The Crush

Lathan Misses Me?

The rest of the week was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. The whispers and stares continued, but I was grateful for Alex's company. He really proved to me that we were best friends. He was there for me whenever I needed him, and I appreciated him more than ever.

Whenever I saw Lathan, he looked at me with a mixture of sadness and anger. It was as if he wanted to say something, but he never did. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. Did he regret what happened between us? Did he want to get back together? Or was he just angry that I had moved on?

It was so confusing that I didn't know what to do. On the one hand, I missed the good times we had together, but on the other hand, I couldn't forget the way his friends had treated me. It was a toxic environment, and I didn't want to subject myself to it.

That Thursday, we didn't have any school club meetings. Alex and I walked to our next class, laughing and discussing our weekend plans.

"We need to talk," Lathan came behind me and grabbed my arm. I looked up in shock at Alex, who yelled to Lathan to get his hands off me. "Mind your business. I'm talking to my girlfriend," Lathan said, pointing a finger into Alex's chest. People started to look at us.

"Okay, okay. Please stop. What do you need, Lathan," I said, whispering.

Alex threw up his hands and walked away.

"I've been wanting to talk to you," he said, his eyes searching mine.

"What about?" I asked, even though I already had a feeling I knew.

"I miss you," he said, his voice softening.

I didn't know what to say. Part of me wanted to run back into his arms, but the other part knew it was a mistake.

"I don't know if that's a good idea, Lathan," I said, shaking my head.

"Why not?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice. " Is it Alex? Do you know how it looks for my girlfriend to suddenly move on without giving us a real chance?

"It's not like that," I said, taking a deep breath. "I think we're just better off as friends."

Lathan's face fell, and I could see the hurt in his eyes. "Please meet me at the pizza parlor after school?"

We stood there silently for a few moments before I answered, "Okay," my voice barely above a whisper.

Lathan and I sat across from each other at the pizza place. He was nervous, and I could tell he was rehearsing what he would say.

"Winter, I miss you," he started. "I messed up with my friends, but they're not worth losing you. You mean a lot to me."

I looked down at my hands, fidgeting with my fingers. "Lathan, I don't know if I can forget what happened. Your friends are mean, and you don't do anything about it."

"I know, and I'm sorry. Just give me a chance to make things right," he pleaded.

I took a deep breath and looked up at him. "I need some time to think about it."

Lathan nodded, looking disappointed but understanding. "Okay."

Lathan took my hands into his and kissed them. I smiled because he was my Fortmann, but at that moment, I wished he wasn't.

We finished our pizza with small talk, trying to rekindle what it once was, and then parted ways. As I walked home, my phone buzzed with a text from Alex.

[Alex]: Hey, where are you? Want to meet up?"

I replied, "Just finished talking to Lathan. Let's meet at the park?"

We met up at the park, and Alex pulled out a blanket to sit on.

"So, how did it go?" he asked.

I told him about Lathan's apology and the conversation we had. Alex listened intently.

"Are you thinking about going back together?" Alex said, looking me in the eyes.

"I don't know. It's hard to explain. I feel like I owe us another chance."

Alex shook his head, "You owe him nothing. If you do go back, do it for you."

I don't know why, but tears streamed down my face. Alex pulled me into a hug. I squeezed tight. He didn't understand. I finally have the guy I have always wanted, and now it's nothing like I thought it would be. I should be happy. I should be in love, but I am not. Alex wouldn't understand.

***

I spent Saturday with Alex and his mom. We had a paint night with mocktails. It was so much fun, and Alex and I exchanged paintings at the end. So he had my painting in his room, and I had his artwork in mine. We painted the galaxy.

Alice is an excellent art teacher. She taught us how to best see color and how to blend with the colors. I was amazed at the end; mine actually looked like a galaxy.

"Wolf, I need Winter to come over often, so you participate in the arts with me," Alice said, winking at me.

I giggled and looked toward Alex. He smiled but said, "Mom, I told you. Winter has a boyfriend now. She doesn't want to spend her weekends with me."

Alex's eyes looked sick. I never said Lathan and I were getting back together, but he knew. And I knew his heart was broken. I wish he was Fortmann.

That night, I called Lathan to set up a meeting on Sunday. Sunday, we talked and ate ice cream. He said everyone would take a while to get on board, but he'd do his best to defend me and keep his friends in line. I told him I would give us another chance, and we ended our date with a kiss.

On Monday, I walked in toe with Lathan. Hand to hand, Lathan and I walked in as a united front. A political couple. The King and his queen walk down the hallways for the admirers to watch and gawk. Jordan bowed as we walked by, and Alex kept his head down.

I know very few would understand my decision, but he's my Fortmann.

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