Chapter 6

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I've waited for over 3 weeks and she still hasn't said a word to me and I was too afraid to approach her because she was mostly around her obnoxious friends

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I've waited for over 3 weeks and she still hasn't said a word to me and I was too afraid to approach her because she was mostly around her obnoxious friends. I had been trying to make it right between us, but every time I caught her alone she either turned the corner or completely walked past me; her scent following behind her.

She was avoiding me. I shouldn't have yelled at her that day. I could've just explained to her the reason why I couldn't tell her the truth, I should've just maybe told her. I could've just kept quiet or changed the topic, but I decided to yell.

Out of anger.

Out of fear.

Out of annoyance.

I decided to try something different. I wrote her a letter. I poured my heart out, telling her how sorry I was for my behaviour and how much I cared about her. Writing this letter allowed me to open my gate to creativity. I thought it would be lovely to add some poetic expressions. I asked for her forgiveness. I've spent two hours putting everything I can into this apology letter. I've known Naomi for a few weeks and she sure loves to talk.

She told me what her favourite flowers were and I think she thought I wouldn't remember or I wasn't listening because I was too focused on doing my homework. I now stand in front of the door of her home, a single flower in hand along with the well-written letter. My other hand held the umbrella as the rain came pouring down.

I let out a sigh and pressed the little button that rang a bell. I wanted to place the letter and flower on the ground but I knew the water would damage the note so, I left my umbrella to protect the gift and apology from the horrid water. Yes, I walked home in the rain and I did get in trouble but that didn't matter.

The next day I sat in my room, looking out the window that allowed me to see the little raindrops slide down and race to the bottom. I glance at the books in front of me and then my phone, hoping to get a message from her but nothing.

It's weird how desperate I am. I just met her but she has such a huge effect on me if she's not near. I miss her voice. Her laughter. Her smile. Her touch. Her warmth. I wished to tell her these things but I was too afraid I'd come off as weird, plus, we're only twelve and it would be quite odd to say you miss someone that much.

I run my hands over my face and lean back, the sounds of Falling in Reverse playing in the background. I slam my head on my open books and groaned. But I was quick to get over the little pain when the sound of a ding came from my phone. I grab it and notice a notification from her.

She finally texted me after so long.

I sit up properly and click on the notification tab before opening my phone to read the message she has sent. My sense of relief was cut short when I saw she had deleted the message. I grip my phone tightly and toss it on my bed with a bit of disappointment and anger. I guess I'm going to have to wait until that Halloween Fest to talk to her.

It is now October 31st, the day of Halloween and many students were abuzz with excitement. People were out in droves, dressed up in costumes and ready to have a good time.

However, among the crowd was one person who was not having quite as much fun as the others.

Naomi.

She seemed to be dressed as a cheerleader zombie. Her outfit was marvellous. The yellow uniform looked perfect on her and the make-up and effects she had on her face made her look realistic to what she was trying to accomplish. She looked alone, her candy sack beside her, it looked a bit empty.

I couldn't help but feel a bit of guilt for not having reached out to her in these couple of weeks. I had been feeling so busy with my studies and my father's bullshit that I had neglected my friendship with her, and my attempts to try and get her to talk to me.

I gathered my courage and nervously made my way over to her. My cloak wrapped around my body and reached my feet. I came dressed as a vampire, the fake fangs in my mouth poked my gums which was bloody annoying. My hair was slicked back but my mother made sure to leave a few strands to hang loose.

When I finally reached her, I sat beside her, throwing my candy sack next to hers. We sat like this for a few minutes before I opened my mouth, my eyes still fixated on the bunch of classmates running around, scaring, stealing and chasing.

"Naomi-"

"I forgive you, Matteo."

Her words just spill out. I look at her and stare, I notice her beautiful eyes following our classmates. I don't say anything for a good minute. She... forgives me.

"I'm sorry, Naomi." I apologized. Not just for yelling at you but for saying the stuff I said to you. I'm sorry for making you upset. I'm sorry for making you cry that night. I'm sorry for disturbing you in school knowing you needed space to think. I'm sorry for spamming you with calls and text messages. I'm sorry for being the piece of shit you have to deal with.

"I know." Was all she said before turning her head, her eyes connecting with mine. The girl smiled just a bit. "I shouldn't try and push your buttons if you're not comfortable telling me what's happening with you."

"I'm not uncomfortable. I'm afraid of what will happen if I tell you. Let's wait for when we're eighteen. I'll tell you then." I say, shifting my gaze to the chaos before us. The silence between us wasn't uncomfortable it was quite soothing.

The sounds of children screaming, the music blasting in the background, laughing and the few people talking. I look around for any teachers and spot all three of them in a corner talking and sipping their punch, it probably had a bit of alcohol but that's not my business.

As I was about to talk to Naomi, I felt her warm hand on top of mine. Her warm, gentle hand was on top of my cold, bitter one. I turned to her and my heart instantly leaped at the sight of her already looking at me. Her loving gaze made me feel like my father's haunting statement was incorrect. Her lips tugged into a smile I've missed for weeks, the smile I've been longing for. Her touch I've been desperately waiting for.

I know I'm not the type to be desperate for touch or for long looks of care or love but when it came to Naomi, I was vulnerable. Almost like I need her touch and her loving gaze. Like I needed her to just...

... we're only 12, so I should not think about this too much.

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