Crossing the line

9: Distance

AVA

The sun streamed through Ava's bedroom window, casting warm golden rays across the room. She woke slowly, stretching under the blankets and blinking against the light. Last night felt surreal, like a vivid dream from which she had just awakened. Jake's touch, the warmth in his voice, and the way he had promised to be there for her lingered in her mind, making her heart flutter.

But as she shuffled into the kitchen, still wrapped in her oversized t-shirt, that flutter turned to confusion. The house was abuzz with the sounds of Liam and his friends preparing for another day of summer festivities. She could hear laughter coming from the backyard, the clattering of dishes, and the sizzling of something cooking on the grill.

Ava's stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since last night. She poured herself a glass of orange juice and glanced around for Jake. Surely he was here somewhere-he had been a constant presence since the reunion began. But as she searched the room, she quickly realized that Jake was absent.

"Morning, Ava!" Liam called out, his voice cheerful as he entered the kitchen, a towel draped over his shoulder. He looked fresh and ready for the day, unlike her, who felt like she was still waking up. "How did you sleep?"

"Not too bad," she replied, forcing a smile as she pushed her hair back from her face. "Where's Jake?"

Liam paused, a strange look crossing his face. "Uh, he's outside. He's been helping Dave set up the grill."

"Oh," Ava said, trying to mask her disappointment. She hoped she could have a few minutes with Jake to talk about last night. She wanted to see if they were on the same page, but that hope dimmed when she caught sight of Jake in the backyard. He was talking with some of the other guys, laughing and joking, but he didn't look her way-not once.

Feeling an inexplicable ache in her chest, Ava poured herself a bowl of cereal, forcing herself to eat while trying to figure out why Jake seemed to be avoiding her. Was he regretting their conversation from the night before? Had Liam's warning gotten to him?

"Is Jake okay?" she asked Liam, trying to keep her voice casual. "He seems a little... distant."

Liam raised an eyebrow, clearly not understanding her concern. "He's just being Jake. You know how he is. Always bouncing between friends and making everyone laugh."

But Ava's heart sank at the thought that Jake was simply being himself while avoiding her specifically. "Right," she said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I just thought... I mean, we had a good talk last night."

Liam shrugged, looking out the kitchen window. "Yeah, he's probably just in a mood. Don't take it personally. You know he's always been like that. One minute he's all in, and the next, he's off doing his own thing."

The words felt like a cold splash of water on her hopes. "Yeah, I guess," Ava said quietly.

After breakfast, Ava decided to venture outside despite the growing weight in her stomach. The sun was shining, and the laughter of her brother and his friends wafted through the air, but all she could focus on was Jake. He was still engaged in conversation with the others, and every time she thought he might look her way, he'd turn to someone else.

Frustrated, she grabbed a towel and headed toward the pool, determined to join in on the fun and not let Jake's behavior ruin her day. After all, they were at a summer reunion; she could at least enjoy the sunshine and the company of her friends.

As she settled onto a lounge chair, the water sparkling invitingly beside her, she felt a mix of determination and sadness. Her friends joined her, and they chatted about summer plans, the latest gossip, and everything in between. But her eyes kept drifting back to Jake, who seemed content to remain in his own little world.