When Hearts Heal

Chapter 8

"Chicken wings?" Maya asked as I placed the food on the dining room table. 

"It's...a long story," I replied putting my hair up. 

"Why is your punch card so dirty?" She asked taking the card off the top and placing it in my purse. 

"That's another long story," I added. 

"Adeline Bennett, what are you not telling me?" She pressed as I turned around to face her. 

"Nothing. " I answered as I could tell she had about a million follow-up questions ready and lined up in her head if I didn't answer her. "This, guy bought it to say sorry." 

"Wait, wait, wait, what guy?" I could tell she was getting really invested in the story I had no intention of wanting to tell her in the first place. 

"Just, this, guy, outside Luigi's. It's no big deal, Maya." I replied nonchalantly hoping she would let it go. 

"No, there's more to it. I can feel it in my bones !" She sang the last part, quite dramatically too if I might add. So, I gave in and told her what had happened to save myself the time and energy. 

"Oooo he sounds so dreamy." She cooed like a teenager. "What did he look like?" 

"I don't know. Tall, dark hair, green eyes, what do you want me to say?" I answered acting unfazed. 

"You're boring. How about a level of handsomeness out of 10?" She pressed. 

"Level of handsomeness? Are you 12?" 

"No, but it remains a valid question for 12 and 25-year-olds alike." She answered back with a mischievous smile. 

"I don't know, maybe a 9 ?" 

"He's that scrumptious !?" 

"Eew don't say scrumptious like it's an appropriate adjective to describe a human being," I answered slightly disgusted at her word choice as I grabbed another slice of pizza. 

"Oh, you know what I mean. Okay, you have to tell me his name now so I can stalk all of his socials." Maya asked taking her phone out of her pocket. 

"You know, he never said what his name was..." I thought back. 

"Ooo a mystery man, I like it." She admitted with a determined look on her face. 

"Yeah well, I doubt I'll ever see him again so what difference does it make anyway?" 

"Oh Adi, " She said using a patronizing tone in her voice. "It makes all the difference in the world." 

I admit, he was very attractive. He was also polite, and a gentleman. But my relationship with Jaden made me question everything. It even made me wonder if a person like that is even really that nice and good-looking or if it's just another narcissist waiting to use me as their plaything. I have problems, I know. But I had to question everything this time around. I have to protect my heart.