Page 97 of Collided

“I didn’t know how to,” I murmur.

“Why not?” she asks softly.

I swirl the spoon in the melting ice cream, wishing it was easy for me to talk about myself. To say the words that wouldn’t sit like rocks on my tongue waiting to be let out.

The situation at home is a burden I’m carrying every day. I don’t want others to bend under the weight of it. Knowing MarieI know she’ll worry about me, and I don’t want her to. I like the way she shines so brightly. My sadness diminishes under the light of it. When I’m with her a stream of happiness flows through me.

I stare off at the view. “I’ve never shared things with anyone. Before you, I didn’t even have a friend. So, keeping things to myself is all I know.” I meet her concerned gaze. “I’m sorry if that bothers you. It wasn’t—”

She waves her hand. “Don’t say sorry. Before you I didn’t have any friends either. Well, a girlfriend, I mean. Sebastian is my best friend and Heath too, but sometimes only girls understand girls, you know.” I nod and she continues, “I know how to talk about my feelings or stuff because Sebastian taught me that any secret is safe between friends. However, we’re new to each other, so it’s fine. Just remember I’m here for you today, tomorrow, and always.”

Today, tomorrow, and always.My heart swells inside my chest. Even when it’s hard for me to believe those words, I try to lock them away. Perhaps someday when I’m ready I can talk to her.

“I’m here for you too. Today, tomorrow and always.” Tears fill my eyes, but I keep them at bay. It’s surreal that I’mnotalone anymore.

“Don’t make me cry.” Leaning over, she embraces me in a tight hug.

“I’m sorry.” I tighten my arms around her.

“Don’t be,” she assures me with confidence.

Moving back, she wipes her eyes. “So, you and Heath make bracelets, huh?”

“Yes.”

Marie reaches for her ice cream that has melted into a puddle. “I feel like I’m in a dream world where that happens.”

I laugh. “It’s quite real.”

“Tell me more.”

“He helps me with the marketing aspect, drives me to the post office, and helps me in any way that he can.” A smile grows on my face.

“This is so sweet.”

“It is,” I say, “Now we’re friends,"

Her hazel eyes grow big, and she shrieks in joy. “Oh my! You’re friends. That’s great. I’m so happy. My ship is sailing.”

“What?”

Does she ship me and Heath? We don’t have feelings for each other. He is just my friend—who makes my heart race—and I assume he considers me just the same. He doesn’t ever look unsettled when he’s with me. I’m a mess when I’m with him. Not because I’m nervous. It’s a mixture of giddiness and excitement. The kind I read about in books.

His proximity, blue eyes, voice, touch, and every other little thing lingers in my head long after we part ways. I’ve started to think about him more than my fictional characters, which is a first.

Marie gasps. “What ship? I didn’t say any ship. I meant my shell is sailing. You know how seashells get carried away in water. That's what I meant.”

I know she’s covering up, but I don’t call her out.

I close the door behind me with a smile on my face.

I have friends.

Not fictional ones, but actual ones.

A warm feeling stirs inside of me, and my smile widens to the point my cheeks hurt.

“What the fuck are you smiling about?” The sharpness in his tone pierces through me.

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