The First Look 💖

The Frist Look- Part 9

Sarah tried to ignore it.

She really did.

All night, she told herself she was overthinking. That the girl meant nothing.

That Samuel would explain everything the next day.

But when morning came, the uneasy feeling was still there.

Stronger than before.

At school, Sarah spotted Samuel almost immediately.

And just like yesterday… he wasn’t alone.

The same girl stood beside him, laughing at something he said. He looked relaxed. Comfortable.

Like he used to be with Sarah.

Her chest tightened.

This time, she didn’t look away.

She walked straight toward him.

“Samuel.”

Her voice made him turn.

“Hey,” he said, a little surprised. “I was going to talk to you—”

“Who is she?” Sarah asked, her voice calm… but her heart wasn’t.

There was a brief silence.

The girl looked between them, then smiled politely. “I’ll see you later,” she said to Samuel before walking away.

Now it was just the two of them.

Samuel sighed softly. “Her name is Maya. She just transferred here.”

Sarah crossed her arms slightly. “You seemed… close.”

“It’s not like that,” he said quickly. “I’ve just been helping her get used to school.”

Sarah held his gaze. “Then why have you been avoiding me?”

“I’m not avoiding you,” Samuel replied, but his voice lacked confidence.

“You didn’t sit with me. You didn’t even notice me yesterday,” she said, her voice starting to shake. “That’s not like you.”

Samuel ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I’ve just had a lot on my mind, okay?”

“Like what?” Sarah asked.

He hesitated.

That pause said everything.

Sarah’s heart sank.

“If you can’t even tell me, then what are we doing?” she whispered.

“That’s not fair,” Samuel said, his voice softening. “I just… I need a little time.”

“Time?” she repeated. “From me?”

“No, it’s not like that—”

“It feels like that,” she cut in.

Silence fell between them again.

But this time, it wasn’t soft or comforting.

It hurt.

Samuel looked at her, his expression torn. “I don’t want to mess things up between us.”

“Then don’t,” Sarah said quietly.

Another pause.

But neither of them moved closer.

Neither of them fixed it.

Finally, Sarah stepped back.

“I think… I need some time too.”

Samuel’s eyes widened slightly. “Sarah—”

But she shook her head.

“Just… give me space.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.

Her heart felt heavier with every step.

Behind her, Samuel didn’t follow.

And somehow…

That hurt the most.