SHORT stories

From afar (a love story)

Emilee was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. She had petite features, large soft brown eyes enhanced by dark lashes, a small nose, and long brown hair. She was not only beautiful but also funny, intelligent, well liked by others, and kind. Everything about her was perfect to him.

He loved how she cracked her knuckles when she was upset, and how she could never contain her energy when she was excited. She was a spirited girl who brought life into a room. Her smile was contagious as was her laugh, and how she loved to laugh. It made James smile just thinking about it.

Emilee was the kindest soul on earth. He just knew there was no other girl to compare her with. She was the one.

The only problem was, James had never actually spoken to her. They had the same friends and went to the same events, but James couldn't find enough courage to actually approach her and make conversation. What if she didn't like him? What if he said something stupid? What if she laughed at him? Oh God to be laughed at was the absolute worst. So he kept a distance hoping one day he would be brave enough to talk to her.

Then one day his heart almost stopped. There she was, walking towards him with a big smile on her face. He quickly tried to look busy with the cash register. She had come into his work at the local fast food joint.

"Hi!" She chirped joyfully.

James just stared like an idiot. She had actually spoken to him! He opened his mouth but no words came out.

"You're James right?" She tilted her head to the side smiling.

She knew his name!

He managed to smile back. "Hey...yeah that's me, James." As the words came out he was always kicking himself. He sounded like such a loser!

"Before I order can I ask you something?"

All the blood was rushing to his head now and he felt dizzy. Was she going to ask him out? He couldn't believe his luck! This was perfect this was...

"What do you think of Ian?" She blurted out, completely destroying his moment of bliss.

IAN? Why on earth was she asking about him?

Ian was one of the guys in their friend group who was known as being nice to everyone.

"He's um... nice," James said quietly. "Why do you ask?"

Her face reddened slightly and James felt his do the same. Of course. She wasn't here to ask him out, she had a thing for Ian! How embarrassing.

"I'm just curious," she smiled mischievously.

"Do you like him?" James asked cautiously praying she would say no, that she hated him. But of course he knew this would not be so. James wished he could confess his feelings then and there but if she liked Ian it was useless.

Maybe her feelings for Ian would all go away and he'd find the courage to shoot his shot.

"I think he's kinda funny," she said.

NO! He's not funny at all.

"Yeah, he's a good dude." James replied, wishing this conversation could end so he could go in the back and yell.

"I'm just asking because you guys talk sometimes and I figured you would know. Thanks!" She proceeded to make her order, which took forever because she insisted on reading the entire menu.

This was torture! Here she was, the girl of his dreams and he was blowing it. Why couldn't he just confess his feelings now!

By the time she finally made up her mind James was sweating and trying really hard not to show it. His nerves were jumping with adrenaline and excitement.

"Emilee..." he said half a question half a statement.

"Yeah?" She responded as she gave him the money.

"I wanted to..." Before he could finish speaking the bell rang to the entrance and to the dismay of James in walked Ian. Confident and tall, with a friendly smile always playing on his lips.

Emilee turned out of curiosity and her face lit up.

"Oh my gawwwdddd Ian hi! How are you?" She exclaimed acting all bubbly and cute. The flirtatious conversation that followed made James sick to his stomach.

"Sorry James what were you gonna say?" She turned to him raising her eyebrows.

"Oh nothing, just that here's your change."

This was a nightmare. Of course the two got their food and sat together at a visible table so James could hear and see every interaction. He didn't mean to be creepy and listen but he couldn't help it!

Before they left Emilee shot him a look and bit her lip crossing her fingers. She scored.

Once they were gone he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. IDIOT! He thought to himself. IM SUCH AN IDIOT!

That day was the start of many painful moments that he had to witness between Ian and Emilee. Their friendship turned to caring and caring turned to love. Once they started dating James felt a piece of him die inside and all he could do was pray that they'd breakup eventually.

No such luck. A year and a half passed and James was still hoping he'd have another chance. He had to! He couldn't live with himself if he blew it the day at the cash register.

He often would come across pictures of the two on social media and throw his phone across the room out of frustration. One day in particular he was scrolling and Emilee's face showed up on his feed. It was a selfie without Ian in it! James felt his heart jump and he grasped his phone to inspect the picture.

As quickly as his heart jumped it dropped. She was wearing a ring.

The caption was long and excruciating to read, talking of love and excitement.

James knew in this moment she could never be his. His longing for her was for nothing. She would soon belong completely to Ian and his chance was forever gone.

He was happy for her, glad that she found love and joy. But he was furious with himself. Could he have been the one to give her the ring? If only he had been brave enough to ask her out before she became fond of Ian.

If only he hadn't just admired her from afar but actually taken a chance. It was too late now. She was in love, and it wasn't with him.