Whispers Of The Heart

Chapter 5

But his offer only served as a painful reminder of last Friday's disappointment, when he had failed to show up for our plans without so much as a warning.

"You didn't show up last Friday" I reminded him, my voice laced with bitterness.

Justin's shoulders slumped slightly, and I could see his trying to find the right words.. Despite his tall stature and the air of authority that came with being the captain of the football team, he seemed smaller somehow, like a deflated balloon.

"I know, I know. I'm really, really sorry. I messed up. I got caught up after practice, then Dylan invited us to his house, and then the guys wanted to go out..." Justin's voice trailed off

I glared at him, my anger simmering just beneath the surface. He cleared his throat, his expression contrite.

"I know that's no excuse. I'm sorry," he finally admitted, his voice tinged with regret "Please forgive me, baby. Please say we're okay"

I hesitated, but a flicker of doubt crept into my mind. It had been 3 days of silent treatment, during which Justin had bombarded me with calls and texts, each one a testament to his regret and longing for reconciliation... despite my anger, a part of me yearned to put this behind us and move forward.

Gosh. Was I being too harsh? Was I letting my pride get in the way of a chance for true reconciliation?

After what felt like an eternity of silent contemplation, I finally spoke "We're okay" I murmured, surprising even myself with the words. I couldn't help but berate myself internally for once again letting him off the hook so easily.

Damnit, Emery. How many times are you going to forgive him for the same mistakes?

But as I looked into Justin's green eyes, filled with gratitude and relief, I knew that despite my doubts, my love for him would always outweigh my anger.

A small smile tugged at the corners of Justin's lips as he leaned in to kiss me softly. His kiss was gentle and affectionate, like a silent apology and a promise wrapped into one tender gesture. In that instant, all the hurt and frustration I'd felt in the past few days dissolved, replaced by a comforting sense of warmth and belonging.

Not really.

In the back of my mind, a nagging voice questioned the wisdom of my decision, reminding me of the patterns we seemed doomed to repeat.

When we finally parted, a soft smile lingered on Justin's lips. And I punched his shoulder.

"Ouch," he protested, though I could tell he was barely feeling it.

"You deserved that"

Justin rolled his eyes, a grin spreading across his face "Yeah, yeah, I know," he admitted as he rubbed his shoulder in mock agony.

I chuckled and he was about to lean in for another kiss when suddenly, Dylan, Justin's ever-present sidekick, decided to make a grand entrance by slamming my locker shut with a deafening bang.

I let out a startled yell, clutching my chest in mock horror as I shot Dylan a glare

Justin glares at him, and pushed Dylan away. "I told you to stop scaring her"

Dylan flashed us grin, his mischief evident in the twinkle of his brown eyes "Sorry, Em, couldn't resist," he said, wrapping me in a tight hug, his arms squeezing me in a bear hug that left me struggling for breath.