Wrong Words

Chapter 21. Moving forward

I don't know if I want to cry or laugh. Even though I told Isaac I would report him, I know I can't do that without having evidence that he is the hooded man. 

I try to think of who else might be that man, but the only one that comes to mind is Isaac.

My steps are fast as I leave school. I breathe quickly through my nose as I try to find a way to get Isaac to admit everything. 

As soon as I walk a few meters away from school, I see Diego walking alone on the opposite sidewalk while looking down at his phone.

For some reason, my mood changed immediately. What he did today surprised me in a good way. I need to thank him for defending Harry in front of his best friend. I crossed the road carefully while, awkwardly, I start playing with my fingers. I run to him and rest my hand on his shoulder.

When I touch Diego, he turns suddenly, as he put his cell phone in his pocket. He takes a deep breath.

 "Joanna?" he sounds surprised, and I see his eyes look hesitantly around, making me bite my lip, "I wasn't expecting you," he adds and takes a step back.

"I wanted to thank you, Diego, for defending Harry," my voice comes out trembling at first.

 I find it strange to talk with Diego without us fighting. He was never the boy that you could talk seriously with.

 "You didn't have to go against your friend, but you did and... thank you," I say again and exhale as if I was holding that breath for minutes.

"I did it because at that moment I felt I had to do it. And if anyone has to thank me, it's Harry," Diego replies, putting one hand in his pocket.

 "But still, he doesn't have to either."

I stay still for a while and stare at him. I notice his figure, how much taller he is than me. I gaze at his hands; they seem so strong, and I catch myself thinking how I would feel if I were squeezed between them. 

I shake my head, and the small smile falls from my lips. No, I can't think of such a thing. I was in Jordan's arms a few days ago. I can't let myself think like that about another boy.

"Ok," I reply with a whisper.

"Ok?" he asks me, and I see a smile on his face.

"Yes, ok."

"Ok then," he replies and turns his body, ready to leave but keeps looking at me, waiting for me to leave first. 

All the latest events that happened between us come to my mind. From the moment I saw him at the party with Zoe to the kiss he gave me on the neck the other day at the bar.

"What did you mean when you said that rejection made you see that you were wrong in some things?" I ask him suddenly, and he froze in his place.

All of a sudden, I feel my heart beating faster while waiting for his answer. 

"I thought you were smart. I didn't expect you to not understand," he says with a smile on his face as his eyes look deep inside into my mind.

"It has to do with what happened on Friday night at the bar?" I ask, looking down hesitantly and close my eyes.

I feel so stupid for asking him these questions, which he might misunderstand. He remains quiet, and this makes me raise my head to face him.

 His eyes have a different color, darker than usual. I see him through my lashes, licking his lips slightly.

"Although I would like to be pressed against you again, I realized that this isn't the right way to get close to you," his words make me take a deep breath.