Locked in Love

Getting Back To Normal

I don't really know how long it had been since I last saw Colton and Eli, but I was aching to see them again. They've been around for so long that it seemed weird not to talk to them every day or see their faces.

When Josh passed, I was torn apart. My whole life had just shattered to pieces in front of me. I had pushed everyone away from me, even the most important people. I locked myself away in my room for days, weeks. I have never cried so much in my life over one person. Even though Josh didn't come around much anymore, we still stayed in contact. We emailed each other and had the occasional phone calls where I would complain about how mom was nagging me about grades, or dad really wanted me to visit Baker. Josh was my brother.

When I felt well enough again, I dialed Eli’s number. It went straight to voicemail. Next, I dialed Colton’s number. It rang five times and then went to voicemail. Finally, I called their house phone. Eli’s cheerful voice came over the answering machine; “Hey! You’ve reached Eli, Colton, and Gina. Sorry we couldn’t answer the phone. Leave us a message and we’ll call you back!” I hung up before the beep. That was really weird no one was answering. I tried each of their cell phones one last time before giving up.

I pulled on an over-sized t-shirt and headed down stairs for the first time in weeks. My mom was sitting at the kitchen table with her laptop out. She must be doing more things for work. When she heard me walk in to the kitchen, she looked up and smiled. “Good afternoon honey. It’s nice to see you out of your room.”

I smiled back at her and a smell overcame me. “Cheesy meatloaf and mashed potatoes?”

“Yes! I know it’s your favorite and I just went grocery shopping, so I thought I’d make it for you! It’s even better now that you’re finally out of your room.”

“Thanks mom.” I smiled. I poured myself a huge glass of orange juice, kissed my mom, and headed back to my room. “See you in a few.”

When I got back up to my room, I grabbed my computer and signed on to my SoRealSpace. I had so many notifications from the last few weeks it’s crazy. I didn’t even bother looking at any of them. I did have two messages though. One was from the person I hoped would be on here and the other was from someone I never thought would talk to me again.

I clicked the first message;

Hey Av. I miss you. A lot. It’s been like three or four weeks since I’ve talked to you or even seen you. I’m not use to it being this way. I’m feeling so different about everything. About you. Avery, I’m in love with you. I know I’ve screwed up in the past and I know there are people that are most likely standing in our way and I know that everything that has happened lately is probably messing with your mind, but I had to let you know how I really feel about you. I hope you try and contact me soon. I’m so lost without you. You’ve made me a stronger person. I love you. I’ll talk to you soon…..hopefully.      –Colt

My heart literally sank. Colton loved me, he was in love with me. The feelings going through me, the thoughts in my head, it was all overwhelming, I wanted to cry. I had to ignore the message though and clicked the second one.

Hey babe. I know it’s been a long time since I’ve talked to you and I know things kind of left off really awkwardly, but I just wanted to let you know that I miss you and I still think about you everyday. You’re the love of my life. And I love you so much. I really hope we can work things out. Talk to you soon.  –Tanner Griffin Kelpo.

Why the hell is Griffin talking to me? Much less telling me I’m the love of his life? Is he out of his mind? He dumps me and expects me to just let him back into my life? That’s so not happening.

I slammed my computer shut and dialed Colton’s number again. Still, there was no answer. I called him three more times, each with no answer. This was really starting to bum my mood. I finally resulted to texting him; “Hey Colt. It’s just me. Call me whenever you get a chance. Love you.”

I headed back downstairs to eat with my mom.

_______________________________________________________________________

I rolled over and looked at the clock. It read 2:37 A.M. My phone was buzzing like crazy. I grabbed it and my heart skipped when I saw Colton’s name light up on the screen.

“Hello?” I answered in a sleepy voice.

“Hey Avery! I just got your message. How are you?” Colton practically yelled into the phone.

“Uh, sleepy. It’’s 2:40 in the morning, Colton.”

“Oh shit. I didn’t realize it was so late! Sorry I missed all your calls earlier. We’ve been hanging out with our mom lately. Call me later. Sleep well. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight Colton.” I turned off my phone.

I groaned and turned over, falling back into a silent slumber. It didn’t feel like 5 minutes before my mom came busting into my room.

“Goodmorning Avery! I just brought you some breakfast. I’m going to work. See you this afternoon.” She kissed my forehead and headed out to work.

Sitting before me was a huge stack of chocolate chip pancakes, a bowl of watermelon and canlope, a glass of orange juice, milk, and coffee. My mom wrote a note and taped it to the side of the tray. My mom really was amazing.

Right as I went to bit into my watermelon, my phone started going off. I quickly grabbed it and said hello without looking at the screen.

“Hey Avery. I have been waiting for you to call me all morning. What is taking you so long?” He breathed into the phone.

I smiled while chewing my watermelon. “Hey Colt. I just woke up, my mom brought me breakfast in bed. Have you been up all night?”

“Yeah.” There was a pause. “Since I called you early this morning and I heard your voice, I haven’t been able to sleep. I miss you.”

I didn’t say anything for a long time. This was the Colton I first knew almost a year and a half ago. This was the Colton I first fell in love with. It was who I wanted back in my life for good and I hoped it stayed this way. He was always so sweet when he wanted to be, but I never knew if I could trust him anymore. He hurt me when I found out about Shay.

“Colt?” I whispered in the phone.

“Avery.”

“Is there anyone else?” I nervously bit my lip.

“No. I swear to God. I haven’t even been able to think of anyone else but you. Shay was then. We both know there is nothing left for either of us. You are the only one I want and need, Avery.”

“Okay. I need to see you soon. Far Beach Three hours.”

I hung the phone up and was getting ready to see the boy of my dreams once again.