Highschool Sweethearts ~BWS~

Chapter 24 - Mistake

Why did I decide it would be a good idea to meet at The Coach House? 

The late February air causes shivers to rush over my body as I make my way from the bus station to the coffee shop. The many different shops I pass all have friendly displays of red and pinks, how odd. 

I reach the fabled door, opening it and dashing inside; allowing heat to engulf me. I yank off my now sweltering scarf and unzip my coat. My eyes peruse the room, spotting Tristan in the corner. 

As I move over to him and the two-person table he sees me. He stands from his chair in a welcoming manner, arms outstretched. I accept his hug, yet feel awkward. 

Isn't this supposed to be me letting him down, why is he being affectionate? 

I withdraw and sit in the empty seat. Tris copies my actions, sitting opposite me. As I hang my coat and scarf on the back of my chair, Tristan reaches for his back pocket. 

He pulls out a small bundle of red cosmos and hands me the bouquet. I smile but raise my eyebrows, puzzled.

"Oh," he says catching on. "They ran out of roses so..."

I continue to look at him confused. "But why did you get me flowers?"

"Because this is a date, and it's valentines day. That's what you do dates and Valentine's day, isn't it?"

"What?" I ask dumbfounded that I hadn't realised that it was the 'day of love'. "I'm really sorry Tris but this isn't a date."

His face drops. The optimistic beam slips away, resulting in a shocked frown. "But you said we should 'meet up tomorrow' and I thought that because today is Valentine's day it meant it was a date."

I shake my head. Guilt rising in my throat, eating away at me like acid; slow and painful. "I meant that we should meet and talk about what happened yesterday, I didn't know it was Valentine's" 

Tristan stares at me, quiet. I twirl the bundle of flowers in my hand, twiddling with the stems and petals. 

"Talk then." He declares sternly. 

"Huh?" 

"Talk about yesterday, if that's what you want to do." His voice demandingly bitter. 

I huff, trying to ease the pent-up tension and guilt. "Okay, well... You kissed me yesterday." I pause, catching his eye to see if it's okay to continue. "And you left before I could say anything."

I shift in my seat, leaning forward on the table and pocketing the flowers. "I wanted to say that: it was unexpected. I didn't really know what to do. As well, I wanted to tell you that, I only see you as a frien-"

"Why didn't you just message me that instead of leading me on?" Tristan cuts me off.

"I didn't intend for you to think this was a date! It was Lucy's idea for me to tell you in person. I was going to text you but she told me that'd be rude." I counter. I scan the area around us and notice people watching. I lower my voice, "I'm sorry, I would have said but I thought it was obvious."

As he hears my words, Tristan slumps in his chair. He runs his hand through his hair, shaking off everything. "So you're not interested in me?" He questions timidly.

I shake my head and barely whisper out, "I'm sorry."

We sit in silence for a bit. Both of us collecting our thoughts. I look at the cafe around us. Pink and red decorations line the walls; hearts plastered everywhere. How was I so stupid? 

I get up from my seat. "How about I get us some hot chocolate to wash away this all away?" I ask, trying to give him a smile. 

Tris nods. I leave the table and walk up to the queue at the counter. I gaze at all the delicious looking treats in the glass cabinet. My mouth watering at the sight of the chocolate fudge cake. 

As another person leaves the queue I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to find Brad behind me, grinning.

"Hey Em, what are you doing here?" He queries.

"Oh, I'm here with Tristan," I say, smiling at him.

His grin falters a little at the corners but soon regain their composure. He looks to my cardigan pocket and pulls out the cosmos.

"What are the flowers for?" 

"Tris gave them to me," I answer.

Just as he's about to speak the lady at the counter calls for me. "Can I have two hot chocolates and a slice of chocolate fudge cake and... What do you want Brad?" 

"Oh a cappuccino, don't worry I'll pay for it," He says reaching for his pocket.

"I'm buying Tris' so I'm buying yours," I respond.

The lady at the counter rings up the order. I pay and we wait a few minutes for the drinks to be made. Once done, Brad and I carry the beverages and cake towards the table.

Tristan sits up as we approach, surprised that Brad has joined us. Brad pulls up a chair and sits between Tris and I. I hand out the drinks and begin to chomp on my cake.

"Sorry," I say to Tristan after demolishing half. "I didn't know if you wanted any cakes, you can have some of this if you want."

He takes a sip of his hot chocolate, "No I'm fine you eat it."

"Brad?" I ask. "You want any?"

He shakes his head, chuckling, "No it's okay. It looks like you're enjoying it way too much for me to take it from you."

I nod smiling through the mouthful of sponge and icing. I finish the dessert and my sweet drink in a few minutes. The uncomfortable atmosphere between the three of us doesn't lift at all; looming over in a thick dark cloud.

"Um..." I cough. "I've got to be home soon, so I'm going to go catch the bus." 

Both the boy's nod. I shrug on my coat and zip it up tight.

"See you on Monday," Brad replies.

Tristan smiles at me, "Bye Emily."

I leave the table. As I reach the door I turn back to wave to them but instead find the both of them locked in conversation. Tristan appears lost, disappointed whereas Brad looks angry, almost jealous. I open the door and exit the uneasy shop.

~ AN: I'm back.  Sorry for the hiatus, I sort of forgot about this. It was also sort of an awkward point of the story to come back at. In terms of future of updates, they will most likely be weekly from now on maybe even more infrequent, sorry. But I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks to anyone who's still reading x