Crush

Scandal

Oliver

Spring was in the air.

I could feel it.

Standing at my bedroom window, I stared at the tree in our neighbour's garden. Green buds covered the branches. The grass in their yard seemed greener. Flowers looked like they were ready to bloom. The sun was starting to warm up.

Winter was on its way out, taking with it the bitter mornings and chilly winds.

Although it still wasn't quite warm enough to go outside without a hoodie, it was warm enough to leave a coat at home.

Sighing, I rested my forearms against the window ledge and my head against the window, and thought about studying.

Thought about it.

Finals were starting next week, so I had to do more than think about studying.

I actually had to do it.

But, I didn't feel like it.

All I could think of was Asher.

Would he be sitting finals this week?

Would he be studying right now?

Despite how great my friends were, I still felt lonely.

I hadn't realised just how much Asher filled my life until he wasn't there any more.

He'd filled my thoughts. My bed. He'd had my full attention, even when we were in a crowd. My eyes would always be on him, seek him out.

And now ...

Screwing my eyes shut, I gritted my teeth.

When would I see him?

Would I ever see him again?

I mean, was he even okay?

I wanted to see him. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to touch him.

Did he get offered a place at the college in Florida?

I did.

And I'd accepted.

Should I look for accommodation for just myself? Or do I include him?

Did he still want to be with me?

Did he still want me?

I sighed wearily. I was tired.

Tired of asking the same questions.

Tired of missing Asher.

Tired of school.

Just ... tired of everything.

I wanted things to be how they were before.

Before Sofia got involved.

Before Asher was ripped out of my life.

Before ...

My phone started to ring.

Walking to my bed, I grabbed my phone and flopped down on it.

Glancing down, I frowned at the caller.

Nick.

What did he want?

"Hello?" I answered his call.

"Hey, Oliver. How you doing?" Nick's voice was loud and happy, like he was pleased to talk to me.

"Um, I'm good." It was a lie.

"How are finals for you?"

I grunted and lay back, looking up at the ceiling. "They suck."

He chuckled. "Facts."