The Z Files

Chapter Three

A deafening beeping noise startled me awake, tearing me away from dreams of Aria and back into reality. I forced myself awake and began my usual routine, making sure I had my phone before leaving the house.

I climbed into my car and sent Aria a text to let her know I was on my way and to meet in pre-calculus. I started the car and drove to the school, daydreaming cute scenarios with Aria in my mind. I pulled into the parking lot in the middle of a dream of Aria and I moving in together, then enjoying a cuddle-session on the couch.

Sad the dream was over, I got out of the car, and wove through students until I reached room 204.

I walked in excitedly, and noticed Aria crying in the back.

"Woah woah woah." I exclaimed, setting my things on a desk nearby to rush over to her, "Ari, what's wrong?"

"I j-just can't do this. I c-can't deal w-with this." Her voice sent shivers of empathetic sadness down my spine, and I wrapped my arms around her heaving frame, resting my head on top of hers.

"Do what, Ari?"

Aria pulled down her jacket sleeve to reveal a large patch of red lines.

"Oh, Ari, why didn't you call me? You know I'm here for you no matter what."
"I'm sorry."

"Aria you listen to me," I said turning myself to face her, "you are a gorgeous, smart, adorable, wonderful girl who over the years I have come to know and love. You have been nothing but a good friend to me, and you have nothing to be sorry for. You made a mistake, and that's ok. But never be sorry for feeling hurt. Now come here." I opened my arms and continued to hold her until her sobs slowed, eventually coming to a stop.

Things like this happened every now and then, and I often leapt at the opportunity to console her. After all, she'd been there for me so many times.

"Thank you," she said, wiping off the excess tears and sniffling slightly, "I don't know what I'd do if you weren't here, Sky. I love you."

"I love you too." I responded with less emotion than I'd want to.

"No."

"What? What do you mean no?"

"Skylar, I love you. You've been my best friend for so long, it was bound to happen. I fell for you months ago, it's just things we're going so well with your crush I didn't want to ruin it."

"Aria, I want you to look at me when I say this. You didn't ruin anything. My crush is you. All that staring and giggling and stuff wasn't nothing. You're adorable, cute, funny," I reached up to place my hand on her cheek, cupping it with affection, "and absolutely gorgeous. I love you too Aria."

"Aw!" A voice from across the room startled us both, and we jumped up to see our intruder.