Chapter 27: Goodbye

He started to unfold the note she had slipped into his backpack. He smiled bitterly. The note was folded as an envelope, like always. It smelled faintly of her.
“Meet me in the first 200 wing, right after school tomorrow. Please, come alone.”

He checked his watch. He wouldn’t see her again today, because school had just ended and he didn’t have any classes with her anyways. He wondered what she wanted.
If it had been a year ago, he would have been thrilled to get this request from her. His mind would have been spinning with the possibilities and reasons why she could possibly have wanted to see him. Alone.

The next day, she was on his mind constantly. He grimaced whenever she popped into his mind because he knew that was why she gave him the note a day before, just to be on his mind. But he knew he had to acknowledge her cleverness.

Finally, the bell rang, signalling the temporary freedom of the students and teachers alike. He made an excuse, waved goodbye to all of his friends, and slowly made his way to the first 200 building. When it was in his sight, seeing nothing, he was about to turn around when he saw a slight movement from within the shadows. Walking cautiously closer, he came to a corner. She stepped out from behind it, looking at the floor. He noticed she had gotten a haircut. Her hair was shorter than when he had last seen her.

“Well? You called me here,” he started. He hesitated, noting the forlorn look on her face. She lifted her eyes a bit, not quite looking into his eyes, but just behind him. He resisted the urge to turn around and check if there was anybody behind him, even knowing that they were the only ones there.

“Who is she?” She asked in a quiet voice, making him a bit unsure if he had heard her correctly.

“Who?”
“I heard you liked a girl in you class. Who is she?”
“…I…Where did you hear it from?”

She tilted her head, finally looking him in the eyes.
“Stop playing around”
She stepped closer.
“Tell me. I think I deserve to know. After all you put me through.”
Another step.

“I don’t know what youre…”
“YES, yes you do. STOP lying to me.”
“Calm down..”
“STOP telling me what to do!”
“Ok, I’m sorry”

A step closer. They were a foot apart now. He could smell her, she smelled slightly nostalgic, and he shook his head, thinking about it.
He stepped closer instinctively.

“I..”
“…”

She felt his breath on her neck. She held hers.
He inhaled, savoring her smell, remembering it.
All her thoughts disappeared, and she raised her hand to his cheek hesitantly. He lifted his hand over hers. Their breaths almost in sync, she closed her eyes while he gently placed his lips onto hers. He raised his other hand to her neck, but felt something drop on his hand. Touching her cheek, he realized it was tears. He pulled apart, and she looked away, her wavy chestnut hair covering her face. Then, covering her mouth with her hands, she turned and ran.

Without a second thought, he ran after her. Catching up to her with ease, he grabbed her arm, slowing her to a stop. She was looking away, so he said it to her back.

“I’m sorry…I..I cant love you”

“Goodbye.”