The Higher Define (2018)

27

Where the waterfall tumbles into a stream that runs throgh the area of the Hub, there's a bridge that is build across the stream to join the two plots of separated land together.

The bridge is made of dark wood and the handrails are of the same material. It feels nice and solid under my grasp and I lean against it, enjoying the sound of the water splashing into the large body of blue.

"Hey."

It's Spencer.

He stands a little behind me, his eyes full of uncertainty and doubt.

I don't know what I should say to him. It has been a while since we last talked and even then, it had ended up in a nasty fight. We have rarely convered since due to not seeing each other around which is a result of my busy schedule. While the new Higher Defines have a timetable of their own, I follow the one that has been specially created for me.

Finally deciding that I'll keep the conversation casual but ensure that it doesn't end up like our last, I give him a jerk of my head to acknowledge him.

"What's up?"

Something like sorrow claws at his face and he approaches me, his hands grabbing at the wooden rails as he steps into the position beside me.

When I don't think that he's going to answer, he speaks.

"I can't do this anymore, Aspen."

"What?" Confusion bubbles up inside of me.

"I'm sorry for everything that I did and said to you. I shouldn't have just forced you into hacking Richard like that." The words are spilling out of his mouth in a way that suggests that if he stops, he might just be too scared to finish his sentences.

I try to think of a reply but my words fail me. I hate that I can't summon an instant response when his face is so open with sincerity.

"I couldn't stop thinking about our fight, you know? And I was so embarrassed when I replayed that conversation in my head," Spencer stares hard at the stream, at the way the water runs along the little stones that dot the clear blue, "I don't know what I was thinking."

When he stops, it feels like my heart is splitting into two. He's not the only one who has tore our relationship apart. I made this happen, too.

"I'm at fault, too, Spencer. It was kind of a lame move when I dismissed the deaths so quickly. I guess I should have tried to do more research."

Spencer gives me a glance that says that he doesn't care that my apology is a far cry from his. It's a look that speaks of his gratefulness that we have attempted at making up and it speaks volumes.

"We're all good?" He asks, a twinge of hope in his voice.

I reply with a smile.

"We're all good, Spencer."