there she goes - jschlatt

caught in the crossfire

the weekend dragged on, stretching like a rubber band about to snap. every time I closed my eyes, I was haunted by the image of schlatt laughing with that girl at the park. I tried to brush it off, telling myself I didn't care, but deep down, I felt a pit in my stomach that wouldn't go away.

Monday arrived, bringing with it the familiar chaos of the café where I worked. the bell chimed above the door, signaling the start of another busy day. I was grateful for the distraction, throwing myself into the rhythm of taking orders and brewing coffee. but even the hustle and bustle couldn't drown out the nagging thoughts in my mind.

whenever I caught sight of him on social media, it made me question everything. schlatt seemed to enjoy spending time with his friends, and part of me wondered if I was just a passing phase in his life. maybe I had read too much into our moments together—his teasing remarks, the way he'd lean in just a little too close when he spoke to me.

that afternoon, as I wiped down the counter, I saw him enter the café, flanked by ted and tucker. they were laughing, their energy filling the room with warmth. but as soon as schlatt spotted me, his expression shifted. there was a flicker of something in his eyes—was it surprise, or maybe a hint of annoyance?

"hey, charlotte!" tucker called, waving as they approached. I forced a smile, trying to push aside the storm of emotions brewing within me.

"hey, guys!" I replied, my voice bright despite the tension knotting my stomach.

schlatt slid into a chair, his demeanor casual but guarded. "what's up?" he asked, and I noticed the slight edge to his tone, as if he were trying to keep me at arm's length.

"just the usual," I said, busying myself with the coffee machine. I tried to ignore the way his gaze lingered on me, trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind it.

ted and tucker launched into a discussion about their weekend, but I could feel schlatt's eyes on me. it was as if he was trying to gauge my reaction, waiting for a crack in my facade. I focused on making their drinks, pouring my frustration and confusion into the steaming cups.

after a few moments, I set down their drinks in front of them, forcing a cheerful smile. "enjoy!"

"thanks, charlotte," ted said, flashing me a grin. but schlatt remained quiet, almost brooding, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

"so, are you still doing that podcast thing?" tucker asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"yeah, we recorded an episode over the weekend," I replied, glancing at schlatt. his expression remained unreadable, and it frustrated me. 

"we talked about some of the weirdest things we've seen in coffee shops. it was fun."

"that sounds awesome," tucker said, genuinely interested. "we need to get you guys on one of our episodes. it'd be a riot."

"yeah, maybe," I said, stealing another glance at schlatt. he was quiet, almost brooding, and I hated how vulnerable it made me feel.

"you alright, schlatt?" ted asked, noticing the shift in the atmosphere."huh? yeah, I'm good," he replied, his voice curt. but the way he avoided eye contact with me said otherwise.

after a few more awkward exchanges, they finished their drinks and prepared to leave. I forced myself to act normal, but inside, I felt like a storm was brewing."we'll catch you later, charlotte," tucker said, standing up. "don't be a stranger!""yeah, see you around," ted added, and I nodded, trying to hide the disappointment that curled in my stomach.

as they left, I turned to schlatt, who was still seated, his expression inscrutable. "you good?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"yeah," he replied, but there was a hardness in his tone that sent a chill down my spine."you sure? you seem... off."he looked at me, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something—frustration? anger?—before he masked it again. "I'm just tired, that's all."

"right," I said, crossing my arms. I could feel the tension crackling between us, and I hated how vulnerable it made me feel. "you don't have to act tough around me, you know.""I'm not acting tough," he snapped, the defensiveness in his voice surprising me. "I just... I don't want to deal with this right now.""deal with what?" I asked, exasperated. "you're the one who makes everything complicated.""complicated?" he echoed, his brow furrowing. "maybe it wouldn't be if you just said what you wanted instead of dancing around it."

I felt my cheeks flush. "maybe I wouldn't have to if you'd just be honest with me."he stared at me for a long moment, the air thick with unspoken words. then he stood up, shaking his head. "I need to go.""wait, schlatt—"but he was already walking away, the bell above the door chiming as he left.I stood there, heart racing and frustration boiling over. I hated that he could get under my skin like this, that he had the power to make me feel so much.

the rest of the day passed in a haze, my thoughts spiraling as I tried to process what had just happened. did I really want to confront him? was I ready for the fallout that might come from it?by the time my shift ended, I felt drained, both physically and emotionally. I stepped outside, the cool evening air hitting my skin like a splash of cold water. as I walked home, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.what did it mean that he was pulling away? and why did it hurt so much?I knew I had to confront my feelings eventually, but for now, I'd have to settle for the uncomfortable uncertainty that loomed between us. the air was thick with tension, and I didn't know how to cut through it. all I could do was keep moving forward, even if the path ahead was unclear.