Just A Number

"Do you think I've changed since you last saw me?"

She thought for a second. Physically, he'd definitely changed owing to the fact that they'd last seen each other at 15 and were now both 18 years old. He was more muscular, in a really subtle way though. His voice was slightly deeper. He was a lot more confident too. There was something about the way he looked at her. He was much better at eye contact than he used to be which kind of made her stomach go all fluttery. Personality-wise though, he was exactly the same, much to her relief.

"Yes, but also no," she finally said. Then, curious, she asked him the same back.

He looked her in the eye again as he thought. She wanted to look away but she held her gaze. Had he always had those little gold flecks in his dark brown eyes? And were those freckles scattered across his nose new? Had he started styling his hair too? Maybe he had changed more than she realised.

"I think you have, but in a good way." He smiled at her. "You're definitely more confident which is a very good thing."

She suddenly thought back to a few months ago. They were texting each other to pass time, asking random questions. She had asked what he found most attractive in a person. He had answered 'confidence'. Had he just admitted he found her attractive? No, don't be stupid. But what if he had? Was she reading into this too much? Definitely.
....
Autumn Carson was back, at least, just for a week. While she visits, feelings are stirred, friendships are broken and new perspectives are had by all. When Autumn has to go back home at the end of it all will distance be just a number?