Atomic Love [2]

Chapter 16 - Science Fair Pt. 2

TW: Swearing

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Chapter 16

November 3, Tuesday

Sienna's POV

Dylan and I walked into my house, me expecting it to be dark since it was quite late. But instead, the lights were on while my mother sat on the living room couch, seeming to be waiting for me.

"Hey sweetie," My mom called out, coming to hug me. "Sorry I couldn't make it to your science fair today, I was caught up at work." She tightly wrapped her arms around me as I held back my tears with all of my might.

I didn't have a problem with crying in front of my parents, it's just... they've seen Kathrin and Maeva as their own kid for so long-- if I just start crying, she'll ask me what's wrong, and I can't lie to my mom; but I also can't tell her about the whole Nate-Maeva-Kathrin situation.

"Your father told me about your project. I have to say, I'm really proud of you." My mom continued on saying as I felt a small curve inch up on my face. Even through my state of distress, my mom could still make me smile.

We eventually pulled away from each other-- and as her warmth slipped away from me, I could feel the sadness flooding back. "Thank you," I murmured, "Night mom." I then said, pulling Dylan with me as I quickly walked over to my room. He closed the door after we both went in.

I immediately started changing into my pyjamas, wanting to go to sleep before I completely broke down.

Because truthfully, I didn't want to give up on Kathrin-- she's the first friend I've ever had.

It's like how you never forget your first love, I'll never forget my first friend. She was always there-- even if sometimes not in the most.. appropriate way-- but still there nevertheless.

And it just-- it just hurt hearing her say what she said, even if I'm the one that refused to forgive her. Because she was family-- and I lost her.

"Hey, are you okay?" I could hear Dylan ask from behind me, putting his hands on my shoulders. I didn't respond, only nodding-- because I didn't want him to hear the crack in my voice if I spoke.

"Hey-- hey-- Sienna," Dylan came in front of me, his hands not leaving my skin. I looked up at him with my glossy eyes, scanning over his worried face. "Are you okay?"

My lip started quivering, the tears rolling down my cheeks one by one. I shook my head, squeezing my brown eyes shut as I rested my head on his clothed chest. "I'm sorry-- I'm sorry." I cried out, putting my arms around his waist.

"Hey-- don't say that. You have nothing to apologise for." He stated, moving his hands so that he could hug me back. "Yes-- yes, I do. I've been giving Kathrin crap for so long.. but-- Maeva's my best friend-- I can't just betray her like that." I sobbed out, panting for air.

"And-- I don't know-- maybe Kathrin's right, maybe Nate didn't actually do anything wrong. But I can't do that to Maeva. I just can't." I continued saying, seeing my tears stain Dylan's simple grey shirt.

I could feel the O'Connor boy draw little shapes onto my back with his fingers-- he always knew how to comfort me. "Shh, it's okay-- it'll all be okay." He cooed, resting his head on my shoulder.

I shook my head again, feeling more tears escape my eyes. "But what if it's not going to be? What if Kathrin never wants me as a friend again? What if I threw it all away for something-- something so stupid like this?" I blurted out.

Dylan pulled away, cupping my tanned, wet cheeks with his warm hands. "Hey-- it's not stupid. You are a faithful friend. If you think you should believe in Maeva, then that's the right decision." The brunette boy started speaking.

"Kathrin has other friends, and she can take care of herself-- but Maeva needs you right now, and you're being a good friend for staying by her side." He finished off, me no longer crying as I stared up at his face.

Sometimes, I just feel like Dylan is too good for me. He's done so much for me that I could never return. And I just feel so... guilty-- that someone as amazing as him was stuck with simple little Sienna.

After what happened last year-- at prom, with Vernon Harris-- it felt that I just lost any confidence I had within myself. Even if it was just some small thing that happened, it just kept bugging my mind, the event replaying itself non-stop. It constantly made me wonder: was I really that easy?  Was I really worth so little that just anyone could have me? Was it really true that I could be anyones option, while I shouldn't have a choice?

The way he belittled me affected me more than I would like to admit, and as the days past, it seemed that I couldn't stifle these corrupting thoughts any longer; yet I still tried, for the sake of Dylan.

Eventually, I just waved off the feeling and thoughts as I engulfed him into another tight hug. Because tonight wasn't a time for self doubt-- because, just for tonight, I want to feel his love before I completely ruin it.

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897 words (edited)