Finding Finley ✔

10

Ever since the night that Darby and I went to the movies together two weeks ago, things have been different. Sometimes it's a good different and I feel like maybe this could eventually be more than just a friendship, and then other times it's an odd kind of different - like Darby regrets ever having met me.

Earlier, when I met her at our usual meeting spot, it was an odd different kind of different. She gave me a slight wave hello and then barely said two words to me our entire run. When we made it back to her apartment moments ago, she went straight to her door and I ran up the stairs to Kit and Ellie's. We don't say goodbye, she doesn't even wave.

I'm not even sure that it has anything to do with me. The way that Darby acts on days like today is the way she always acted when I first met her. Her moods change like the wind, and it's getting harder and harder to keep up with. 

When I make it up the stairs and into Kit and Ellie's apartment, I go straight to the fridge.

"I really regret giving you a key." Ellie sighs as she comes in the kitchen behind me. "Don't you have your own food?"

"Says the girl who is literally always taking food out of my hands." 

She rolls her eyes and takes a seat at the table. "Did you have a nice run with Darby?" 

By the way she says Darby's name, she's obviously  implying that Darby and I do more than run together. Truth is though, ever since that night at the theater, Darby hasn't even touched me. 

"Not really. She was acting weird again." I admit as I take a seat at the table with Ellie. 

"Maybe she's waiting for you to make a move. She made the first move, now it's your turn."

"I don't think that's it, El. Some days she's quiet and can't wait to get away from me and then the next day she's laughing and teasing me about stuff." At first I thought that maybe Darby went to the movies and held my hand with me out of pity because of me telling her about my nightmares, but now I don't know what to think.

"Why don't you just talk to her about it?"

Before I can answer, Kit comes in to the kitchen, "Are you guys done with the girl talk? I'm hungry, lets go to Rosie's."

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I don't know what to expect from Darby today when I walk to the corner where we usually meet. I'm hoping for goofy and fun Darby, but at this point I'm prepared for anything.

She isn't at the corner when I get there, which was weird because she's usually there waiting on me. I check my phone and just as I'm about to call her, she comes running across the parking lot with a huge smile on her face. 

Today is going to be a good day with Darby Kingston. 

When she's in front of me, I notice that she's not in her usual running clothes. Instead of her shorts and tank top, Darby is wearing leggings and a t shirt with a flannel tied around her waist. 

"Finn! I have an idea." Her eyes are shining in the sun and her smile is still in place as looks up at me.

"Oh yeah? What's your idea?" I can't help but smile back at her, her mood contagious. 

"Let's go for a hike instead of a run."

"A hike?"

"Yeah, I know a place. It'll be fun, I promise." She's practically bouncing with excitement and I'll do anything to keep her this excited and happy.