Chereads / Unrequited love series 1:The Invisible Heart / Chapter 5 - Chapter five: The isolation and truth

Chapter 5 - Chapter five: The isolation and truth

Daniel POV

I couldn't believe Elodie had asked me to the spring dance. I had thought we were just classmates, working on a project together. I had never intended to lead her on or make her think there was something more between us.

As I looked into her eyes, I saw the hope and excitement there, and I knew I had to let her down easy. But as I told her I didn't feel the same way, I saw the disappointment and hurt flood in.

I felt a pang of guilt, knowing I had inadvertently led her on. But I couldn't pretend to feel something I didn't. I tried to be kind but firm, hoping she would understand

But as she grabbed my sleeve and confessed her feelings, I knew I had to be clear. I couldn't lead her on any further. I removed her hands and told her the truth - we were just classmates, nothing more.

I knew it was harsh, but I hoped she would see that I was trying to be honest. I didn't want to hurt her, but I couldn't pretend to be something I'm not.

I walked away, as I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. I had been honest, even if it was difficult. But I also knew that I had hurt someone I considered a friend, and that didn't sit well with me.

As I walked away, I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt. I had seen the hope in Elodie's eyes, and I had crushed it. I knew I had done the right thing, but it didn't make it any easier.

I wondered if I had missed any signs, if I had inadvertently led her on. I thought back to our conversations, our laughs, our moments together. Had I been too friendly? Had I given her the wrong idea?

I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on my own feelings. I didn't feel the same way about Elodie, and I couldn't pretend to. I had been honest, and that's all that mattered.

But as the days went by, I couldn't help but notice the change in Elodie. She was quieter, more reserved. She avoided eye contact, and our conversations became stilted.

I knew I had hurt her, and it bothered me.

"Hannah we need to talk...at the cafe after school"

I stared at the text as I sent it.... I needed to clarify things.

After waiting for hours she finally came,

"You didn't tell her about us right? " I said looking at her.

"i couldn't tell her Daniel, she's my best friend".

"seriously Hannah....she asked me to be her date for the spring dance, and I'm sure she wants me to be her boyfriend"... I said running my hands through my hair in frustration.

"I know, she told me about it"...she said looking down.

"I only agreed to the coffee dates and texting because you asked me about it, I thought you would end this yourself then why didn't you?".... I said trying to calm down.

"Then why didn't you tell her we were dating?" I said holding her arm as I looked at her.

"we ain't dating Daniel and how did you expect me to tell elodie, she's...."

"shussh someone is outside".... I whispered as I went to open the door.

"Did you find anyone?"...she asked looking at me concerned.

"someone left their drink...

hannah I think she was here".....

Elodie's POV

_"Betrayal from a bestfriend is like a wound that never heals leaving scars.

Tears blurred my vision as I sprinted down the hallway, desperate to reach Hannah. "Why wasn't she answering my calls now, after I'd just been rejected?" I thought, frustration and heartache overwhelming me.

I locked myself in the girl's restroom, hoping the world would end as I cried my eyes out.

"hannah, please call me, I don't feel well," I texted, feeling helpless.

Finally, she responded: "I'm at cheer practice, what's wrong, Elodie?" since I knew she wasn't far from the field, I decided to meet her. I stopped at the school cafe to get our favorite drinks, trying to be a good friend despite my heartbreak.

As I approached a classroom, I heard Hannah's voice. "I thought she was at cheer practice," I thought, confusion growing.

Going closer, the door was opened and then I saw Daniel with her. "What were they talking about?" I wondered.

Their conversation stopped me in my tracks. "Why didn't you tell Elodie about us, Hannah?" Daniel asked, holding her arm. They were dating? Why didn't she tell me? why couldn't she?

"I wouldn't have done those things you said if you hadn't asked me to so many times"..he continued.

_so everything was a lie? The coffee dates, the texts - it was all a lie.

Anger and tears surged as I dropped the drink and ran away, feeling betrayed by my best friend.

"mum can you come pick me up?"... I texted her as I waited for her to arrive.

I didn't want to stay here anymore, or see Hannah...she lied to me and she's probably going to keep doing that.

Mum came and we drove in silence, she knew something was wrong...of course she would, she is my mum.

"Honey is everything alright?"...she said dropping me off at home.

"I'm fine mum"...

"i won't be coming home tonight"...she said

As always... "okay" I said going upstairs.

I couldn't believe it, they were dating...how could she.

"Liars, Liars,Liars"... I screamed throwing everything on my path. Tearing pictures of us together, and all the gifts she had given me for my birthday as I broke down in tears.

And then a notification came in "Elodie we need to talk".. it was from Hannah.

I stared at the notification, my heart racing with a mix of emotions. Hannah wanted to talk? After everything she had done, she thought a simple conversation could fix it?

I felt a surge of anger and hurt, but also a hint of curiosity. What could she possibly say to justify her actions?

I hesitated for a moment, then typed out a response: "What's left to talk about, Hannah?"

I sent it and waited, my mind racing with possibilities. Would she try to apologize, make excuses, or justify her betrayal?

The minutes ticked by, and finally, a response came in: "Meet me at the park at 5 pm. We need to talk in person."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. What could she possibly say in person that she couldn't say over text?

But a part of me wanted answers, wanted to confront her and make her understand the depth of my hurt.

I stared at the text for some time, "I won't reply"... I muttered under my breath as I threw my cellphone on the bed.

"if she couldn't tell me over the text, then she shouldn't tell me"... I said retiring to have a cold, long bath.