When Hearts Heal

Chapter 14

"I feel so bad Katie." I admitted as I sat down next her. 

"Well, he did kind of stick his neck out hoping you'd say yes..." 

"Great. Now I feel worse." I said putting the files in my hand to the side. "And even if I wanted to, you know I'm working the morning shift so I wouldn't even be able to go anyway." 

"What if I can find someone to cover your shift ? Would you consider going then?" She suggested convincingly. 

"Yeah, if." I replied knowing full well that was an impossible task she set herself up with. "Now hush up and get back to work." 

In times of truth, I had to admit when I was wrong. And this was one of those times, because I don't know what type of star Katie wished upon but she managed to get someone to cover my shift on Saterday. So now, I was getting ready with Maya to go to a HighSchool football game. Even hearing myself say that sounded cringe and a bit nostalgic. 

"You look great, now stop fussing." Maya commented, fixing my jacket.

"Thanks. But you do know that the only reason I'm going is because I feel bad for turning him down, right ?" I reminded her getting an eye roll in return.

It was true though. I went into today with zero expectations or hopeful desires. I know everyone around me just wanted me to be happy again and find someone new. But I also think deep down they realised that I wasn't fully ready yet.

Loving someone still resulted in a lot of emotional pain for me...

Maya and I sat on the old, creeky, highschool bleachers as we watched Ken play with pride. In all honesty, I wasn't much of a sports fan so I had no idea what I was even watching.  All I knew was what the score board told me.

20 - 13

As I grabbed my bag , moving through the cheering crowd of proud parents, Maya's voice breaks through the noise making me come to a halt.

"He's waving you over !" She yelled from 3 rows up as I looked down at Ben's uncle calling me down to the field. I turned back to Maya giving her a look that read 'please don't make me go' as she pretended not to notice my internal panic.

"Good game." I noted awkwardly as he takes off his hat, brushing his hand through his hair with a charming smile.

"It was all the boys, really. " He replied humbly making a smile tug at the corner of my lips. "I thought you couldn't make it." He pointed out as I awkwardly dropped my gaze to my shoes.

"I couldn't. I mean, I wasn't supposed to. But my co-worker really wanted me to be here so she pulled some strings and had someone swap with me."

"Well that's awfully nice of her. Is it that tall red head ?"

"That's the one. Katie." I clarified making him smile.

"I'll have to remember to thank her next time I see her."

"Well don't thank her too soon, I have to work the graveyard shift now." I joked in attempt to ease the awkwardness.

"Graveyard shift? What's that? Like working night shift?" He asked seeming genuinly interested.

"Yeah. It's from midnight to 8am. It's usually pretty quiet but also very creepy. I hate it."

"I don't blame you. " He replies back with a lighthearted laugh. "Well, I won't keep you then. I just wanted to say thank you for stopping by. I hope to see you at more games in the future."

I smiled and before I could even realize what I was saying I said; "me too." Making him return the smile before turning around.

I had no idea what just happend. I haven't felt like a giddy school girl in the longest time.

And I had no idea if that was a good thing or not.