For as long as you need me

2. Hiding is easier said than done

She blinks. Once. Twice. She looks so confused that any other time I would've snapped a picture to capture this moment. "So wait. He's-" "Sam. I love you. However, I do not need to hear it out loud again." She's blinking rapidly again. That's what she does when she's trying to process new information that's thrown at her. I catch her doing that in all the classes we have together."So he's the one that broke your heart? That made you never want to date again? The new boy? From New Jersey?"

I groan, putting my head into my hands again. "Do we have to go through all of this now? Cause the bell should be ringing any moment now. Can we just go? We wouldn't want to be late. I mean, of course, I'm going to be avoiding him at all costs. Even though I did talk to him when I bumped into him..."

"You did what?! But he's your ex! Why would you even speak to him after he hurt you?" I look at her strangely, "I wasn't aware that he would come back. I bumped into him, said sorry and that's about it. I would never want to talk to him on purpose. I'm not that stupid." More words run out of her mouth as I look to Mason. He hasn't said a word after announcing my "sink of shame". Yes, it's a daily thing to the point where it even has a damn name. Anyways, I look at him and tilt my head. "Dude. You've been quiet. What's your take on this?"

I wasn't joking because he's never quiet unless he's thinking about some really serious stuff. His posture is stiff as he just stands there. His dark brown hair is untamed as always as I go to mess it up. He looks at me, analyzing my face. "All I saw was you slumping to the ground, but how do you feel about seeing him again? Did he look anyway how he used to?" Samantha looks just as curious so I sigh and rub my eyes with my fingers.

"He looks... different. But the same, you know? Like, he grew taller, which is a given. My head was at his shoulders, which is saying something. He let his hair grow out but it's still in a million different directions. He's a lot sturdier and stronger, he was able to pick me up with no problem at all. His eyes, they're still the bright eyes I saw years ago. As for how I feel, I feel like death itself. Seeing him, someone who hurt me so much, felt like when the breakup first happened. I literally thought he was someone else because he was so much taller and broader. I think he still plays basketball. Probably soccer and football too. But then I remember seeing that face for years and just left as soon as I knew for certain it was him. I realized that the two of you were still fighting over who knows what so what are you guys fighting about now?"

Samantha grumbles, "He's being mean." He shook his head, "She's being irrational. Don't change the subject. You are very good at doing that, but let's get back on track. What are you going to do now?"

I knew both of them could see through me, but I just sigh. "Fine. It doesn't matter. It's been four years. He's moved on, I've moved on, it won't matter in the end. And I'm going to go to the gym now." I look up, both of them are looking skeptical, but the first bell rang so we finish putting away our things. I hesitate, then pull my senior hoodie from my locker before slamming it shut. Samantha looks back and sees the hoodie in my hand and raises her eyebrow but I just put a finger to my lips and smile apologetically.

Her eyes light up as she understands and she laughs. "You're evil. Pure evil." I shrug as Mason looks confused, but decides not to comment. We move down the stairs and people are looking at Mason weirdly because he just came from the girls' side of the gym but he shrugs. It's more convenient for him and no one dared to question him with his size and reputation. I see him, talking to one of his old friends from Middle School. Coincidently, he was one of my friends too. I suck in a breath and hang my hoodie onto the side of the bleachers. I look around for the coach and Samantha notices and pushes me to my floor spot and shoves me onto the ground.

"Mind telling me what that was for?" She just yawns, "You know that I know what's best for you. If I didn't do that, you would probably ask one of the teachers to go to the bathroom and stay there for the entire period." I blush, "Am I really that predictable? I just want to avoid him at all costs." She nods and looks at me sternly, "Stay." I glare at her," I know what to do, stop treating me like a puppy!" She narrows her eyes and smirks while petting my head, "Sure, I totally believe you. And you say that you want to avoid him but brought down your hoodie? We're in a GYM, there would be no need to bring it unless... you know" I pout, watching her walk away. I look up to see my coach, Coach Price, and he got us started on our warm-ups. I lose myself in the exercise and keep touching my toes until someone pushes me over.