Chasing Possibilities

18 - Of the Painful Truth and Lots of Tears

I found Bryce seated at a corner table of the coffee shop with his cake untouched and a coffee cup hugged by his hands. My heart thudded a little with each little step I took towards him. It was really stupid having those nervous feelings.

He looked up as I was just about to turn around and leave. "Haeley!" He sounded relieved and stood up to meet me. He led me to his table and ordered me a drink. I hadn't had the chance to decline because my tongue was in knots.

"Sorry if this was all so sudden." Bryce said the very moment the waiter who took his order left.

"It's fine. I wasn't busy." I said, nerves all over the place.

"Look, if I make you uncomfortable, we can do this another time." Bryce noticed how uneasy I was sitting alone with him.

The waiter arrived with my drink and left right after I told him all was fine.

"Bryce, it's not what you think. It's just that -- you know -- I ---"

"You're stuttering. Very cute." Bryce gave a lighthearted laugh which made me blush a little. Somehow his boyish laugh and innocent teasing made me warm up to him a little and eased away my anxiety.

"Thanks for that. I needed some reminding, you know. It's pretty difficult forgetting those kind of simple stuff." I joked which made the both of us laugh again.

"Now, isn't that nice?" He said finally taking a bite of his cake. "Really though, you look beautiful today."

I was pretty overwhelmed with his compliment and felt a little awkward at the same time. "Stop playing Bryce or I might believe what you say." I countered his joke with a very lousy one.

Bryce just kept his cool down but I saw a hint of disappointment masked on his smile.

"So what is it you want to talk about?" I hastily changed the topic to avoid the two of us getting into another round of awkwardness.

He took a long sip at his coffee and felt his intense gaze studied me. After what looked like forever, he said, "Are you and Sev together? I mean, like a couple?"

He totally caught me off guard. I had not expected that one coming. To calm myself, I took my time sipping my coffee and formulated a good enough answer. "I don't think I need to answer that question. I don't think that's any of your business Bryce?"

"I just want to know Haeley. This is important."

"Why? What does it matter to you?"

I had to kick myself for that very stupid response. The air felt thick around us and I saw tension on his jaw as he looked away for a while, probably trying to compose himself.

"To be honest Haeley, a whole damn lot. It matters to me a whole damn lot." He responded with his eyes locked on to mine. "I care about you Haeley. In more ways than you ever imagined."

I felt the blow knocked me off my seat. I just blinked at him as I tried to recover.

"Please say something."

"Where are you going with this?" I asked unable to form a more comprehensive question.

"I -- I know I'm in no position to -- but -- Haeley I --"

"Bryce! Quit stuttering. Spill!" I cut him off.

"That guy Sev, he's not good for you. You have to stop whatever you have with him."

"Really Bryce? You are so unbelievable! You don't even know him." I said, anger boiling down my stomach.

"I don't want you to get hurt Haeley. --" I stood up unable to contain my anger at him. "Haeley, please--"