myself running away, crying and broken because of a boy.

As I dashed away, tears blurred my vision, each step heavier than the last. The weight of rejection and dashed hopes bore down on me like a suffocating blanket. By the time I reached home, my cheeks were stained with tears, and my heart felt like it had shattered into a million irreparable pieces. I fumbled with the key, desperate to escape into the solitude of my room.

Closing the door behind me, I leaned against it, feeling utterly defeated. The sound of my sobs echoed in the empty hallway, a painful reminder of my shattered dreams. Moments later, I heard the worried voices of Mom, Ivan, and Ruby calling out to me, their concern palpable even through the closed door. But I couldn't face them, couldn't bear to let them see me like this.

Alone in my room, I allowed myself to crumble, letting the tears flow freely as I mourned the loss of what could have been. It wasn't just Noah's rejection that hurt, but the realization that I had allowed myself to hope for something more, only to have those hopes dashed so mercilessly.

Elena's repeated calls flashed on my phone screen, but I couldn't bring myself to answer. The thought of facing her, of admitting the mess I'd made, filled me with dread. I knew she would be disappointed, maybe even angry with me. How could I explain the turmoil I was feeling, the raw emotions that threatened to consume me? With a heavy heart, I silenced her calls, burying myself deeper in my anguish.

NEXT DAY

Despite the heavy weight of sadness lingering within me, I summoned the strength to rise from the depths of despair. As I dressed for the day, I found solace in the familiar routine, in the simple act of choosing an outfit that made me feel like myself again. Noah may not return my feelings, but I refused to let that dampen my newfound love for dressing up.

Opting for a floral skirt paired with a vibrant red shirt, I swept my hair up into a carefree bun, a small yet deliberate act of defiance against the gloom that threatened to engulf me.

The weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the air as I slipped out of the house, avoiding the watchful eyes of my family. Ruby's silent understanding offered a sliver of comfort, knowing that at least one person knew the truth. Yet, the thought of explaining my heartbreak to Mom and Ivan filled me with dread. How could I find the words to convey the ache in my chest, the sting of rejection that still lingered?

With a heavy heart, I chose silence, retreating into the familiar routine of school. Breakfast forgotten, I hurried out the back door, seeking solace in the anonymity of the outside world.

A pang of guilt tugged at my heartstrings. I knew Mom must be worried sick, and Elena too. Little did I know that today would prove to be even worse than yesterday.

Entering the school premises, I couldn't help but notice Elena by her locker, looking visibly tense as she engaged in a discussion with Noah. My heart skipped a beat at the sight. Why were they even talking? The sudden knot of unease tightened in my stomach as I approached, a sense of foreboding creeping over me.