Aftermath ✧ Sebastian Sallow

chapter seven

Amelia's Perceptive

I couldn't believe how wrong I was about Garreth.

It was a great date. He had taken me to a spot up on the hill that perfectly overlooks the castle and lake, he packed a small bundle of treats to enjoy together, and every detail was perfectly thought out. 

We watched the sunset together while chatting with one another. Our conversations flowed with such ease and none of the awkwardness of a first date. 

Then we just stayed there lying together on the ground for what felt like hours watching the stars. With someone as predictable as Garreth, I did think I would be going to have such a good time.

As much as I hate to admit it, I found myself rarely smitten with the ginger-haired boy by the end of the night. I was embarrassed that I had avoided the date so much. On our way back to the castle as the sky was completely overtaken by stars, he had even given me a piggyback ride when I complained about how tired I was beginning to feel. It was like I weighed nothing to him as he instanced that hang onto him. He continued to point out different stars to me as I laid my head on his shoulder. 

"That one is the lion star sign, that's was the first one that I learned, obviously!" Teased the flirtatious ginger looking back at me over his shoulder. His smile glowed in the darkness.

I wrapped my arms tighter around his neck, still holding on in an afford to not fall off his back. "I wouldn't expect anything differently from a Gryffindor!" I played back.

By the time we finally arrived in the courtyard, I was fully head over heels for just how romantic Garreth had been. I regretted how much I had tried to push away relationships with other people, especially Garreth. 

The truth was that I still had feelings for Sebastian that I wasn't ready to abandon. Things had just become awkward since last year.

But Garreth had reminded me of the affection that I had desired so badly. It felt so good to have someone look at me with so much happiness in their eyes, just because they felt happy around me. 

Truthfully I haven't even remember what I had been teasing him about when he playfully shushed me for being too loud after curfew. Everything went silent for a moment as I felt myself melt into his large brown eyes. Quietly he took my cheek into his hand and lightly pulled me up to him. 

Our lips met softly with one another as he wrapped an arm another my waist, holding me into a tender kiss. I had just about completely melted in his arms. His soft lips sparked against mine. It had felt so good to be loved.

Until he spoke up, "Amelia, I'm sorry. Is it possible that we can remain friends?" 

Garreth eyes couldn't even look at me after our kiss. He just looked over my shoulder instead. My heart dropped into my stomach. 

I had been so taken over guard, believing Garreth felt the same, all I could muster out was a simple "Pardon?"

"I'm sorry," Garreth finally looked back down at me, still holding my hands in his, "I'm just not sure if I feel the same way anymore. I really value our friendship a lot, I don't want to ruin that."

It was at that moment I felt the dragger go through my heart.  

"Yeah," I stumbled over the words trying not to let my emotions take over me, "I understand. I should be going then."

The feeling completely overwhelmed my body and I had felt so exposed emotionally. I quickly pulled my hands back and headed toward the furthest entrance to give myself a few more moments to collect myself.