Dark & Light

~Chapter Nine~

Paige's POV

***

I knew what I had done.

And outwardly, I had easily walked away. From the boy I had grown to like. Maybe love.

And it was all my fault.

Somehow, it was all better that way.

Better I shield my heart, instead of giving it, and waiting for it to break.

Much better.

I bit my lip. I wasn't even sure if I was sure of my certain feelings. Talk about irony...

But whatever. I cant give in to that gentle whisper of my heart. It just can't happen.

I shivered in the dark cold of the night. So much time had seemed to pass. It was probably too late to make it to the game. Besides, I definitely didn't feel like cheering on a home team when I couldn't even cheer on myself, ever, by making any bold decisions, however slightly bold they were.

I should probably text her, I thought grimly, not wanting a lecture when she eventually would text back.

She was worried about my lack of a social life, and fun, as a teenager. I always reminded her I was an anti-social teen on the inside anyway, no matter how I acted outwardly when actually with people every couple years or so.

I typed out the message, knowing she'd be upset at me for missing the game.

Hey girl. I cant make it tonight, which you probably already realized. Sorry. I'll msg ya later. <3

I turned my phone off, and waited for the next bus, sitting in the odd compartment, shivering in the cold.

Just as I snuggled my lower head into the cowl of my thick coat. The one from the nearby community free clothes closet I had found, too large, but definitely warm enough.

I soon sensed someone around. Of course, it couldn't and wouldn't be anyone but the one annoying, lovely boy I had rudely left behind in the Garage behind the bus stop and store.

"Paige. come on."

I turned around. Of course, no one other than the doting Chris was right there.

"What do you want?" I snapped.

"Hey, hey." He looked surprised at my reaction to his presence. "You okay?"

"I was until you creeped up behind me."

"I was just wondering why we were having a good convo for once, and you decided to make it to a football game already at halftime by now."

"How would you know?"

He glanced downwards nervously. "Your friend told me. But that's beside the point. Why'd you leave? I'm sorry if my invite was inappropriate for the time and situation."

"Well, it was!" I said in a tone of definance.

"Oh, and how was it?" he seemed sad, but eager to know.

"You were the one who told jerk face you liked me, only to then say behind his back you actually don't."

A sign of recognition passed over his face. "I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable." He looked uncomfortable himself.

"You sure did! I thought you actually liked me, then you turned around and put me right in the red-hot friendzone!"

"Wait, you actually cared that I, friend zoned you?"