Figuring Out Life*

Chapter 11 - Thinking This Through

CHAPTER 11

Thinking This Through

I clicked on it immediately. It was full sentences, with capital letters, and punctuations. She was okay with me!

Hey, I'm just heading to the restroom for a bit

I'll see you in the library, okay?

My smile was immediately wiped from my face. Please tell me she just sent it.

The time under her text: 3:32 p.m..

The time I read it: 4:07 p.m.. 

I cursed at myself and called her. She didn't answer her phone. I quickly grabbed my backpack and sent her two texts.

hi

u still in library?

She usually stayed in the library for at least an hour, since she liked to do as much as she could before going home...

There wasn't much to do this week. Crap.

I grabbed my keys, locked the door, walked hurriedly to the elevator and pressed the button. My phone dings a couple of times.

No.

Just left.

As I got into the elevator, I texted her back, using proper spelling this time.

I'm sorry I didn't come to the library

Before I could finish typing another text she responded.

It's fine.

As soon as I got out, I walked like a madman to her tram stop.

There was a tram stopping there but I couldn't see her.

Did she get in already?

I ran and crossed the road to the tram stop.

I reached there but the tram had closed its door and chugged forward.

I was left behind, staring at it, and wanting to run after it.

But that's crazy. Tram doors are fully shut and I didn't want her to be embarrassed.

I was so stupi—

That may be true, but I needed to do something to fix this.

I should text her again.

With that in mind, I brought my attention back to my surroundings to get my phone from my pocket. My heart thumped one louder beat.

Shreya.

She's there, walking a few meters away from me.

She had her earphones on and she was smiling. A genuine amused smile. I miss seeing her smile like that. I love her smiles so much.

But her faltering smile when she saw me reminded me I shouldn't think like that anymore.

As she got closer, her smile disappeared from her face. Her face became neutral. All of that joy dissipated. I became the person who took away one of the things I love about her. Well done me.

She met my eyes once to acknowledge my presence and turned away. She took out her earphones without saying anything.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Fine."

And it was silent again.

Maybe I should do the talking. "I'm so sorry. I thought you forgot, so I went home. I saw your text way too late."