Crossing the line

10: Shifting Currents

AVA

The next morning, Ava woke to the sound of laughter drifting in from the backyard. Sunlight streamed through her window, but the warmth of the day did nothing to thaw the cold distance Jake had created.

As she got dressed, she tried to shake off the heavy feeling in her chest. Her thoughts kept returning to their conversation, replaying it like a broken record. The way Jake had walked away from her yesterday still stung, and she couldn't shake the feeling that he was slipping further away with every passing hour.

When she made her way downstairs, she found Liam and Jake sitting at the kitchen table, coffee cups in hand, immersed in a lighthearted discussion about their plans for the day. Ava felt a twinge of jealousy as she watched them, Jake's easy laugh mixing with Liam's infectious grin.

"Good morning," she said, forcing a smile as she joined them.

"Hey, Ava," Liam replied cheerfully, while Jake offered nothing more than a brief nod, his eyes still focused on his phone.

The silence that hung between her and Jake felt like an invisible wall, one that she desperately wanted to tear down. She wished for a glimpse of the warmth they had shared just days before, but instead, all she received was a cold, indifferent response.

After breakfast, Ava grabbed her bag and headed toward the door, determined to escape the tension. "I'm going out for a bit," she announced, not bothering to elaborate.

"Where are you off to?" Liam asked, glancing up.

"I'm meeting up with Jasmine," she said, her voice lightening at the thought of her old friend. "You remember her from high school?"

"Yeah, the one with the crazy hair?" Liam chuckled, and Ava couldn't help but smile.

"Exactly!" she replied, grateful for the distraction.

As she stepped outside, the sun warmed her skin, and the weight of the previous day began to lift. She pulled out her phone and texted Jasmine, hoping to catch up after so long apart.

Meet you at the café in 30? Can't wait to see you!

Jasmine replied almost immediately.

Sounds perfect! I'll be there!

Ava arrived at the café just a few minutes later, the familiar scent of coffee mingling with baked goods bringing back memories of their high school days. She spotted Jasmine at a corner table, her vibrant curls bouncing as she waved enthusiastically.

"Ava!" Jasmine exclaimed, standing up to pull her into a warm hug. "It's been forever!"

"I know! You look amazing!" Ava beamed as they settled into their seats.

"You too! I can't believe we're finally hanging out again. What's new with you?" Jasmine asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Ava hesitated, unsure of how to explain the turmoil she was feeling. "Oh, you know, the usual. Just trying to figure out life, I guess."

"Come on, spill!" Jasmine urged, leaning in closer. "You've got that look in your eye. There's something going on!"

Ava laughed, a small part of her grateful for the distraction. "Okay, fine. So, there's this guy... and he's my brother's best friend. Things got complicated, and now we're in this weird space where I'm not sure what's happening."

"Ooh, juicy! Tell me everything!" Jasmine said, her eyes widening in delight.

As Ava recounted the story, from their late-night talk to the painful fallout, she felt a sense of relief. Talking about it out loud helped, if only a little. Jasmine listened intently, nodding along and offering supportive comments.

"Wow, that sounds so intense," Jasmine said when Ava finished. "But girl, you deserve to be with someone who wants you just as much as you want him. Don't let him push you away."

"I know," Ava sighed, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. "But it's like every time I try to get close, he retreats. It's frustrating. I want to fight for us, but I don't know how when he keeps shutting me out."

"Have you talked to him since?" Jasmine asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Only a few awkward hellos. He's barely said anything to me. It's like he's acting like I'm a stranger," Ava replied, her heart aching at the memory of Jake's indifference.

"Ugh, that sucks," Jasmine said, shaking her head. "You need to confront him about this. Don't let him keep you guessing. You deserve more than that."

Ava nodded, feeling the weight of Jasmine's words. "You're right. I just wish it was easier."

"Nothing worth having ever is," Jasmine replied with a knowing smile. "But you've got to take control of your own happiness. Don't let him decide for you."

As they continued to talk and laugh, Ava felt a sense of clarity washing over her. She needed to stop waiting for Jake to come around and start taking charge of her own feelings. No more guessing games; it was time to confront the situation head-on.

Later that afternoon, after their caffeine fix and a trip down memory lane, Ava returned home feeling a bit lighter. But as she walked through the front door, the atmosphere inside was thick with silence.

She found Liam and Jake still hanging out, but Jake barely acknowledged her presence as he tossed a football with Liam outside. Ava's heart sank again, feeling the familiar ache of isolation. She had shared a part of herself with Jasmine, and yet, here she was, still feeling like an outsider in her own life.

"Hey, you guys!" she called, forcing a smile. "What are you up to?"

"Just tossing the ball around," Liam replied, glancing at her before turning back to Jake.

Ava joined them outside, her heart racing as she tried to bridge the gap that had formed. She felt a surge of determination rising within her. No more tiptoeing around the issues; she was ready to confront Jake and find out where they really stood.

But for now, it seemed that Jake was still lost in his own world, and Ava couldn't help but wonder if she was ever going to break through the barriers he had built. She sighed quietly, the weight of uncertainty settling back over her as she watched him interact with Liam, wishing she could be a part of that laughter once again.