X - Y - Z

THREE - EXLEY

THREE - EXLEY

As I follow Hazel into her apartment, I can't help but question if this is a good idea. She tried to talk me out of it, more like brush me off, but I was bound and determined to get through that door. Now that I'm in here though, all of my conflicting emotions from earlier come crashing back like a tidal wave.

I literally could not believe my eyes when she got my attention in the elevator! Then I was confused about why she didn't call first, and honestly a little annoyed. Rude, I know, but still. I've distanced myself over the years - not always intentionally - because memories of home are so painful, and Hazel brings so many memories. I feel guilty for what has become of our friendship, guilty I wasn't there for her when her dad died, even more so that I was glad I couldn't be. Guilty our phone calls,the ones I actually answer, are nothing but shallow protocols to maintain the illusion of keeping in touch. Even those are solely on her effort. I suck! So yeah, I was annoyed. Annoyed at myself, and annoyed at her for bringing all these feelings out of the steel trap I had shoved them in.

She clearly has several emotions rolling through her brain too. I've always been able to read her face like a book. She was happy to see me. Surprised, but happy. She didn't care for Stephanie, which isn't at all surprising. And I saw the exact moment she realized I was annoyed. A hundred feelings flashed across then - none of them good. The most prominent were pain, anger and confusion. The look on her face when I introduced her as someone " I grew up".... I could've kicked myself.

Her apartment is nice, if not a little bare. The layout is the same as mine, though the paint is fresh. I'm surprised at the lack of decor or personal touches. Hazel has so much personality and her room growing up reflected that, so this seems odd.

Glancing around, my eyes my eyes come to rest on Hazel. She's going for irritated and impatient, but I can see the hurt in her eyes still.

I realize she was carrying groceries which are now piled on her center island. "Want some help putting these away?" I ask as I make my way toward her. When in doubt, make yourself useful, right?

"Exley, why are you here? You were clearly not thrilled to see me, and I already gave you an out."

"I thought we were going to talk about you are here, actually. I'm here because...because...well, no time like the present."

She gives me the classic exasperated Hazel face. Man, I've missed that. "Look Z, I'm not upset to see you..."

"Oh! You're not upset to see your bestfriend after 3 years? I feel warm and fuzzy now."

I missed that sarcasm, too. God, I missed her. "Hazel, I was shocked, okay? I'm sorry for the poor reaction. I can't exactly take it back now, but I missed you...and now I want to help you put away your groceries while you tell me why you're here. Annnnddd....I would really like to hug you..." I finish with an obviously questioning intonation on my statement. I do want to hug her, no question there. I just don't know if she'll let me at this point.

I can still see the tension in her face and body, but it's lessened slightly at least. A tiny smile is being ill-concealed on her pretty pink lips...PRETTY PINK LIPS?! Where the hell did that come from?

Hazel steps around the island and straight into my arms. Man she feels good. Just as we embrace, a laptop sitting in the corner starts to chime causing Hazel to jump in surprise.

"Sorry," she says with a slightly awkward giggle. Letting go, I run my hand up the back of my neck and feel my cheeks heat a little. Am I blushing?! I've been embarrassed around Hazel. It really has been too long.

I am pulled from my thoughts once again by the sound of a male voice coming from Hazel's computer. "Hazel girl, how're things?

"JAX!!" Hazel squeals. Okay, maybe not squeals, but she was definitely happy to see him. "Going good! Where's Chuck?"