GLASSHEARTS❤️ 💙

Chapter 15- Distance and Doubt

Red's POV

In my mom's car, my mind wandered as I gazed out the window, lost in thought. I've never experienced love before. I wonder, what does it feel like? Is it warm and comforting, or cold and suffocating? Do I have to feel this emptiness, this worthlessness?

I'm just a girl, arms open wide
Looking for kindness
Somewhere in your eyes
I'm searching for something I may never find
All I want is love

My mom's voice pierces through my thoughts, "What you want doesn't exist. Love ain't it." The words echo louder, more menacing, "Love ain't it! Love ain't it!"

........
I jolt awake, panting, with the voice still resonating in my mind.

As I cover my ears, I hear laughter. Suddenly, I feel a touch and flinch, pushing Chloe away. "Chloe, I'm so sorry," I say, as she gets up from the floor, concern etched on her face. She tries to touch me again, but I stop her, my voice harsher than intended, "Don't touch me."

I get up, grab water from the mini fridge, and drink, trying to calm my racing heart. I retreat to my own bed, far from Chloe, consumed by fear. I don't even remember drifting off to sleep.

.............

Chloe's POV

I felt Red's body trembling beside me, and my eyes snapped open. I gently shook her awake, concern etched on my face. As she stirred, I reached out to comfort her, but she flinched, pushing me away with a force that sent me tumbling to the floor. "Ouch!" I winced, rubbing my sore backside.

Red's apologetic words followed, "I'm so sorry, Chloe." I quickly forgave her, climbing back onto the bed to offer solace. But she recoiled, her voice firm, "Don't touch me." The rejection stung, but I understood she needed space.

Red got up, grabbed water from the mini fridge, and drank, her eyes avoiding mine. She retreated to her own bed, closing her eyes, and I could sense her shutting down. I longed to ask what was wrong, but I didn't want to add to her distress.

Glancing at my phone, I saw the time - 2 AM. I set it down, resting my head on the bed, my thoughts racing with worry. What had just happened? Was Red okay? The questions swirled in my mind until exhaustion claimed me, and I drifted off to sleep.

............

My alarm buzzed, jolting me awake. I sat up, thoughts of last night's strange encounter with Red still lingering. I glanced over at Red's bed, but she was nowhere to be found. I knocked on the bathroom door, but there was no response. Red was gone. That was unusual, as she wasn't a morning person.

I went about my morning routine, wearing a blue outfit. As I headed to class, I spotted Red, but she wasn't sitting in her usual spot beside me. Instead, she was with a girl I barely knew. I was about to approach her when the teacher arrived, forcing me to take my seat.

Mr. Everwood droned on about the barrier's history, but I couldn't focus. I kept glancing at Red and the mysterious girl, who seemed to be sharing a private joke. Red didn't even acknowledge my presence. Did I do something wrong? Why was she ignoring me? We had a great time yesterday, or so I thought.

The teacher called on me, snapping me back to attention. I answered his question about the barrier, trying to sound confident. As I sat down, I caught Red staring at me, but she quickly looked away. At least she knew I was there now.

The rest of the morning flew by in a blur. Red continued to ignore me, making it hard to concentrate. Finally, lunchtime arrived, and I headed to the cafeteria. I spotted Red and the girl again and decided to join them. I introduced myself to Ruby Fitzherbert, trying to maintain eye contact with Red, who still wouldn't look at me.

"Can I join you guys?" I asked, trying to sound casual. Ruby nodded, but Red just poked at her food, her silence unsettling.

I chatted with Ruby, trying to ignore Red's silence. But when Red excused herself to the restroom, I waited a moment before following her. "Red," I said, as she turned to face me. Her gaze dropped, avoiding mine.

"You've been ignoring me all morning. Did I do something wrong? I thought we were fine after...the kiss. But now you're acting so distant. What's going on?" I asked, feeling a mix of sadness and concern.

Red's response was dismissive. "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine, okay? I just have a lot on my mind. Can we not talk about this, please?" She turned to leave, her words cutting deep.

I felt my heart sink, but I maintained my composure and returned to the cafeteria. The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, and I knew Red wouldn't be in my next class. I wished she'd open up about what was bothering her.

In Science class, my mind wandered, lost in thoughts of Red and our strange encounter. The lesson blurred together, my attention focused on Red's enigmatic behavior.

............

Red's POV

The haunting voice lingered, "Love ain't it!!" echoing in my mind. I arrived early at history class, eager to avoid Chloe. I sat beside Ruby, Queen Rapunzel's daughter, and introduced myself reluctantly. Ruby's warm smile and friendly demeanor made me roll my eyes, but I played along.

As the class began, I spotted Chloe at the entrance, her blue hair catching my attention. I quickly looked away, focusing on Ruby to avoid Chloe's gaze. But I could sense Chloe's disappointment when she saw I wasn't sitting in my usual spot.

Throughout the lesson, I struggled to concentrate, my mind drifting to the voice and Chloe's concerned glances. When Chloe answered a question, our eyes met briefly, but I looked away, whispering something to Ruby to distract myself.

Lunch was a blur, with Chloe trying to engage me in conversation, but I pushed her away, excusing myself to the restroom. The voice returned, taunting me, "Love ain't it." I rinsed my face, trying to shake off the feeling of unease.

Chloe confronted me, her expression worried, but I shut her down, unable to face my emotions. "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine, okay? I just have a lot on my mind. Can we not talk about this, please?" I left, feeling a pang of sadness but unable to open up.

In Remedial Goodness class, I zoned out, Fairy Godmother's words fading into the background as I thought about Chloe and the haunting voice. Maya's nervous greeting barely registered, and I replied absently, lost in my own turmoil.