Shattered Trust

Ch.09: Unfinished Business

The next day, Sarah couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in her stomach. All day at school, she went through the motions, but her mind was elsewhere-thinking about the conversation she was about to have with Liam. She and Claire had spent the day together as planned, talking and laughing like old times, but the weight of what was coming in the afternoon loomed over her.

After the final bell rang, Sarah parted ways with Claire, making up an excuse about needing to run an errand before heading home. Claire didn't seem suspicious, which only made Sarah feel worse about keeping secrets from her best friend again. But she knew she needed to talk to Liam before she could figure out what to say to Claire.

Liam had suggested they meet at a small park a few blocks from school, one that was usually quiet this time of day. As Sarah approached, she spotted Liam sitting on a bench under a large oak tree, looking a bit anxious himself. When he saw her, he stood up and offered a small, tentative smile.

"Hey," he said as she walked up to him.

"Hey," Sarah replied, her voice soft. She took a seat on the bench, leaving a small gap between them. The air felt heavy with unspoken words.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Liam seemed to be gathering his thoughts, while Sarah kept her eyes on the ground, unsure of how to start. Finally, Liam broke the silence.

"Thanks for meeting me, Sarah. I know this is... complicated."

"Yeah," Sarah agreed, still not looking at him. "But I think we need to talk, don't we?"

Liam nodded, his expression serious. "We do. I've been thinking a lot about what happened at the party, and I realized that I didn't handle things the way I should have."

Sarah finally looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for sincerity. "What do you mean?"

"I shouldn't have put you and Claire in that position," Liam admitted, his voice filled with regret. "Kissing you, then turning around and confessing to Claire-it wasn't fair to either of you. I've been a mess about it ever since."

Sarah felt a pang of sadness at his words. It was true; the whole situation had been a mess, and it had hurt her deeply. "It really messed things up, Liam. For me and for Claire."

"I know," he said quietly. "And I'm sorry. I was confused, and I made things worse by trying to keep you both close when I should have been honest from the start."

Sarah appreciated the apology, but it didn't make the hurt disappear. "So, what are you trying to say now?"

Liam sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I wanted to talk to you because I need to be clear about how I feel. I do care about you, Sarah-more than just as a friend. But... after everything, I realize that my feelings for Claire are stronger."

The words hit Sarah like a punch to the gut, even though part of her had expected them. She had hoped that maybe, just maybe, things could work out between her and Liam. But hearing him say it out loud made it real in a way she hadn't been prepared for.

"I see," Sarah managed to say, her voice trembling slightly.

"I know this isn't what you wanted to hear," Liam said softly. "And I don't blame you if you're angry with me. But I couldn't keep stringing you along without being honest about where I stand."

Sarah swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I appreciate you telling me the truth, Liam. I really do. But it still hurts."

"I'm sorry," Liam repeated, his voice thick with regret. "I never wanted to hurt you, Sarah. I wish things could have been different."

Sarah nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill. "Yeah, me too."