Swimming back to you

chapter 13.

As I approached the sports academy, I spotted Brandon leaning casually against his car. The sight of him brought a rush of unease, mingled with a swirl of anger and confusion. What was he doing here? My heart pounded as old memories and wounds resurfaced.

Brandon had been in my life for the past five years, a constant presence with a charm that often felt more like a veneer than something genuine. He'd been the guy who flattered me with sweet words, promising the world while his actions told a different story. I had been there for him when his ex broke his heart, spending countless nights talking him through his pain and confusion. I had been his emotional support, only to find out that he was seeing someone else on the side. It was a punch to the gut when I discovered he was juggling me and my best friend, making me feel like a mere option rather than a priority.

When I finally found out the truth, when I realized he'd been stringing me along while maintaining his side relationships, I felt utterly betrayed. The confrontation was heated, and I'd blocked him from everywhere. I needed to cut ties, to reclaim some sense of self-worth and stop being his emotional safety net. The messages, the calls—everything was shut out. I thought I'd made it clear that I was done with him. Yet here he was, standing at the sports academy as if nothing had happened, as if his past actions hadn't left a deep scar.

What was he hoping to achieve by showing up here? Did he think a change of scenery would erase the hurt he'd caused? My mind raced with questions and memories of all those times he'd made me feel like a second choice, like I was replaceable. I had always been his backup plan, the one he'd turn to when it was convenient for him, even though I had given him my all.

I had been ignoring his WhatsApp messages, hoping he'd get the hint that I wanted nothing to do with him. But seeing him here made it feel like he was pushing his way back into my life, uninvited and unwanted. The mix of anger and betrayal was overwhelming, and I found myself wanting to confront him, to demand answers, but also feeling the strong urge to just walk away and not let him see how much he still affected me.

As I walked closer, I could feel the tension knotting in my stomach. His presence was an unwelcome reminder of the pain he'd caused. I tried to steady my breath and gather my resolve. I wasn't about to let him disrupt my day or my newly rediscovered sense of self.

"Hey, Hailey," he called out with a forced cheerfulness as I drew closer.

I stopped in my tracks, feeling a surge of anger and confusion. "What are you doing here, Brandon?" My voice was icy, betraying none of the turmoil I felt inside.

Brandon straightened up and approached me, his expression a mixture of charm and concern. "I wanted to talk to you. I've been trying to reach you, and you've been ignoring me."

I crossed my arms, trying to steady my emotions. "Yeah, I've been ignoring you for a reason. I don't want to talk to you. Not after everything."

He sighed dramatically, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I know things got complicated, but I've been thinking a lot about us. I realize now that I messed up, and I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

I raised an eyebrow, my anger flaring. "Sorry doesn't change the fact that you were seeing someone else while you were flirting with me. It doesn't change how you made me feel like I was just an option."

Brandon's eyes softened, and he took a step closer. "Come on, Hailey. I was in a tough spot. I didn't handle things well, but I didn't mean to make you feel replaceable. You know I care about you. We had something special, didn't we?"

I shook my head, feeling the sting of his words. "Special? You had a funny way of showing it. You made me feel like I was just a backup plan, Brandon. I was there for you when you were hurting, and all you did was use me."