City of Shadows

Starstruck

(Brianna’s POV)

I’m just going to say what’s on my mind. I like a guy in my grade. Ok, wow Brianna. Yeah, I know I’m a flirt, you don’t have to roll your eyes. Things are different this time. His name is Landon. He is kind,thoughtful, and talented. He writes songs, and he is an amazing guitar player. Last year he was a drum major for the school marching band. The same marching band that is state champions, but never gets half the credit they deserve. To me, Landon has always been just a friend. I’ve always thought he was cute, but I was ok just having him as a friend. Trust me, it wasn’t my intention to be anything more than just friends. But my life changed.

Back on the night of the school dance, we had gone together as friends. But then afterwards, when Butterflygirl died. I was heartbroken. The SIRA pulled some kind of government coverup and told the school that Aurelia moved away, or something like that. I found myself without a best friend, and with no one to share my sorrow with. I went home and locked myself in my room and cried until I had no tears left to cry. That was when there was a knock on my bedroom door. At school that day, Landon had heard that I had skipped because my best friend moved away. So, he came directly to my house after school. I mustered the energy to get up and answer my room door. I had been expecting to see my adoptive mom Lisa, but it was Landon instead.

“Landon what are..” I began to ask, but I was abruptly interrupted as Landon gave me a hug. At first I froze, but then I sort of sank into the hug, and started crying. He didn’t try to give me some inspiration speech about how things will get better eventually. Pain isn’t something that any singular phrase can get rid of. I wish it were possible, but there is no magical piece of advice that can end your heartbreak. I guess you just have to cry out your pain, and then learn to live again. He just stood there silently, and let me cry out my pain until I was done. Sometimes a hug says you care more than a million words ever will.

“Thank you.” I told him, my voice rough from crying.

“I figured you could use a hug.” Landon replied. “I also figured that you could use some ice cream. I brought a pint of ice cream. Your mom put it in the kitchen. Ice cream won’t get rid of your sorrow, but it definitely helps.”

“Ice cream sounds nice.” I muttered.

After than, I began to notice all the little things he does. For example, he always opens the door for other people, even if they are being mean to him. Also, he always has a spare pencil in his backpack. I always lose my pencil, and he always lets me ‘borrow’ it, even though he never gets the pencil back. Also, he always goes out of his way to ask me about my day, and he doesn’t ask “How’s your day been?”, he asks, “So, what was the best part of your day?” It’s as if he is either trying to remind me that life can still be good, even with Aurelia gone, or he maybe he likes me too. Oh please let him like me too. I don’t want to spend my life in the friend zone. Maybe if it hadn’t taken me so long to develop feelings, then maybe. I don’t really know where I’m going with this, but a maybe is at least something.

Right now, I’m sitting in my chemistry class. The teacher is lecturing us on covalent bonds, but I keep finding myself glancing over at Landon. He sits at few desks away from me. I think I should tell him how I feel. I could just walk up to him after class and end my suffering. Ok, I think I’ll just do it. Rip it off like a bandaid. Toss my heart out on the line and hope for the best.

The second the bell rings, I shove my notes into my backpack, and practically fly out of my desk chair. Wait no. That was 5 seconds to put all of my stuff away. I was taking my time, but it was a little bit on the quick side. I decide to unzip my backpack and peer inside it as though I forgot something. Then after a few more seconds, I rezip my backpack, and head out of the room to confront Landon.

As I step into the hallway, my heart is racing. It feels as though my heart could run a marathon. Landon has already made good distance down the hall. I think his next class is either band or history. I’m not entirely sure. Either way, there is no distance that can prevent me from doing what I need to do.

“Landon!” I call down the hallway to him.

Landon quickly turns around, and smiles when he sees me. Without hesitation, I hurry to catch up to him.

“Hey, I really need to talk to you.” I tell him.

“Ok, I’m listening.” Landon replies as we walk together.

“Landon, I like you. I like you as more than just a friend.” I tell him, my face starting to turn red. “I understand if you don’t feel the same way. I just wanted to tell you.”

For a moment, everything between us in silent. I say nothing, and he says nothing. It even feels as if the hallway around us has faded away. For a moment, the world is an infinite expanse of maybes. When he doesn’t say anything, I lose hope. Based on his facial expression, he is clearly thinking about something, but he doesn’t say anything.

Finally, I break the silence, “I have to go to class now…. Um…. bye I guess. I really hope I didn’t ruin our friendship.” I turn away from him and start walking in the direction of my next class.

“Brianna wait.” Landon says as he catches me by the wrist. “I like you too.”

“Really?” I ask, my eyes as wide as saucers.

“I’ve liked you for the past two years. I’ve just been waiting for you to notice me.” Landon admits.

“I was an idiot.” I conclude.

“That’s ok, because I’m an idiot too. I should’ve told you.” Landon replies.

“Ok. So, since we’ve confessed our secrets, how about you meet me at Frosty’s at seven?” I suggest.

“That sounds great.” Landon replies.

We part ways due to the impending ringing of the tardy bell. I have the cheesiest grin on my face as I head to class. It seems to take every fiber of my being to resist shouting and jumping for joy. Not only does he like me, but now I have a date tonight. Sure, I’m a flirt, but Landon is to first guy that hasn’t rejected me.

***
Good news is, I updated. I managed to actually sit down and complete a chapter. The bad news is, I'm not sure if I get much time to write in the coming weeks. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.

QOTC-

Shipname?

What do you think of Brianna and Landon?

Until next chapter -AureilliaSkyland