When You Loved Me

Chapter 2

Those two weeks seemed to drag on for eternities. Even though I was having a fun and relaxing time off, I couldn't stop myself from wondering how Callie was. We texted every day and she sent me lots of photos but it just wasn't the same.

"You're not even trying," Xavier remarked. "How are you so bad at this?"

He was beating me relentlessly on the video game we were playing. It was almost humiliating and I knew I would never win, but I loved him, so I played with him anyway. Besides, it's not like we had anyone else to hang out with.

We both had lots of friends but none that we were close with. We've always had each other to rely on and it had always been enough. People often think that Xavier and I were dating because of how much time we spent by each other's sides.

I'd say that I see him as a brother but that's not even close to how I feel about him. He's my best friend. My number one, my ride-or-die. We know everything about each other. He's seen me go through all my awkward phases and he knows the name of every person I've ever had a crush on. I go to all of his performances–whether it's a piano recital, a musical, an art show, or anything else. I'm the first person he shows his art to, the first person he confides in. He's never had a crush and I know this because if he did, he would tell me. Sometimes I wonder if he's gay but I'd never force him to tell me unless he wanted to.

But the dynamic changed when I met Callie. We didn't hang out much outside of school, but oftentimes she'd join Xavier and me in the hall. She'd wave at him when she saw him, but they rarely spoke one-on-one. He might've been a little jealous that there was another person I was growing close to but, if he was, he didn't show it. Xavier's always been easy going like that.

As I watched my character lose to Xavier's again, I said, "Just wait until we play my game. It'll be over for you."

He stood and went to switch out the games. "I'd like to see you try."

While the television was loading, my phone chimed with a notification. Xavier and I both looked over and saw that it was a text from Callie.

"How's she doing?" he asked.

"Having the time of her life in Italy while we're freezing our asses off here."

He nodded but didn't say anything else.

The game finished loading and Xavier picked up his controller. "Ready?"

I glanced at the screen, then back to the notification. I knew that I didn't have to check what Callie said now, but I really wanted to. "One second," I mumbled, reaching for my phone.

It was just a photo of Callie's dinner. I sent her a quick smiling emoji then returned my attention to the game.

"Ready now?" Xavier asked, his eyebrows raised.

"Hell yeah."

Callie returned from her vacation a few days before the second semester started. She invited me to hang out at her house so we could catch up a bit. I'd never reveal it, but I was ecstatic to see her and her home.

My mom dropped me off, telling me to text her when I was ready to be picked up. Callie was waiting by the front door, waving at us. My mom gave a polite smile and a head nod before backing up and driving away.

"You gotta tell me all about Italy," I said.

Callie nodded, replying, "I will–but first, my mom wants to meet you"

She took me to the kitchen where her mother was washing dishes. When we entered, she turned off the tap and turned to see me. "Hello," she greeted.

"Hi, Ms. Alvarez!" I said as politely and warmly as possible. "I'm Amity. It's so nice to meet you! Thank you for having me over."