The Omission Behind Ones Devotion

Chapter 23

Hayden's POV:

Nerves begin spiraling in the pit of my stomach as thoughts race through my head. And even worse I couldn't shake this goofy grin I had plastered off my face. My mind keeps replaying his text over and over in my head. I can feel my cheeks heat up, I cant believe he remembered.

"When was the last time you let loose." His words were probably suppose to be sarcastic, but they were anything but that. For they spoke the truth, they made me feel vulnerable. I never let loose, in fact I can't remember the last time that I did. Maybe it was his words, maybe it was the hour of day, maybe it was the way the silence of the night matched my own aura, or maybe it was the way he stood there, eyes boring into my own in a trusting caring manner that made me do what I did next.

Sliding my shorts down and lifting my shirt over my head I can feel his harsh stare. Before I knew it cold water washed through me and I broke into the surface. I can feel goosebumps arise on my skin, but I don't think its from the water. When I hit the surface once more his face was nothing but mere centimeters away from my own.

Looking back at it now that night had changed the dynamic of our friendship for good. I dont know, everything just had seemed different, safe. That night was truly the night that I had let loose for the first few times in my life. There were no worries for all I had to worry about were the stars above. Infinite thoughts and worries millions of miles away that were out of my control. I had the cool water breaking onto my skin, a silent night, and most of all Brayden. For the first time I had truly felt alive, I wonder if it will be like that tonight, or maybe even more.

I know it's wrong to think like this. Even though he had never made it clear, I was sort of, kind of with Chris and thinking about Brayden should not be in that equation. The thoughts of him were selfish, impractical, but I couldn't help it. In the back of my mind he would always and forever be there, a boy that I could never have, out of reach. Does that stop me from meeting him tonight, hell no.

I pick up some speed as I approach my door stopping abruptly looking down at my attire, combing my hands through my hair. Once satisfied I took a deep breath and turned the knob to my front door.

Walking in my heart rate becomes rapid and for the life of me I could not get this ungodly grin off my face. Turning to walk past the kitchen I can see the patio light on, illuminating the poolside. I don't really know why I did, but I stopped and looked out the window to try and spot Brayden and what came next made my heart stop.

There Brayden stood by the pool, hands tangled in the hair of a blonde no other than Kaitlyn herself. I'm not sure what I felt in that moment. I felt nothing, but yet everything at once.

I stood frozen, with my heart plummeting to my stomach.

I knew it.

How could I think that Brayden would actually go for someone like me.

I was angry, not only at Brayden and Kaitlyn, but myself. Though most of all I felt utterly, and simply stupid.

For the thought of us together was only a figure of my imagination. A small star up high with all my other hopes and worries circulating through the galaxy billions of miles away, but yet reminding me on the daily with a simple glance at the sky.

I can feel my eyes begin to water as I race upstairs, each step my body becoming more and more heavy, my body being weighed down by no other than my emotions.

Pushing the door open tears begin pouring out as I plot myself down on my bed, thoughts spiraling out of control.

Why would he do that, text me to meet him when he was with another girl?

Was this all a plan?

God I'm so stupid.

I don't know how long I have been drowning in my own misery for, but a sound coming from out my window took me out of my constant internal battle. Looking out my window I can see Brayden walking into his room and plopping himself on his bed effortlessly. His hair was messy and his lips were swollen.

Reaching to his side I watch as he grabs his phone texting away at ease.

I get up rather abruptly and close my curtains, but not before getting one more look at him.

How could he sit there, unaware yet so at ease. The boy next door, my brother's best friend, the star captain of the football team, but most importantly, the boy who had broken my heart before it was even at his reach.

—————————
Authors note:

Yikes!
Drama drama drama, who would have thought. This chapter is extremely short and I apologize for it but I promise it will be worth it, because the next chapter will surely be a rollercoaster of  events.