♡BRANDON♡
The next day at school, I was looking forward to catching up with Athalia.
We had shared such a nice time together recently that I was eager to see her and continue our conversations.
However, as I walked into the school courtyard, I noticed Athalia talking with a guy I recognize as Alex.
Of all people.
They were standing close together and laughing like they've known each other for years.
She then puts her arms around him, pulling him into a hug.
My stomach tightened with an unfamiliar pang of jealousy and insecurity. I couldn't help but overthink the situation.
Was there something going on between them? Were they more than just friends?
Why should I care? We're just friends.
I turned around and walked away.
My mind began to spin with doubts and fears, and I struggled to keep my thoughts from spiralling further.
As the final bell rang, I walked through the crowded hallway, my mind still tangled in this morning's thoughts.
I spent the rest of the day trying to keep busy and avoid interacting with her.
My mind was a storm of conflicting emotions–part of me wanted to reach out and explain, but another part was overwhelmed by the fear of being misunderstood.
I made my way out of school very quickly so I wouldn't have to walk with her.
She calls for me while running, and I stop, already feeling like a jerk. She stops in front of me, her face a mix of concern and frustration.
"Brandon, we need to talk," she said, her voice tight with worry. "You've been avoiding me and acting distant all day. What's going on?" She says as we continue walking.
I hesitate, unsure of how to respond. The turmoil inside me made it hard to articulate my feelings.
"It's nothing," I muttered, looking away. "I'm just... I'm not feeling great today."
Her eyes flashed with hurt. "You're shutting me out, and it's not fair. I thought we were working on being open with each other."
I felt a wave of guilt and frustration.
"It's not just about you." I said, my voice rising.
"I didn't say it was about me."
"Just forget it." I say and continue walking.
"No." She steps in front of me.
Her expression hardened. "You're pushing me away when I'm trying to understand you. I'm here, trying to be open, and you're just... closing off."
I shrug and step aside again. Continuing my walk.
She steps in front of me again.
"And what? I'm supposed to just accept that you shut me out without an explanation? I'm trying to be here for you, but when I think we're getting closer, you push me away."
I say nothing and continue looking at her with a blank stare. Her growing frustration is evident.
"You're being a jerk and a coward, you know." She says angrily.
"I know, okay?" I quietly say.
"If you know, then why are you making things difficult? Just tell me what I did wrong."
YOU ARE READING
Cold Water
Romance[BWWM] I was only twelve years old when the world turned cold. The day my mom died in that car accident, I felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over my heart. My dad, who had always been my hero, suddenly became a stranger, filled...
