Always You

Chapter 9

Ezra

It had been a week since my last exchange with Sierra at the cafeteria. I'd barely seen her all week, which was strange considering she lived only a door down from me. I made an effort to walk a little slower every time I passed by her door with the hope that I would run into her but I haven't had any luck so far.

Which was why my attention was immediately stolen from whatever story Brody was telling when I caught a glimpse of Sierra entering the hallway en route to her dorm. Hugo and Taylor were laughing at something Brody had said, but my mind went blank as soon as I saw her, looking beautiful dressed casually in a simple white t-shirt and blue jeans. Her soft brown hair fell in loose waves, bouncing to the rhythm of her springy gait, which slowed once her eyes landed on mine. Without hesitation, I flashed her the biggest smile I could manage and raised my hand in an inviting wave as she walked closer. Her eyes made a brief scan of the three standing beside me, suddenly making me aware that the conversation had lulled and that there were three sets of eyes trained on me. A curt smile and a small nod was all I got before she breezed past me, without so much as a hello.

What the heck was that?! I don't know what I expected, but that certainly wasn't it. Confused, I raised my hand up to my head as I registered what had happened.

"Who was that?" Hugo was the first to break the silence. Always the first to speak up, he was never afraid to voice his thoughts.

"That's Sierra," Brody jumped in before I even opened my mouth to respond, "and yep, she's the Sierra we've all heard about. She's prettier than you described too bro."

Taylor laughed.

"What's so funny?" Brody inquired.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that-" she started,

"Sorry guys, I'll be right back," I interrupted, deciding to catch up to Sierra to find out what caused the cold shoulder.

Running up a few flights of stairs normally wouldn't have even hiked my heart rate one bit, being a track athlete and all, but I found myself catching my breath when I reached our floor.

"Wait!" I called out as I turned the corner at the top of the stairs.

Sierra turned in surprise, one hand on her door handle.

Slowing my pace, I blew a lungful of air out as I approached her. "I haven't seen you in a week, how have you been?"

"Good thanks," she turned the handle, freeing the door with a small click.

Something didn't feel right. "What's up?" I asked, trying to keep the concern from my voice.

"I've been busy with beginning of term stuff, you know," she said, avoiding my eyes.

"Yeah, but c'mon, you can't be so busy that you can't even make a little time to catch up. I could have believed it if someone told me you had moved out, you barely left your room all week."

"And you would know that how?" she questioned.

I paused. Crap. "Um. I left my door opened most of the time hoping to hear you come out so I could talk to you," I admitted.

I swear she almost smirked but did a good job of masking it. "Uhuh. You're a weirdo, you know that?"

"and you're a hermit, you know that?" I retorted playfully. "A hermit that sings way too loud," I added.

"No! Don't tell me you can hear me through the walls," her eyes widened.

"Maybe," I was the one to smirk this time. "I've missed hearing your beautiful voice," I lowered my voice to a gentle whisper as I took a small step closer to her. She had the most incredible voice. It was raw, mellow yet soothing all at the same time. The way her Australian accent framed the lyrics made it all the more enticing. I've missed that accent of hers more than I could have imagined. I missed that shy smile she gives when someone gives her a compliment. I missed her humility and I missed her quiet confidence. I missed the way she smelt. I missed the way that her face lights up when she hears something nice. Man, I missed everything about this girl.

"Oh, please," she said, her cheeks flushing a rosy shade.

"But seriously, you have a gift Sierra," I said earnestly, lifting my hand to her cheek.

A zap of static shot through my finger as it touched her cheek, and she must have felt it too, because she instantly pulled away at the contact.

"Ez, what are you doing?" she whispered, eyes finally landing on mine.

"Sorry," I stepped back. "I've just missed you so much. I wish we could catch up and hang out like old times."

"I wish we could too, Ez," she responded. There was a hint of hesitation in her voice.

"So why not?"

She looked away.

"Sierra?" I pressed on, "why not? It's been 5 years. You left without a word, you owe me an explanation at least!"

"I don't owe you anything," she said with a shaky voice, making me feel guilty instantly. "I don't want to talk about it," she said as she slammed the door in my face.