Hearts Intertwined

Chapter Seven

I'm scrolling through my phone, glancing at the messages that fill the screen. My heart sinks as I try to come up with a message to Oliver. I feel guilty, knowing I lashed out at him, and now the weight of my words hangs heavy in the air. The noise of the college corridors fades as I get lost in my thoughts. 

Suddenly, I feel a presence behind me. I turn, startled, and see Oliver standing there, his bag slung over his shoulder. He looks at me with worried eyes, and my stomach twists. I can't help but feel a rush of shame for how I treated him before."Oh! You scared me," I say, trying to mask my surprise with a nervous laugh. But the laughter feels hollow, and I can see the concern etched on his face. 

"Sorry, didn't mean to sneak up on you," he replies, his voice gentle. "I thought maybe you'd like to take a walk with me?" His offer hangs in the air, and I hesitate, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. 

"A walk? I... I guess that could be nice," I say, my voice shaky. I'm hesitant, knowing I hurt him, but the sincerity in his eyes makes me want to take that step. 

"I thought maybe it could help clear your mind...'' I open my mouth to reply but he continues, ''Please, I also want to talk?" His words are soft yet firm, and I feel a flicker of hope. Maybe this walk is just what I need to mend things between us.

I wrap my hand around Oliver's arm, feeling the familiar comfort of his presence as we start walking together. The sounds of students chatting and the rustle of leaves fill the air, but my focus is solely on him. It's nice to escape the chaos for a moment, just the two of us navigating the familiar paths of campus. 

"So, how was your day?" Oliver asks, casting a sideways glance at me with that easy-going smile that always makes me feel a little lighter. I can't help but smile back, even though my mind is still buzzing from the earlier class. 

"It was... okay, I guess. Just the usual classes and trying not to zone out," I reply, keeping my tone casual. It's comforting to share this mundane stuff with him; it feels like a little bubble of normalcy amidst the chaos of our lives.

As we walk, I suddenly realize that I don't recognize where we're heading. The usual landmarks blur into the background, and I furrow my brow in confusion. "Wait, where are we going?" I ask, my curiosity piqued. 

He chuckles softly, the sound warm and reassuring. "Just trust me, it's a nice spot. I thought we could escape for a bit and have some quiet time together." 

I feel a mix of excitement and apprehension as I squeeze his arm a little tighter, ready to see where this unexpected detour will take us.

As we walk further into the tall grass, the flowers sway gently around us, their vibrant colors dancing in the sunlight. I can feel the soft earth beneath my shoes, and with each step, the chaos of the day begins to fade away. It's just me and Oliver, surrounded by nature's beauty.

We finally reach a weathered wooden bench nestled in a small clearing, and we drop our bags onto it with a soft thud. I can't help but feel a surge of energy as I step away from the bench, letting the warmth of the sun wash over me. 

With a playful grin, I twirl around in the flowers, my arms outstretched and the wind whipping through my hair. The petals brush against my skin, and laughter bubbles up from deep within me. In this moment, I feel free, unburdened by the weight of my earlier frustrations. 

After a few spins, I collapse onto the grass beside Oliver, who's watching me with a bemused smile. The field stretches endlessly before us, waves of tall grass swaying in rhythm with the wind. It's as if the earth itself is breathing, and I can't help but feel a sense of peace settle over me. The wild gusts tousle my hair and carry the sweet scent of wildflowers, creating a perfect backdrop for this unexpected escape.