New Dawn

Denied

THE WEEK PASSED SLUGGISHLY, WITHOUT A SINGLE word from Seth. Nahuel, on the other hand, texted me constantly. Every morning he would send me an uplifting or motivating quote to start my days off with and every night he would wish me sweat dreams and warn me about bed bugs biting. The texts always brought a smile to my face but my thoughts always wished it was someone else who was texting me, mostly Seth. Every time I heard my phone ring or felt it vibrate, there was a moment before I looked, where I would pray it was Seth.

When Friday rolled around, I had started to give up hope on the idea that Seth could ever be interested in me. No matter what he felt, I wanted to hear it from him. Eli gave me the opportunity Friday afternoon, during lunch. "Hey Lydia. Do you have a bicycle?" Her words were hushed.

Looking at her skeptically, I answered, "I do. Why you ask? Need to borrow it?"

"No. I have one." Her tone became more normal, "I just wanted to know if you would ride with me to La Push? I know it's a long ride but you are so fit, it'll be a breeze." Her words came out

jumbled together.

The thought of getting a chance to run into Seth naturally, created a smile on my face, "I would love to. When do we leave?"

"Right after school. Brady has his own place and he said there's a little get together and he invited me. I know he is a little too old for me but...I don't know...I feel so connected to him. It's hard to explain, something pulls me to him. I just don't want to go alone and he said I could invite whoever I wanted."

"What do you mean by connected?"

She blushed, "It's hard to describe it but it's almost like we were made for each other and I think he feels the same way. He is always texting me and checking up on how I'm doing and he gets protective when I talk about other guys. I know I only met him a week ago, but there's something there." She paused for a moment before continuing, "Do I sound like a complete naive, love struck teenager?"

I giggled, "Yes, and I'm jealous." I rolled my eyes, "Just don't give it up too fast."

She stuck her tongue out at me, "I'm not that naive."

"I know. I really am happy you found someone who makes you feel like you're on cloud nine."

Her eyebrows turned in questioningly as my tone became serious, "Thanks?"

Together we giggled as we walked to find our table. When I saw Nahuel sitting with the rest of my friends, butterflies began to flutter in my stomach. Eli winked at me and continued to walk as he smiled and rushed over to my side, "Hey Lydia. Need help?" He gestured to my books and lunch.

"No, it's fine. Thank you though."

"Okay, cool."

The moment was a little awkward. I wasn't sure how to reply or what to do next. He made me nervous and anxious. "So...Are you sitting with us today?"

"I was hoping to. I wanted to see if we could meet up later?" He looked to the floor with a faint blush on his cheeks.

I hesitated.

"I need help with some math homework and I know you are in the advance courses, so I figured you would be the best tutor I could get." His words came out anxious.

"You want me to be your tutor?" I giggled, "I'm a year behind you."

His soft blush deepened, "There's no reason to imply I'm stupid. I just wanted some help." His tone was teasing.