2 weeks.

2 weeks and everything can change. After that night drive back from the party, Theo started acting differently. He's been acting more cold and distant almost like he's acting like I never existed which makes sense since our deal had that benefit but get this, he's back with Lauren. I did not expect that either. I'm not complaining because I'm finally Theo free but something about the whole situation bothered me. Did I do this? Did he finally realize that I'm just some boring girl that he keeps chasing after? I don't blame him because 2 weeks ago I was the one being cold and distant trying to put aside my feelings for him.

These past few days I've been talking to Cameron. After apologizing to him about the party, we just sort of clicked and started hanging out since. We go out to lunch together, study together, and watch movies but of course with Lucas and Ryan. You can say we have gotten pretty close but I still see him as a friend and I would like to keep it that way.

"You should have seen it! It was amazing!" Ryan finishes up his story. Like I said we go out to lunch together which is where we're at now. We talk and laugh until it was time to go back.

We get back and as I'm getting my books out of my locker I hear some familiar giggles from the corner of the hall. I grab my books and walk around the corner to investigate. I see Lauren pushing herself against Theo kissing him as her hands are tangled in his hair. Of course, my nosiness always comes with a price. Being my clumsy self I drop one of my books making a loud thud in this almost empty hall. The sound makes them pull apart and dart their eyes towards my way as I try to quickly pick up my book and leave the scene as fast as I can. I grab my book and lookup for a split second. I see Theo stare at me with disbelief as if he can't believe that I was just watching them but also relief that I gave him a chance to finally breathe after making out with her. He had bags under his eyes like he hasn't had sleep in days. His lips fall into a line as he rakes his hair with his hand and steps away from Lauren like he's been caught.

I turn my heels the other direction trying to save myself from embarrassment and guilt. I sprint to class trying to make it on time. I know I should be relieved that he stopped trying but I can't help to feel jealous. I feel hurt and betrayed even though I shouldn't be. It feels like I just got my heart broken right in front of me. No, I need to let him go just like he did with me. He can do whatever he wants with whoever he wants. I'm happy for him.

School gets out and I head to Cameron's car. Did I also mention I've been riding with him even though I told him that I can drive myself but he insists. We have a light conversation back to my place. I thank him and get inside my house. I open the door and see my mom dancing.

"Oh hi, hunny. How was school?" She turns down her music.

"Good." I walk to the pantry and grab a snack.

"Was it really?"

"No, but it's school so it's fine." I shrug my shoulders.

"Athena it's not fine. I've been noticing that you're not yourself. You're not the same Athena I remember that would always be excited to tell me about her day. What's up?" She leans against the counter.

"Mom." I groan. "I'm fine I promise it's just that school has been tough with finals and all." I try to make an excuse to get out of this conversation.

"Ok, I believe you. I just don't want to feel disconnected from my baby that's all." She walks around the counter and hugs me. I hug her back. I loved her hugs, they always made me feel safe.

"To be completely honest, it's not just school." I decided to open up to her. "It's just ugh how do I say this? Well, there this boy and he's driving me crazy. He's very...complicated and isn't that easy to talk to. Every time we talk we just end up fighting. He tells me he likes me and I may or may not like him back but I just get scared of the idea that I just push him away. And now I'm scared that he's done trying and moved on. I don't know I mean I'm happy for him it just feels like he wouldn't give up that easily unless something or someone made him do it. It's just ughh so confusing."

"Oh, I'm so glad you told me. My life has been boring. I knew my daughter had some juicy stuff to spill." She jokes.

"I don't know a lot about boys because your father was the most wonderful one out there but what I'm hearing is you're having boy problems?"

"Mom! Ugh never mind this is embarrassing." I walk out of the kitchen and towards the stairs trying to cover my red embarrassed face. My mom catches up and stops me.

"Athena there is nothing to be embarrassed about." She says the basic comforting mom line. "But I think you should wait for this boy. Give him time to get used to this idea. Like you said he's complicated so go easy on him try to communicate with him. And if it's the same boy who I think you are talking about, don't push him away just yet." She smiles and walks back to the living room and resumes her music.

I'm left standing on the stairs with my moms advice running through my mind. Go easy, don't push him away, and wait for him. I can do that. And yes mom, I think you know which boy I'm talking about.

♥️