healing hearts

Chapter 1

Alexa's POV

Here I am, walking around town shopping, by myself. All of my friends were busy so I just decided to go. It's Spring break and there's nothing else to do in this small Ohio town. Even though it may seem like i'm complaining, i'm not. My town is cute, everyone knows each other and I grew up here so it's my home.

I've been walking around, shopping at different stores for a few hours. It's about 5:00 in the evening now and I really don't want to go home. All i've done this break is sit at home and i'm tired of it. Especially because my parents are both out of town on business and they won't be home until Monday. Today is Wednesday and if I can't find anything to do, i'll go crazy.

I'm 17 and a junior in high school right now. I can't wait for senior year to start and for high school to be over with. I see all my friends who graduated last year having so much fun in college and I just can't wait to be able to do that.

Anyway, I need to find something to do, and FAST before I lose my mind.

I'm walking on the sidewalk in town, scrolling through my phone trying to see if anyone I know is doing something remotely fun. I'm calling myself desperate at this point.

When out of nowhere-

"Oof" , I bump into someone tall and strong, feeling their hands grip my upper arms tightly, stopping me from falling.

I quickly brush my hair out of my face and regain my balance apologizing the whole time.

"I'm so sorry, I should have been paying more attention" , I blame myself before looking up at who I crashed into.

My eyes immediately are met with beautiful dark brown ones, looking back down at me. My eyebrows crease, confusion written all over my face as I try to hide the fact that my cheeks are starting to burn up with the realization of who I bumped into.

"Ben?" I ask, surprise and confusion in my voice as I stare at the boy that I recognize as my best friend for 17 years.

Ben is two years older than me and has been my best friend for my whole life. He's 19 and lives around the block from me, he graduated at the end of my sophomore year, so he's almost done with his first year of college.

I didn't know he was home from school. Why didn't he tell me? I haven't seen him since he came home for Christmas and we were so busy with other friends and family, we barely saw each other.

He looks so different, so handsome and in great shape, but i'd recognize those eyes anywhere.

I'm brought back to reality when I see a smile break across his face as he says, "Hey Alexa."

I blush hearing him say my name. He lowers his hands from my arms that I didn't realize he was still holding on to and I slightly wish he'd hold them again.

I just look at him for a few seconds before standing on my tippy toes - when did he get so tall?? - and wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling myself into him.

I feel his chest rumble as he chuckles to himself, then feel his arms go around my waist as he hugs me back.

A few seconds pass and we pull away.

"W-what are you doing here? You're home? You didn't tell me!" I say, still amazed by how much he's changed in just a couple months.

He chuckles again and runs his hand through his messy brown hair, "I wanted to surprise you, I only got in yesterday. I obviously didn't do enough planning to make sure I didn't run into you like this so.. surprise?"

I laugh at him, only now just realizing he's with one of his friends, James. He's in my grade so I know him pretty well too. I smile at him and then look back at Ben.

"Well, now that I know you're home, we need to catch up!" I smile up at him.

He smiles and nods his head.

"Definitely. How about tonight? I'll pick you up around 8? We'll go eat and then hangout?"

Oh lord, I can't help myself. I've always had a crush on him, just never told anyone because of how close we are and how long we've been friends. I don't want to ruin that and with all those college girls he sees everyday, I doubt he would have any interest in me.

Answer him Alexa. Stop staring!

I smile and nod, "Yeah, that sounds great!"

With that, I hug him again, say goodbye to James and walk back to my car so I can go home and get ready.

I missed him so much.

———————————————

I'm so excited to continue the story!! More characters will be introduced soon!

Comment, vote, follow, like! Whatever you feel like doing!!

- I