No Time Like Goodbye

Chapter 12- Dylan

"Ryan, I just don't know what to do. I feel like I've messed up everything." I sat on the sidewalk in front of the diner, talking to Ryan. He tugged at the tie he wore as he listened, his eyes focused on a random spot in the street. I had drug him out of work to talk to him, not really knowing where else to go. It was around eleven in the morning, the streets already busy with people going about their lives. As though no one knew how badly I had just destroyed my life.

"I know it sounds bad, but it might have just been a big misunderstanding. Have you talked to her?" Ryan was, as usual, calm and clear-thinking. Besides Fahari, he was one of the few people I knew would always be able to give me good advice.

"I texted her, but she didn't answer. And I went to her house, but Matthew said she was already gone. I think she's avoiding me at this point."

"Or she could just be confused, hurt, and stressed. You tell her you love her, then practically sprint away from her. No explanation, no nothing. She has a right to be hurt, and I'm sure she's confused. Besides, she's trying to move out and move on with her life. I'm sure she's already stressed as it is, without having to decipher you and your cryptic messages."

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. I knew he was right, deep down. It wasn't fair to her, what I had done. I should have stayed and told her how I felt. I just wasn't thinking. I closed my eyes for a moment or two, listening to the cars rush by on the street in front of me, trying to think clearly.

"What do you think I need to do, Ryan?" I finally asked, not able to see a course of action that would make this better.

"I think you need to go talk to her. Explain. See what she has to say."

"And what if she hates me? What if she doesn't feel the same way? What of just ruined our entire relationship?"

"Then you'll move on. So will she. We're big kids now. Adults. It's time to deal with shit instead of putting it off. Hazel wont be the first friend you'll lose."

I was suddenly standing, hurt by his words. "I'm not going to lose her. Not Hazel. Thanks for the advice, Ryan."

I walked away from him without another word, getting into my car and driving away. I watched his form retreat into the distance as I drove, until I turned a corner and he dissapeared.

I wasn't going to lose her. I refused to. She and I had always been the best of friends. If I lost her, I was pretty sure I would die. But I was also pretty sure we couldn't go back to what we used to be like. That meant I had to grow a pair and either tell her how I felt, or do something drastic. After a while, I chose the latter option.

I drove through the narrow city streets until I reached my house. After pausing a moment in front of my driveway, I continued on and parked in front of Hazel's house.

I got out a took a deep breath, walking to the door and knocking. Matthew answered the door after a minute or two.

"Dylan, what do you want now? I told you, Hazel isn't here." He looked at me irritably, his blonde hair tousled. He looked like he had just woken up from a nap, probably why he was so cranky.

"Still? Listen, text me or call me or something when she gets back, I really need to t-" I was curious off as I heard a car door open, then close. I turned to see Hazel, getting out of Fahari's car. She didn't see me.

I took off at a run, skidding to a stop behind her just as she turned and saw me.

"Dylan? What are you doing here?" She frowned at me.

I didn't answer, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her close, kissing her softly.