I guess love took on a different kind of meaning for me.
---
I tried to focus as I studied across the picnic table from Arielle, but I couldn't get my mind off of Sunday.
I drove her home, and she didn't say a word to me. In fact, she hadn't said a word to me since, "Don't touch me." I wish I knew why it hurt so much to hear those words.
The music I played calmed my nerves for a while. Then I felt a soft tap on my shoulder.
"I want to talk."
I pulled out my earbuds. "Okay. What's up?"
"I'm sorry about what happened on Sunday."
I shrugged. "Don't worry about it."
"Christian... I'm not sure if I'm ready for a relationship. Chase really hurt me. When I dropped that glass, I was ready for pain. I went into the fear I always have. I need something different."
I tried to mask my disappointment. "Okay."
"I do like you, Christian. And I know you like me too. Staring at me during dance is a dead giveaway."
Heat crept up my cheeks, and she laughed.
"I do want this. I just need to take it slow, okay?"
I nodded.
"And, just so you know, if that happens again, please don't feel hurt. It's not against you. I'm inside my head, and there's nothing you can do about that."
YOU ARE READING
Outnumbered
Short StoryChristian can tell that something is wrong with Arielle. They stopped being friends once high school hit, and there has never been a problem at their dance studio until now. When they are matched as partners for the next dance recital project, thing...
