Logan and Maria's lifelong friendship is tested when their deep-seated feelings start to surface, beneath their favorite Walnut Tree. As they navigate the tricky waters of adolescence, Logan grapples with his denial after a breakup, Maria struggles...
He fell from the walnut tree, right into a pile of leaves. He rubbed his head with pain.
-I nearly died- he grumbled to himself - I might be too old for this- he was barely seventeen.
Logan laughed a bit, sat down and looked up, now facing the glimpses of sunlight from in between the foliage.
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-Nobody saw me falling, did I really fall then? -I saw you- someone whispered in his ear. -Holy shit!- he startled and turned around- you scared me Maria! -You're a chicken that's why you are easy to tease, don't blame me for your cowardice. -Co-coward? Me? -Indeed -I came here to relax, not to be annoyed by a fifteen-year-old nerd -Sixteen tomorrow, and hey! This was my spot first, so I can come whenever I like, seventeen-year-old coward -Yeah yeah, I know—Maria laughed— About your birthday, not the "coward" part... geez—Logan said trying not to laugh too.
Their friendship had been a turmoil for a few months already. But their love language towards each other remained the same: mockery and sarcasm.
Logan thought Maria was clumsy about his attitude. Actually, she was trying to reconnect with him, her chest felt heavy since he was distant. Would teasing him be the answer?
-Anyways, come tomorrow—Maria handed him an invite, her fingers shaking— It won't be the same without you. -Don't say that, people will hear you—Logan looked cold, but was moved by her sad face, trying his best not to hug her. -Who cares? Is someone listening here? No -It doesn't matter whether... -You care too much, overthinking what we have... -And what do we have, Maria?— fire burning in his eyes, hiding his feelings. -I...wh-what question is that? Y-you know— her cheeks turned red. -You always talk like an adult, then behave like one and celebrate without me—he turned around, it killed him when she blushed.
Maria grabbed his wrist, turning him back. Logan tripped on a bit and their noses locked, staring at each other's eyes. He put his hand on Maria's cheek, like a reflex. She turned her face, nervously.
"Don't... if you liked me back you wouldn't be treating me so poorly", said her inner voice. Ever since he was avoidant, tears and sleepless nights were all she knew.
-I don't care why you're avoiding me—she lied, one liar— but at least make an excuse; you know better than anyone how much I love my birthday -I'm not avoiding you...— another liar -Yes, you are! And when I reach you... -Maria... -... The only thing you do is argue and I'm sick of it!— she recriminated in a scream -That's because you keep approaching me!— he fought back, with a hand on his chest. -It's not my fault Rachel left you!-tears of anger showed, she covered her mouth with both hands. Logan looked at her in shock.
"Why did I say that?", Maria was embarrassed of herself.
—————————— A/N: I wanted to try writing a cute cliché story of friends unaware that they love each other; but adding some metaphors and intertex.
This is a warm story, hope you all like it. I'm not sure how many readers there'll be, but even if there's just 10, hope you all enjoy it; as much as I did writing it (it's already finished, will post regularly).
