Love Lessons by Veda

Love Lessons: Episode 4

Just a Friend

Sarah and Alicia's conversation continued on their way to the restaurant. They chatted about various topics, sharing thoughts, stories and basically everything. There was an ease and comfort in their interaction that had developed since they reunited, Sarah was starting to feel good.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, they placed their food orders and found a cozy spot to wait for their meals. The ambiance of the restaurant created a pleasant atmosphere for their evening out.

As they waited, Sarah's eyes caught sight of a particularly handsome guy walking in their direction. He had an undeniable charm, and his presence seemed to bring with it an aura of charisma. Sarah knew that, being new to the school, not many people knew her yet, so she assumed this intriguing individual was likely coming to see Alicia.

Despite Alicia's reassurance that the guy was just a friend, Sarah couldn't help but feel a subtle undercurrent of nervousness. The guy was not just cute; he had that magnetic quality that drew attention without effort. His approach to their table felt almost cinematic, as if a spotlight was casting a glow around him.

However, when he finally reached their table, it became evident that his focus was firmly fixed on Alicia. He completely ignored Sarah, as if she were invisible. At first, this triggered a pang of hurt, but she quickly understood that the guy's interest was directed at Alicia, not herself. It was a valuable lesson that in this vast and bustling world of college life, not every encounter would revolve around her. Sarah was still in the process of finding her place, and not every moment would be about her.

Alicia and the mysterious guy engaged in animated conversation, and Sarah watched as he stood up and went to grab an extra chair. It was clear that there was a blush of excitement on Alicia's face, and she seemed somewhat lost in the conversation. Sarah, on the other hand, felt like an observer in this intriguing encounter.

Alicia's focus on the mystery guy was so intense that she momentarily forgot about Sarah. Sarah had to gently remind her friend of her presence, and Alicia, blushing, apologized. She quickly decided to introduce them.

As the mystery guy returned with the extra chair, Alicia took the opportunity to make the introduction. "Tate, this is Sarah," she said with a warm smile, "and Sarah, this is Tate."

Tate's response, however, took Sarah by surprise. He scanned her, almost as if he were shocked to see someone else at the table. His greeting was calm as he said, "Hey," and shook Sarah's hand. But before she could even reply, he swiftly turned his attention back to Alicia and continued their conversation.

Sarah felt a sense of being left out, an uninvited guest in their world. As the evening progressed, she observed their chemistry and the way they connected effortlessly. It was both fascinating and isolating.

Neither Sarah nor Alicia had their phones to provide a distraction, so Sarah found herself staring around like a lost puppy. The situation was becoming increasingly awkward for her, and she felt a growing urge to leave. The silence surrounding her felt stifling, and she longed for the familiarity of solitude.

Gathering a bit of courage, Sarah decided to make an excuse to leave. She didn't yet know her way around the area, but she couldn't endure the discomfort any longer. She approached Alicia and Tate, informing them that she would go check on their food. Despite her announcement, they didn't respond, leaving her with a sense of isolation. All she managed to say was, "Okay," before walking away.

As Sarah stood up and walked toward the kitchen, instant regret washed over her. She questioned how she was going to approach the kitchen staff. What would she say to them? How would she say it? Did she look out of place and strange in their eyes?The anxiety gnawed at her, but she couldn't retreat now. She was determined to regain her composure and push through the unease.

As Sarah approached the kitchen, a tall and imposing figure suddenly stood in her path. She tried to politely inform him, "Um, excuse me, I'm trying to pass."

The large individual responded with a smile and a simple, "Okay." Sarah mirrored the smile, appreciating the politeness, and continued on her way into the kitchen. She inquired about their meal with the kitchen staff, but it seemed the tall guy was interested in the same food as he stood directly behind her in line.

To Sarah's surprise, as he ordered his meal, the towering guy unexpectedly declared, "She's my girlfriend." Sarah furrowed her eyebrows, utterly puzzled. Who was he talking about? There was no one else around at that moment.

Not wanting to embarrass the guy, Sarah chuckled and brushed it off as a harmless comment. She grabbed her meal and quickly left the kitchen, feeling a mix of bemusement and curiosity about the tall guy's peculiar behavior.

Ethan followed Sarah, unable to contain his curiosity, and inquired, "Why didn't you say anything back there?"

Sarah shrugged and replied, "Well, because you're not my boyfriend, and we don't even know each other. You also don't know my name, and I don't know yours."

Ethan let out a hearty laugh, displaying his affable nature. "You're right, and that was a terrible attempt at humor. Sorry about that," he admitted, grinning. "I'm Ethan, by the way. What's your name?"

Sarah's tension eased as she realized Ethan's intentions weren't as serious as she'd initially thought. She offered a warm smile and replied, "I'm Sarah. Nice to meet you, Ethan."

Ethan, after their brief encounter, offered a parting compliment to Sarah, saying, "You have a pretty name and a pretty face. See you around, Sarah." With that, he made his exit, leaving Sarah with a friendly "Bye, Ethan."

As he disappeared from view, Sarah couldn't help but reflect, "He was kinda cute," her thoughts dancing with the memory of their interaction.

Sarah left the kitchen and returned to their table, where Alicia was bidding farewell to Tate. As she walked back, she couldn't help but think, "Thank God."

Sarah deliberately slowed her pace in an attempt to avoid encountering Tate, but her strategy didn't quite work. Tate hugged Alicia and continued chatting, leaving Sarah with no choice but to find a seat and wait for the lovebirds to conclude their conversation.

Finally, Tate said goodbye to Alicia and, to Sarah's dismay, seemed to completely disregard her presence. Sarah couldn't help but ponder, "Is he really that smitten with Alicia, or am I just invisible to him?" She felt a hint of frustration and confusion as she sat there, contemplating the odd dynamics of the situation.

"He's just a friend, huh?" Sarah playfully asked Alicia, a mischievous glint in her eye. Alicia, still blushing from the evening, replied with a smile, "Yes, he is." They shared a laugh over the situation, lightening the mood.

With their meals finished, Sarah gave Alicia her food, and the two of them left the restaurant together. As they made their way back to the dorm, Alicia mentioned that she needed to pick up a few items along the way. Their laughter and friendship seemed to ease any remaining tension, making the walk back a more enjoyable experience.