The Ponytail Stranger

Not like that

I stepped out of the classroom and waited, but Aaron wasn't anywhere in sight.
"Maybe he didn't want to come? Its fine, we can still go." Hermia patted my back.
"Yeah..I guess so." I sighed and got my Tabe out.
"It'll be faster to Transport there." I said as I pressed the transport app, she nodded and did the same. We both transported at the same time. I felt my feet lift from the ground as I was put into the infinite dimension of colorful towers made by everyone transporting through. I felt mt feet touch back down.
We walked into the cafe together.
"Hey have you seen Toradora as well? I love that anime even more then good morning call!" Hermia said happily as we got into line.
"Yeah, I realy like that anime too!" I said happily, although I couldn't help but worry about Aaron, he acted so strange today and I can't think why. It made me think of what I said this morning, did anything set him off? Did I do something wrong? Does he hate me now?
"I wish I had someone to runaway with like that." Hermia sighed wistfully.
"Hello, may I take your order?" The lady asked as we got to the front of the line.
"Yes, one Rose Milk Tea and one Cinnamon Vanilla Latte." I say to the lady and transfer the money via my Tabe.
"Names?" She asked.
"Jay for the Tea, Hermia for the Latte." I said as I closed my Tabe.
"Thank you we will call you when your order is ready." She said and we walked away, and found a table by a window.
"Thanks for paying, you really didnt have to." Hermia said softly.
"Oh it was no trouble." I said,
Might as well use the money since I wont be able to after I leave.
"How long does it take for the drinks to be done?" She asked, she seemed very excited to try her drink.
"Only five minutes usually." I replied, sighing.
"Hey so I know this is a twist in topics..but..do you have a crush?" She leaned in closer, smiling slyly.
"O-oh!" I said surprised.
Oh yeah Aaron is my boyfriend.
I can't say that.
"No. Not really. Why?" I said calmly, although I felt my insides twist.
"Well..uh." She paused.
"Jay, Hermia, your drinks are ready." The worker said, she shot up.
"I will grab them." Her words were fast and I almost couldnt tell what she said.
She grabbed them, but paused where she was. Then turned with a smile on her face and walked back to the table. She gave me my drink and sat down across from me.
"So..the reason I ask is cause uh.." She mumbled about something under her breath.
"I really like you. I mean..I know we met today but..I really really like you and if you like me back do you think..we could..uh, maybe be together?" She said nervously, my heart dropped.
Aaron knew.
"I...I'm sorry. I lied." I admit. Her expression turned sad.
"I actually have a crush. My feelings for you..they arent like that. I'm sorry, but we could still be friends?" I asked nervously.
"Y-yeah..thats fine. Who is the crush?" She asked, her expression still sad.
"I..I can't say. Sorry. I will tell you eventually, but now is not the time." I shook my head.
"Its fine. I understand." She waved her hand in the air dismissing my apology.
"Sorry to cut this short but I just realized I did something wrong to somebody and I need to go talk to them. See you tomorrow." I smiled softly at her and she gave me a sad smiled in return. I left the cafe and opened my Tabe, I felt my feet raise, but didn't feel I had time to admire the scene of the beautiful pillars of color. I felt my feet touch the ground just outside the clearing where our spot was. I saw Aaron sitting and ran towards him, hugging him tightly.
"Jay?" He said in confusion.
"I'm sorry. I didnt know!" I cried. Stuffing my face into his shoulder. He seemed to get over his confusion and hugged me back.
"What do you mean? What's wrong?" He brushed his fingers through my hair
"I'm so sorry..I didn't know she liked me, I didn't know I was making you feel bad! Please tell me next time!" I felt warm tears fall down my face.
"I..thought she was going to take you from me..I didn't know what to do.." Aaron said sadly, pulling me back.
"I thought you would realize you liked her more." Tears began falling down his face.
He shook his head, "I-"
I pressed my lips onto his. He gasped, but leaned into it. We hugged eachother close. I broke away from the kiss, but kept in the hug.
"I will never leave you. I love you so much." I cried, he brushed a tear off my cheek.
"I know..I guess I just got into my own head a bit." He said, resting his forehead on mine and I looked deeply into his eyes and he did the same.
"Looking back it was silly since we are getting married eventually." He laughed, not breaking eye contact.
"Lets go home, I'm tired." I whispered.
"I don't want to go home." He says, then his face says he regretted it.
"Why? Why dont you want to go home?" I sat up a bit.
"I..I don't..I can't.." He mumbled.
"What's at home? What are you avoiding? I've been there before it seemed fine. You seemed fine." I said worriedly, putting my hand on his cheek and gently tilting his head towards me. He was trying to avoid eye contact now.
"I..I forgot. When you were there, I forgot about it. There's nothing wrong with the house..or the people I live with. But I just..I can't.." His eyes got teary.
"I can't go back there. I can't live there knowing she's gone..its not right." Tears flowed down his face as he tried to get the words out.
"What..? Who..? Aaron.." I said softly, I brushed a tear off his cheek.
"My sister..my little sister died two years ago. Its been so hard..its all my fault..I couldnt help her.. We were camping and..I couldn't help her..I failed her." He sobbed.
"Calm down. Breathe, its alright." I pulled him into another hug. He grasped me tightly. His sobs quieting and his breath steadied.
"Do you want to tell me? Its okay if you dont." I say as I brush my hand through his hair.
"No..I need to tell you." He said firmly.