Chapter 12
1020 Words
It had been weeks. Weeks since the last time she saw him—weeks since his presence had haunted her thoughts, making everything feel a little more... intense. Jayden, the man who had effortlessly taken up so much of her mind, had disappeared from her life just as quickly as he had entered it. The last time she saw him, he hadn’t been in class. A different lecturer had taken over, leaving Sofia to sit there, staring blankly at the board, her mind constantly drifting back to him.
Where was he? Why hadn’t he been there?
It was driving her absolutely mad. She couldn’t focus on anything. Every moment, every minute that passed, felt like an eternity. Her thoughts were consumed by him. She couldn't sleep. She couldn’t eat. Every small thing reminded her of him, and she was so lost in her head that it was starting to feel like she was losing her grip on reality.
Her phone sat on the table, its screen lighting up intermittently with notifications she couldn’t care less about. She was waiting for something. For someone.
He’s probably moved on already, she thought, her mind spinning. I bet he’s got some other girl in his life. Or maybe he’s just forgotten about me. He’s probably not even thinking about me. Why would he?
She shook her head. Stop it, Sofia. Stop thinking about him. You’re better than this.
But just then, her phone buzzed again, and for some reason, she couldn’t help herself. She picked it up, unlocked the screen, and found herself staring at Jayden’s number.
Without even thinking, her fingers started typing, almost as if they had a mind of their own.
---
Sofia: Why haven’t I seen you around? It’s been weeks. I... I don’t know what’s going on anymore. I’ve been thinking about you every single day. And it’s driving me crazy. I can’t focus on anything. Can’t you just come back and tell me what’s going on? Please...
---
She stared at the screen, rereading her words over and over. Did she really just say that? Was this really her?
Her heart pounded in her chest as she hovered over the "send" button, unsure if she was making a huge mistake.
What if he thinks I’m desperate? What if he doesn’t care anymore? What if I’ve made a fool of myself?
With a deep breath, she hit send.
---
She threw herself back onto her bed, staring at the ceiling, her heart racing. She wasn’t even sure why she was doing this. Why was she letting herself go through this emotional rollercoaster? She was Sofia, the one who had it all together, the one who never let her guard down. She was the girl who kept everything under control.
But with him, everything was different. Jayden had found a way into her heart without even trying. And now, here she was, a bundle of nerves, waiting for a response.
Hours passed.
Her phone lay beside her, taunting her with its stillness. She had seen the two check marks. He had seen it.
Why hasn’t he replied?
Sofia groaned, tossing her phone aside in frustration. What is wrong with me? She didn’t know why she was letting herself feel this way. She had put up walls for so long—walls that no one had ever been able to break down.
But Jayden? He had done it. He had somehow gotten under her skin, and now she was losing her mind over him.
She sat up and grabbed her phone again, checking to see if anything had changed.
Still nothing.
What is he doing? She began to pace the room, anxiety crawling up her throat. Does he hate me? Did I say something wrong?
She started replaying the message in her mind, trying to find anything wrong with it. Did she sound too eager? Too emotional?
Sofia, get it together!
But deep down, she knew something else was at play. She had let her guard down. She had let someone in. And now she was vulnerable. And she hated it.
Have I really let my guard down this much? she asked herself, pacing faster. What’s wrong with me?
Sofia stopped in her tracks, staring at her phone. I’m such an i***t. I’m probably overthinking this. Maybe he’s just busy. Maybe he’s...
Her phone buzzed again.
She snatched it up, her hands shaking. She was nearly out of breath. The anticipation was killing her.
It was a message from him. Finally.
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Jayden: I’ve been busy... but I’ve missed you too, Sofia. More than you know.
---
Sofia’s heart stopped. More than you know?
She stared at the words in disbelief. What did that even mean? Did he really miss her? Or was he just saying what she wanted to hear?
Maybe he’s just toying with me. Maybe it’s all just some game to him.
She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to control the emotions flooding through her.
Why do I let him do this to me?
But just as quickly, her phone buzzed again.
---
Jayden: I’ve been thinking about you too, a lot. And I’m sorry for being distant. I... I needed some time to figure things out. But I want to talk. I want to see you again. Let me know when you're free.
Her breath caught in her throat. He wanted to see her again. He wants to see me.
Sofia collapsed onto her bed, staring at the message with wide eyes. Her heart raced, her body trembling.
- Writer
