While revisiting my old work was amazing, I was quickly reminded the next day about all my problems. Surprisingly enough, no one hated me but that wasn't all that mattered. I am still conflicted. She wished us to be together. Should that be reason enough to date Cara? However, now I have no reason to hide it from myself. I do like Cara. There's no doubt about it. Should I talk to her about the break up? But- she might just ask me out. No way. That's far too rude of her. She would never.
The school day ends and, even though it'll be bittersweet, I'm adamant and pretty excited to talk to Cara about this. I get home quickly and check my messages. She responded to my message yesterday night. I texted her back and in a matter of a few minutes she responds.
hi
so, can we talk rn
yea sure
im listening
u heard the story right?
yea
so basically we kinda broke up at the same time
o noooo!
and yea
she didnt rlly get mad tho
well thats good
she wished me andd- um you the best of luck
and she left
wait she wants us together?
yeah idrk
We continued to discuss the situation. Very luckily, she tried straying away from the thought of us dating. She mentioned something along the lines of "whats gonna happen with us then?" and I said I don't really know which is not a lie at all. I seriously don't want another relationship right now but at the same time, I want Cara so badly. It's wrecking me. I think about her so much! I kind of wish she saw how much I thought of her. She could know what a great and in love person I was. However, then we would have to date. It feels like I really want something but I know it's for the best I don't have it. Maybe we'll just both like each other and be kinda- unofficial. I think that's the best play. I'll just wait until she asks and I'll just keep it as -maybe like romantic friends? I don't even know what that means.
She had to leave and we dispersed. I left it at that for a while. Just -"We'll cross that road when we come to it." if the phrase even goes like that.
The next day I go to school and immediately search for Sam.
"Yo, wassup!" I yell to him.
"What's good, Aline!" He yells back. We've become buddy-buddy after a while and that's why I can't wait to explain to him what happened.
"It's okay, man. I know you're probably already thinking this, but just leave it for when it happens. Chill out about it for now." He says. It's like he can read my mind.
"Alright then." I conclude the conversation.
"Oh yeah, what level are you on?" He asks.
"Three-hundred." I say, assuming he's going to laugh at me.
"Oooh! That's good!" He says, throwing his hands up in the air.
"Really?" I ask.
"Yeah! You'll reach my level in no time!" He screams joyfully. I laugh alongside him while we head into the building.
As we continue to crack jokes and have fun, I forget about going to my locker and we go straight to his. We depart and I go to homeroom. The whole day until lunch, I can't wait to talk to him again. The day, unsurprisingly, was average at best. That is, until lunch. Sam and I sat down and talked so much. We were good friends before today but I think today's our day. We cry so hard that we start laughing. I feel super indebted to him. He took care of my problems and is being really nice now. What am I giving to him, though. Liem too.
"Hey, do you wanna talk with Liem tomorrow. Like all three of us." I say.
"Sure, but I'm a little scared of bigger groups." He says.
"Like- just make sure I feel included, you know." He continues. While that sounds like a big request, we strike up a deal and leave to our classes, still chatting up the halls.
The next day comes fast. To be honest, ever since me and Akako- ended, days have been a breeze.
"Hey, Liem!" I say. He's sitting with a bunch of his friends.
"Oh, wassup!" He says.
"Nothin' much. Can Sam and I hang at your table?" I ask, yelling from across the room.
"Um- okay!" He yells back. I look over at Sam and notice that he's nervous.
"Don't worry, man. I'll set you up to talk." I say.
"Nah, I'm fine man." He says. We stroll over to the table and slump down into the chairs.
"What's good?" I say.
"Nothin," One of his friends comment.
"Oh, did you guys start playing basketball in gym?" Liem asks. The conversation goes on, smoothly for me, yet so hard for Sam. I try setting him up.
"So, what'd you guys get on the social studies quiz?" I ask. I knew he would have something to say about it.
"Ninety-one."
"Bro, I got an eighty-seven."
Sam doesn't say anything for a few seconds. I start to panic. Is he really getting that nervous.
"One-hundred." He murmurs.
"Yo, really?" Someone asks.
"Yeah, it was pretty easy." Sam says, getting a bit more confident.
"Nah, dude. It was so hard. I barely kept my grade above a ninety." Someone replies. Oddly enough, the tables turned and now everyone was adoring Sam's history genius and completely left me in the dust. Every time I tried to talk, Sam or someone else just talked louder. This went on for longer and longer until-
*RINGGGGG*
I jump out of my seat and try to follow Sam, but he's surrounded by all of Liem's friends.
"Man." Someone says. I look around and see Liem standing there.
"That's sad." He says.
"I know." I say, slightly angry.