A LOVE THAT WAITED

UNSPOKEN WORDS

The community hall smelled like fresh paint and nostalgia. It was filled with laughter and a soft music playing in the background.

Streamers were half-hung across the ceiling, fairy lights tangled in boxes on the floor, and long tables lined the walls ready to be dressed for the new year's celebration.

I told myself it was fine being here but was it really going to be fine?

I walked side by side with my mother holding 2 boxes of snacks while she carried the other 2 boxes. My mother made it a tradition to bring snacks for everyone helping out in the community hall every year for the preparation for new year even after what happened I'm surprised she still continued.

"Nia" I was called out of my thoughts by a familiar voice.

I looked straight ahead and saw Liam waving at me with a big grin on his face.

"Oh look who is here" my mother said also noticing him.

Liam crossed the hall in long strides, weaving past chairs and boxes. He collected the box of snacks from my mother.

"Good afternoon mama M" he said with a little bow of his head.

"Liam, how are you doing" she asked

"I'm fine now that I've seen you" he said with a smirk.

I scoffed.

My mother let's out a hearty laugh.

"Oh Liam, what about your parents" she asked.

"Over there" he replied nodding his head towards the direction the stood.

I looked over and saw him the my chest tightened.

Elijah stood there wearing a black pant trouser with a baby blue polo and black shoes. He was staring at his phone in his hands like that was the only thing present in the room. He looked the same but different, a more toned face with a sharp jaw line, broader in the shoulders, an aura I can't explain.

Liam cleared his throat.

I looked at him with a scowl on my face.

"What" I asked

"You could just go over there and talk to him rather than staring" he said.

"I need to drop this the weight is killing my hands" I said walking away and ignoring his statement like he never said anything.

I heard him mutter something along the line of being stubborn.

I dropped the boxes on an empty table and stretched my arms feeling some sort of relief.

"Nia come here" my mother called.

Even thought my feet felt reluctant I walked over to where they all stood.

"Nia it's so good to see you again" his mother embraced me warmly like she always had, I hugged her back.

"Feels good to see you too" I replied.

His father greeted me as well with a smile and an acknowledging nod.

I could feel his eyes on me, I looked at him and our eyes met.

There was no visible reaction, no shock. Just recognition that settled slowly, he didn't smile and he didn't look away either. He held my gaze for a second longer before returning his attention to his phone.

I silently wished I was his phone.

His mother engaged me in a conversation asking about my time in the city and I have a slightly truthful answer.

Liam suddenly appeared with a box filled with fairy lights.

"Elijah I need your help" he looked up from his phone and held Liam's gaze for some seconds before sliding his phone into his pocket.

"Nia you too" Liam said looking at me.

I quickly looked at Eli for his reaction but I saw nothing.

"Okay" I said rubbing my hands against my sweatpants.

We left our parents who were engrossed in their discussion.

We all walked towards a side of the hall that is yet to be decorated. Liam talked as we walked, about what we're supposed to do, how he wants the event to turn out, his voice filled the silence between myself and his brother.

"You two can with on hanging the lights I'll design the chairs" he said dropping the box on the floor before walking away.

We both watched him walk away before returning our gaze to the box on the floor.

I looked at him and saw him already looking at me. The silence between us grew as we held each others gaze.

"I'll go get the ladder" his voice filled the silence, his voice still the way I remember but this time deeper and authoritative.

I nodded once watching him go outside the hall.

I knelt down in front of the box and opened it up bringing out the tape and setting it aside then the lights to detangle them.

He came back holding the ladder in his hands. He set it down before turning his attention to me.

"I'll do the climbing while you hand me the lights and the tape" he said

"Yeah sure" I stood up from the floor with a line of light and the tape in my hands.

We worked without speaking much, movements careful but efficient. Our hands brush briefly against each other once in a while.

After some time we were done and Liam came over to inspect our work.

"Nice, you both work well as partners" Liam said with his hands on his waist.

No comment was made.

Liam stood there for a second glancing from one face to the other.

"It feels good to finally have you both home at the same time" he said.

Eli glanced at me then back at Liam before cheating his throat.

"Why don't we take a break" I said trying to lift the mood.

"Yeah let's go have some snacks you brought" Liam agreed

"I'll pass, I've got a call to make..... I'll be outside" Eli said talking to no one in particular.

Liam looked at him walk away with a flicker of annoyance on his face.

"He's difficult" he exhaled sharply.

"I know" I replied.

"When do you plan on having a proper conversation with him" he hits me with the question.

I stared at him for a while thinking about the question. What if he doesn't want to have a conversation with me.

"You can only try" Liam said as if he read my thoughts.

I nodded drawing my lower lips in between my teeth.

Liam left me alone after a while leaving me to swim in my thoughts.

There is years of unspoken words between us, words no one wants to address. I wasn't sure how long the silence could survive but I was sure I wouldn't take it into the new year.