Can You Hear the Ocean?

Chapter 44

As Mia watched pedestrians with bags in hand, she realized that the Christmas deals had already begun. She'd need to shop soon if she wanted to get any gifts to her friends to New York in time for the holidays.

"How was yours?" Leila asked when their cups of icecream were empty.

"Really good," Mia replied.

"I was surprised you didn't get a weirder flavor," Leila said as she opened up the door. 

Mia braced herself as the breeze brushed against her. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked.

"You used to get like, cotton candy and bubblegum when we were kids. Weird stuff like that. Caramel is a pretty mild choice for you," Leila teased.

"My icecream choices have matured as an adult, okay?" Mia complained.

"Aw, don't pout," Leila said, laughing some. "Are you still down to look at lights?"

"For a bit. It's pretty cold out here," Mia admitted.

"Okay! We don't have to walk around long. Personally, my hands are freezing," Leila said.

Mia wasn't sure what compelled her to do so, but she took ahold of Leila's hand.

"You're right. Your fingers are like icicles," Mia said. She squeezed tighter onto Leila's hand and walked down the street with her, staring at the various multicolored lights hanging from shop balconies. Beside her, Leila had gone quiet. Her gaze was turned in the distance, away from Mia.

"I-I think the Christmas tree is further down this way," Leila stammered.

She suddenly pulled Mia forward. The motion surprised Mia, but their hands remained interlaced. Mia was quiet as Leila led her down the sidewalk, and for a moment, time felt infinite to Mia. She thought of how months before, the nostalgia of walking down these streets made her heart ache in sorrow, but now, walking hand-in-hand with Leila eased her pain. The memories she had made since the spring had mainly been joyful, and Mia knew she owed a lot of that to Leila. Once again, Mia became saddened at the thought of Leila leaving her behind.

I can't be selfish though, Mia thought. Leila's done enough for me. The least I can do is continue to be a good friend until she moves.

At the end of the block was a tall Christmas tree, strewn with blinking white lights and a glittering star. Mia's eyes dazzled like she was a child again. She had forgotten how festive the town became this time of year. It made her miss Christmas as a child when she and her mother would go Christmas shopping together and enjoy warm beverages by the Christmas tree.

Leila slowly came to a halt by the Christmas tree, and Mia reluctantly released her grasp from Leila's hand.

There's probably no need for us to hold hands anymore, Mia thought.

"We should get a tree this weekend," Leila said, staring up at the tall tree, "before I fly to Connecticut. That way we can decorate it before I go."

"Sure. I'd like that," Mia said.

The wind picked up, causing Mia to shiver.

"Are you sure you're not cold?" Leila asked. "We can head back—"

"Just a little, but I'm okay, really!" Mia assured her. "I don't want to have to cut our outing short."

Leila reached for the scarf around her neck and slowly unwrapped it. Mia was confused, then stiffened as Leila began wrapping it around Mia's own neck. Mia stood still, staring up into Leila's eyes as she finished wrapping her scarf around Mia.

"You were stupid not to bring your own scarf," Leila said.

"I know," Mia murmured quietly. It was true the scarf felt warm against her neck, but Mia suddenly felt like she was burning up with Leila in such close proximity to her. "I enjoyed tonight. Thank you," Mia said.

"What? What did I do?" Leila asked.

So much, Mia thought. More than you know.

When Mia was silent, Leila sighed. "Well, I guess it doesn't matter. Just make sure you dress more warmly next time."

"I will," Mia said.

Once again, their gazes had locked. Mia grew quiet as her gaze diverted downward from Leila's eyes to her lips. Quickly, she glanced back up at Leila, hoping she hadn't noticed, but with the way that Leila's eyes had widened, Mia was sure she had. 

"Mia," Leila said.

Mia's heart felt ready to pound out of her chest. The distance between them seemed to be shrinking, and though Mia wanted it to continue to, she knew whatever happened next would harm her if Leila were to truly leave in a few weeks.

But I don't care, Mia thought. I think I want—

Unfortunately, the sound of a car honking its horn quickly broke them apart, and they once again put distance between each other. Mia adjusted Leila's scarf on her neck and turned her gaze back to the tree, hoping her blush didn't reflect in the Christmas lights.

"Um, we should probably head back," Mia said. "I mean, we both have work tomorrow."

Leila nodded. "You're right." She reached her hand out, and for a moment, Mia stared at it before realizing what Leila was doing. Cautiously, Mia took ahold of her hand.

"Shall we?" Leila asked.

Mia nodded, and together, they walked back down the festive streets.