For You

Chapter 6 - "One step closer"

Over the course of five years, significant changes unfolded in Maeve's life.Maeve and William were now twelve years old, both in seventh grade, while Sophie had advanced to 10th grade.

Now, Maeve found herself attending the same school as William, a stroke of luck landing them in the same class, just a short fifteen-minute walk away. This daily routine of walking to school together became a cherished part of their friendship.

With each passing day, Maeve felt a renewed sense of childhood joy. School now meant genuine friendships, and her father's recent promotion allowed for more quality time together. These years became a treasure trove of precious memories, especially the moments shared with her father.

Their evening walks became a time for heartfelt conversations about medicine and life's intricacies. Even their occasional disagreements ended in warm embraces, highlighting the strength of their bond.

Among these memories, Maeve often recalled the playful antics her father would indulge in, like pretending to let her fall off his back, much to her and her mother's alarm. And who could forget the times he would playfully stop the car pretending that it wasn't running, only to start it up again moments later, much to their shared laughter and delight.

Her bond with William had evolved, but there was an undeniable shift. They were no longer kids; adolescence loomed on the horizon. Maeve couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in William's behavior. 

He seemed distant, less inclined to hug her as before, and avoided her gaze, almost as if he were ashamed. His cheeks flushed whenever she touched him, and he often turned away. 

Even during group projects, he gravitated toward his other friends, leaving Maeve feeling excluded.

Yet, amidst the complexities of school life, their moments together in the park remained unchanged. Beneath the familiar tree, they were transported back to their carefree days of childhood, where their bond remained untouched by time.

Maeve also glimpsed new facets of William's struggles, particularly his battle with panic attacks. 

One example were presentations. Whenever he struggled with a presentation, Will often found himself seeking refuge in the bathroom. Despite the teacher's reprimands, Maeve consistently defied authority, rushing to his side. In those moments of vulnerability, Will welcomed her comforting embrace, finding solace as he leaned into her shoulder.

"Shhh, everything's going to be fine," Maeve whispered, her voice a reassuring presence in the midst of his anxiety. "I'm here."

Their connection persisted at school, though they navigated their respective social circles. Maeve sought refuge in her diary, a sanctuary where she poured out her thoughts. Before her mother's interruption, she reflected on William's upcoming birthday with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

As she scribbled down her feelings, she couldn't shake the lingering fear of confessing her emotions to him.

With a sigh, Maeve reluctantly closed her diary, the weight of unspoken words lingering in the air. Tomorrow held the promise of another school day, another chance encounter with William, yet the uncertainty of her unspoken feelings lingered in her mind.

***

Besides Sophie, Maeve had formed close bonds with two classmates, Alice and Viviane, though they affectionately called her Vivi.

"It makes me sound like a little kid, super childish!" Vivi protested.

"But you're already a bit childish," Alice teased, sticking out her tongue. "Just embrace it!"

"But I want to be cool like Maeve!" Vivi feigned distress, joining Alice in hugging Maeve.

"You're a bad influence on her. Ever since you started hanging out with her, she's been getting more childish!" Alice accused, pointing at Maeve's funny face. "See? She's got the brain of a four-year-old now, all because of you, Vivi!"