Hearts Intertwined

Chapter Eighteen

I step through the door, the familiar scent of our house greeting me. The afternoon light filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow that feels comforting, but today it doesn't quite reach me. 

College was a whirlwind, and as I drop my bag onto the floor, I can't shake the feeling of loneliness that clings to me like a shadow. My psychology class was a blur of theories and discussions, the professor's voice droning on about human behavior and cognitive processes. I tried to focus, but my mind kept wandering to Hayden. He usually sits next to me, sharing quiet jokes and exchanging glances that make the lectures feel less tedious. Today, though, he's on the bus, heading to the away game, and I can't help but feel a pang of emptiness in his absence. 

History was a bit better, at least. We discussed dates and events for wars and treaties and I found myself engrossed in the topic. Yet, even as I engaged with the material, I kept thinking of HyadIt's strange how one person can make such a difference in a room full of people.

As I walk into the kitchen, I grab a snack from the pantry, my mind still drifting back to our last conversation. Hayden had been so excited about the game, his enthusiasm infectious. I wanted to be excited too, but without him here, it feels like a piece of me is missing. 

I pull out my phone, contemplating texting him, but I hesitate. I don't want to distract him from the game; he needs to focus. Instead, I settle on scrolling through social media, trying to fill the void. Pictures of friends at the game flood my feed, and I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. I wish I could be there, cheering him on.The minutes stretch on, each tick of the clock reminding me of how much I miss him. 

I decide to take a break from my phone and head to the living room. I plop down on the couch, flipping through channels aimlessly. Nothing holds my attention, and I find myself lost in thought again.I think about how much has changed between us. Just a few months ago, we didn't even know each other, and now it feels like he's become a part of my daily routine. 

As I sit there, I can't help but wonder how he's doing. Is he nervous? Excited? I wish I could be there to see him in action, to cheer him on from the sidelines. The thought brings a smile to my face, but it quickly fades as I remember I'm stuck here alone. 

 After a while, I decide to distract myself with some studying. I pull out my history notes, but the words blur together, and I find myself staring blankly at the page. My mind keeps drifting back to Hayden and the game. I wonder if he's thinking about me too, or if he's too caught up in the adrenaline of the match.I let out a sigh, realising I need to shake off this funk. I grab my laptop and decide to start on my homework for psychology. Maybe diving into the material will help me feel more connected to the world around me. 

I type away and I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The game will end soon, and I know he'll text me the moment he gets a chance. I just need to hold on a little longer. The clock ticks on, and I remind myself that this is just a temporary feeling. Hayden will be back, and we'll have plenty of time to catch up. Until then, I'll keep myself busy and try to focus on the things I love. 

 But as I glance at my phone again, I can't help but wish for the sound of his voice or the sight of his smile.  It's in these moments of longing that I realise something deeper—this isn't just about missing a friend. I like him. Like, I really like him. The way he cares and the way he laughs at my jokes, the way his eyes light up when he talks about things he's passionate about, it all makes my heart race. I know that the moment he walks through that door, everything will feel right again, and I can't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, he feels the same way.

Fuck. What is going on with me?

***

As I sit on the couch, scrolling through my phone, I hear the familiar sound of Brynlee's laughter echoing from the hallway. It's a sound that always brings a smile to my face, and today is no different.