Catch Me

Chapter 5

A couple of days following their argument, Annabelle tried to reach Stefan, but rarely did he answer her calls or texts. And even when he did, he kept the conversation short, hanging up even before she could broach the real reason she was calling him. She had to talk to him sooner or later about “them”; if she didn´t, she would go crazy from talking to herself in circles.

After their fight, she couldn´t shake the words Stefan had thrown into her face. Was she really that much of a coward that she couldn´t tell him how she really felt about him? She knew she shouldn´t be apprehensive of his reaction – he numerous times pointed out that he wanted her to be with him.

And now, as Annabelle thought about it, lying on the bed in her bedroom, she found that she was actually happy that Stefan felt that way. She finally realized she could truly return his feelings. Not only did she know that she loved him, but she could also feel it. Her heart ached with love and longing whenever she thought about Stefan.

All of the sudden, Annabelle sat up on her bed, feeling strong determination filling her veins. She had to talk to him. She couldn´t waste any more time.

After changing clothes, Annabelle grabbed her keys and ran down the stairs. She rushed out the front door, ignoring her mother´s concerned look as she called after her. She jumped into her car, put it into gear. After pulling out of the driveway, she started to drive toward Stefan´s.

            Halfway on the way to his house, Annabelle remembered it was Saturday which meant that Stefan would probably be at the lake two miles away from his house. So fifteen minutes later instead of pulling up to his house, she continued down the road and then turned onto the dirt-road that led to the lake. After she stepped out of her car, Annabelle walked to the shore and sat down on a patch of green grass. The sun has already began its descend, the sky the color of pink and indigo blue, the last rays of sunshine being reflected on the surface of the lake. Stefan came here every now and then, just to relax when he felt stressed; most of the times, she went along with him. She could just hope that he would come here today as well. And the only thing for her left was to wait for him.

            As she waited for him, Annabelle busied herself with reliving every memorable moment that included Stefan: prom night when they met for the first time and he practically stalked her everywhere; the senior year during which they spent getting to know each other and gradually becoming best friends; their trip to France and Italy the summer before college started; the times they spent at the lake …

            Somehow, while reflecting on the past, Annabelle fell asleep. When she awoke, she felt disoriented and confused. It was already pitch dark. But what was worse, Stefan was nowhere in sight.

            Annabelle didn´t feel only confused but also disappointed; after all, she couldn´t know for sure, if he would come here. After she stretched a bit, she got into her car and drove away.

            As Annabelle contemplated going straight back to her house, Stefan´s house came into view. On impulse, she pulled up alongside the Salvani house. As she was taking the few steps up to the front porch, she noticed the light in Stefan´s room was on.  She released a sigh of relief and knocked. After a few seconds, the door opened and signora Salvani smiling face welcomed her.

            “Good evening, Annabelle. What can I do for you?” Katherine asked, moving aside to let Annabelle step inside.

            “I came over to see Stefan. Is he home?” she already knew he was, she just wanted to be polite.

            “Yes, he is upstairs in his bedroom with-“

            Annabelle didn´t hear Katherine finish as she hurried past her and up the stairs. She walked down the hallway and she didn´t even stop to knock on his door before bursting in.

            “Stefan, I need to-“

            The last words died on her lips the second Annabelle saw who he was with.

            Stefan and Emily both stared at her in surprise from the spot where they were sitting. Stefan´s bed.

            “What are you doing here, Belle?” Stefan asked her after what seemed like an eternity.

            But Annabelle couldn´t respond. The only thought that raced through her mind repeatedly was that she was late. Too late, that is. Stefan got apparently tired of her behavior and didn´t waste his time to turn for comfort to Emily. Rejection and disappointment flooded her veins and spread to her whole body. But even so, she had to try. She was already here and she was never the one to back down from a challenge, even if it was already too late. If it didn´t work out, she would knew she had at least tried.

            “I came here to talk to you. In private, if that´s possible,” Annabelle said, her eyes flicking for a second toward Emily.

            Stefan looked at Emily. No words were necessary. She nodded and walked out of the room. As Emily passed Annabelle, she smiled at her. Annabelle managed a weak smile in return. Then she focused her eyes on Stefan who already stood up from his bed and was standing now just a few feet from her.

            Stefan was looking at her closely and saw something in Annabelle´s expression he fairly couldn´t quite interpret. He saw determination, uncertainty but also… fear? Was she afraid of something? But he knew he would find out soon. She had never been the type to keep things inside for too long a time.

            “How have you been?” Stefan asked, going for a little chit-chat, sensing Annabelle´s uneasiness. He didn´t dare to hope that she was here because of the reasons he wanted her to, but he ached to hold her.

            “Have been better. Though I hope it´s going to change soon,” Annabelle said, holding his gaze.

            Stefan was so transfixed with her eyes, bluer than ever, that he missed her taking a step forward.

            “Oh. And what´s in the way for you feeling better?” he asked, finally taking notice how the gap between them was being closed.

            Annabelle´s lips twitched as she fought a smile: “You.”