Wasted Potential

Familiar Beginnings

Kenna stood in front of the mirror, the scent of freshly dyed hair still lingering in the air. This time, it was dark red. Maybe it would stick; maybe it wouldn't. It never really did. Her reflection stared back at her - fair skin and a bob she couldn't seem to let grow out, as if keeping it short would somehow help her feel in control of something. Every few months, she found herself back in this same spot, making changes, convincing herself it wasn't because of him. But it was.

Kade had texted her again, just when she was about to forget the feel of his name on her lips. Three months had passed since their last encounter, an awkward coffee that ended with a hug that felt like both a beginning and an ending. And now, here she was again, contemplating what it all meant. Did he miss her? Was he bored? Or worst of all, was this just another one of his random check-ins to make sure she was still there, waiting?

She shook the thought from her head, tying her sneakers. Sports was the one thing that never let her down. Her favourite escape. Running cleared her mind, even if it couldn't clear her heart. Out on the track, there were no awkward texts or missed chances - just her feet pounding the pavement and the cold air filling her lungs. But even as she started her run, her mind wandered back to Kade. 

He was a mystery she couldn't solve. Fair skin, dark hair, and that lazy smile he wore so easily, like he had all the time in the world. Except when it came to them. With Kade, everything was fleeting, as if he was too afraid to stay too long in one place. He was always running too, only in the opposite direction. 

And yet, she'd be lying if she said his text hadn't stirred something in her. Hope. The one thing she wished she could let go of. But Kamia always told her she was too stubborn for her own good, and maybe she was right. Kamia would know - she had already found love again, a fresh start with Travis, her "older and wiser" boyfriend. It was all so easy for her, while Kenna was stuck in the same cycle, waiting for something different.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She slowed her pace and glanced at the screen.

"Hey. Long time no see. Let's catch up soon?

Kade. Always with the vague invitations that left her wondering what he really wanted. She could already feel her pulse quicken, but not from the run. He always had that effect on her. A few months of silence, and then - boom. He was back, like a ghost she couldn't shake. 

Kenna stopped running, the familiar ache settling in her chest. She stood at the edge of the track, looking out at the empty field. How many times had she stood here, contemplating whether to answer him? Whether to give him another chance? Whether this time would be different?

But deep down, she knew the answer. It was always the same. 

She typed out a response, fingers hovering over the keys before hitting send.

"Sure. Let me know when."

Kenna exhaled, pulling her hoodie tighter around her as the wind started picking up. There was no pointing in pretending anymore. No matter how many times she tried to move on, cut her hair, change her style - there was something about Kade that kept her tethered, as if some invisible thread connected them, pulling her back every time. 

As she started jogging again, she knew one thing for certain: this wasn't over. It never really was.